Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are developed to help farmers effectively manage pests and increase crop productivity. A wide range of assessments are required to ensure that GMOs are safe for consumers, one example is animal feeding studies. The first step of an animal-feeding study is compositional analysis of the feed ingredients to formulate the diets to ensure that they are nutritionally balanced. Next, the GMO and conventional (non-GMO) feed are fed to animals. Measurements are taken (animal weight gain, etc.) to assess if the GMO feed is as wholesome and nutritious as the non-GMO feed for the animals. Only after all testing verifies that a GMO crop is safe and nutritious is the GM variety produced for commercial seed production.

Results of numerous studies indicate that feed from GMO crops is as safe and nutritious as conventional (non-GMO) feed. Two journal articles about the composition and feeding studies conducted with Roundup Ready® crops, GMO crops tolerant to glyphosate, can be found here: (soybean) and (corn).

GM crops are widely planted by US farmers due to benefits to their farms and to the environment. Most of these crops end up in animal feed and billions of animals are fed these crops which were demonstrated to be as wholesome as non-GM crops.

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Why are these publications important to you?

GM crops are widely planted by US farmers due to benefits to their farms and to the environment. Most of these crops end up in animal feed and billions of animals are fed these crops which were demonstrated to be as wholesome as non-GM crops.

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Bruce Hammond, John L. Vicini, Gary  F. Hartnell, Mark W. Naylor, Christopher D. Knight, Edwin H. Robinson, Roy L. Fuchs and Stephen R. Padgette.  1995.  The Feedom Value of Soybeans to Rats, Chickens, Catfish and Dairy Cattle Is Not Altered by Genetic Incorporation of Glyphosate Tolerance.  The Journal of Nutrition.  Genetically Modified Crops.   Pgs. 717 – 727.
William P. Ridley, Gary F. Hartnell and Bruce G. Hammond.  2005. Role of Composition and Animal Feeding Studies in the Safety Assessment of Biotech Crops.  American Chemical Society Symposium Series.  Chapter 3. Pgs. 28 – 39. doi: 10.1021/bk-2005-0892.ch003
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