What are possible effects of genetically modified animal feed?
Genetically modified crops and enzymes derived from genetically modified micro-organisms are widely used in animal feeds. Feed mixtures are principally used for poultry, pigs and dairy cows and contain a range of ingredients, including maize and other cereals and oilseeds such as soybeans and canola. Currently, a significant portion of soybeans, canola, and maize produced is genetically modified. Safety assessment studies in many countries have compared the new genetically modified feeds with their conventional counterparts. These comparisons address, for example, the nutritional composition of feeds as well as their effects on animals and on humans eating the resulting animal products. Studies have also considered the fate of modified DNA in the digestive tract of the animal. Results indicate that both modified DNA and proteins are rapidly broken down in the digestive system, and no adverse effects have been reported on either growth, body-weight, feed conversion, nutrient composition
