Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
lactations in the case of lactating animals;
whole lifespan of animals; Flachowsky
et al
., 2012; Snell
et al
., 2012; see Chapter
8).
Multi-generational studies to analyse the
inl uence of GM feed on the fertility/
reproductive performance of animals
(Flachowsky
et al
., 2005b; BEETLE, 2009;
Snell
et al
., 2012; see Chapter 8).
Studies with GM animals to determine
the energy and nutrient requirements of
modii ed animals and to analyse the qual-
ity and safety of food of animal origin,
which are beyond the scope of this topic
(EFSA, 2012).
In general, the expense of the studies
mentioned above increases from the top to
the bottom of Table 5.1. h erefore, long-
term studies and multi-generational
experiments with target animals are very
rare (see Chapter 8). Limited feed amounts
in earlier breeding stages may also restrict
animal numbers and the duration of studies
with target animals, especially with large
animals such as ruminants and pigs. In
summary, the following factors (see also
Table 5.2) may inl uence the types of animal
feeding studies:
h e highest possible amounts of GM feed
included in the diets.
Financial budget.
Availability of equipment, animals and
qualii ed personnel.
Feeding studies with target animals will be
considered in more detail in the following
paragraphs. Product quality (e.g. milk, meat,
i sh, eggs, etc.) and the carry-over of
ingredients of feed into food of animal
origin (e.g. fatty acids, minerals, vitamins,
undesirable substances) should also be
measured in feeding studies or after
slaughtering the animals (see Chapters 7
and 10). All animal feeding studies should be
conducted with consideration of the
principles of animal health and welfare
(Russell and Burch, 1959; EFSA, 2012).
h e objective of the animal feeding study is
to compare the GM variety, or co-products
from the GM variety, with a near-isogenic
conventional variety as a control treatment.
During the i rst years of animal
experimentation with GM feed, only two
groups (GM feed and non-GM counterpart)
were fed in most studies (summarized by
Clark and Ipharraguerre, 2001; Flachowsky
and Aulrich, 2001; Aumaitre
et al
., 2002).
Scientii c question(s).
Availability of GM feeds (especially in the
early stages of breeding) and adequate
comparators.
Table 5.1.
Important types of feeding studies with animals, for nutritional and safety assessment of feed
from GM plants and animals.
Laboratory
animals
Type of studies
Target animals
Testing of single substances (28-day study)
X
90-day rodent feeding study
X
Long-term feeding study
X
X
Multi-generation feeding study
X
X
Determination of digestibility/availability (including rumen
fermentation and metabolism)
X
X
Effi ciency (performance) study
X
Product study (composition and quality of food of animal origin)
X
Tolerance study
X
Studies with GM animals
a
X
Note:
a
Not covered in this topic.
