Study Monitors Long-Term Impacts Of Feeding GM Crops To Livestock

Sep 29, 2014

Recently, Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam and research assistant Amy E. Young completed the most comprehensive study of genetically modified (GM) crops ever, set to be published in the Journal of Animal Science after Oct. 1.

It represents the longest-term monitoring of the health-impact of GM crops in history as it examines at 29 years of livestock productivity and health data from both before and after the introduction of GM crops into animal feed formulations.

"The broiler information set is the most powerful because we looked at 9 billion birds that were fed mostly GM crops," Van Eenennaam said. "There was improved feed-to-gain ratios and decreased age to market, which suggests that feeding GM crops did not having any detrimental effects to the birds' health."

The U.S. Grains Council uses studies like this one to encourage policymakers around the world to develop biotechnology policies that are science-based, risk-appropriate and consistent. The new findings could have implications for the international marketplace as some countries continue to reject GM crops based on non-science based safety concerns.

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Video: Cold Weather Farming: Tough Week On The Farm!

Cold weather has officially arrived at Ewetopia Farms, and this week gave us everything November in Canada can throw at a sheep farm! In today’s episode, Cold Weather Farming, we take you through a full week of real, raw, and unpredictable conditions that define life on a Canadian sheep farm this time of year.

From pouring rain to heavy winds, mud, freezing temperatures, and finally snow, we experienced just about every type of weather Mother Nature could deliver in a matter of days. With winter arriving early, it's all hands on deck to keep the farm running smoothly and to make sure our Suffolk and Poll Dorset sheep stay warm, dry, and comfortable.