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Answers

Question

Can Gmos help or harm our livestock and how?

Submitted by: Sharmarka Abdiasiis


Answer

Expert response from Gabe Middleton

DVM

Friday, 04/05/2018 11:54

There are many ingredients in livestock feeds. The most common ingredients that might be genetically modified (GM) crops are corn, soybeans, and alfalfa hay. The safety of these feeds being fed to livestock has been evaluated in hundreds of studies with no adverse effects on animal health. The percentage of actual genetically modified DNA ingested by the animal is extremely small, much less than 1 percent of their total intake. We can say, unequivocally, that GMOs present no potential for harm to livestock. As an aside, when humans consume animal products that have been fed genetically modified feed, there is no safety risk for human consumption and no presence of genetically modified DNA in the product (Jonas, et al.). 

GM crops have tremendous direct and indirect benefits when fed to animals. GM crops have the potential to prevent infection and overgrowth of certain microorganisms in the plant. When present, these microorganisms can release mycotoxins in the plant, which have deleterious effects on animal health when consumed. With the use of GM technology, farmers are able to use less pesticides on their crops to prevent these pest and microorganism infections. This benefits both the animal and the environment. 

Indirectly, GM crops benefit animals by providing improvements in soil health. No-till farming practices significantly reduce erosion and help improve the long-term sustainability of the farm (Montgomery). GM crops help allow farmers to utilize no till farming practices by the use of herbicide tolerant GM crops. 

Lastly, the future is bright in regard to the potential benefits of GM crops providing an increase in specific nutrients that may improve health in animals and humans.  An example on the human side is bio-fortified Golden Rice, which provides increased levels of Vitamin A to combat Vitamin A deficiency and blindness in third world countries. Similar products may soon become available, on the animal side, to provide increased nutrient profiles of feeds while maintaining the safety of GM crops. 

References:

Jonas DA, Elmadfa I, Engel, K-H, et al.  Safety Considerations of DNA in Food.  Ann Nutr Metab 2001;45:235-254.

Montgomery DR.  Soil erosion and agricultural sustainability.  PNAS 2007;104:33:13268-13272.