GM maize better for pigs in trial
Researcher Maria Walsh told the recent national conferences for pig farmers that the research project is due for completion in March, 2012.
But the conclusions at this stage are that the Bt (MON810) maize under trial has had no adverse effects in pigs on growth performance, intestinal health, or on organ structure and function.
The maize contains a gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis that expresses a toxin (Bt toxin) poisonous to some pest insects, such as the European corn borer.
Bacteria in the pigs’ digestive tract appeared to tolerate Bt toxin, which does not migrate from the digestive tract and is broken down as it processes through the tract.
The researchers found that Bt maize may offer protection against an inflammatory response observed following non-GM consumption.
There were no unintended effects when fed to pigs, and the trial results can offer assurance to regulators, farmers and consumers as to the safety of Bt maize, said Ms Walsh.
It was approved for cultivation in the EU in 1998, but since then, several member states have banned it due to concerns that it causes environmental damage.
MON810 crops in the EU fell from 107,719 hectares grown in 2008 to 94,750 hectares in 2009 — about 2% of the EU’s maize production. However, crops may have increased this year, due to severe 2010 corn borer attacks in Spain and Portugal, which usually have more than 90% of the EU’s Bt maize.
During the summer, the Spanish Ministry of Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs estimated a 27% increase in MON810, to a record 97,325 hectares.
Mandatory notifications indicated a 59% increase this year in Portuguese Bt maize cropping, to about 7,723.5 hectares.
