GMO-corn in animal feed

Can we use GMO corn in dairy rations? It is well known that cattle do not utilize GMO maize remains, or they utilize it very poorly. Can it be something in the maize or is it only in the remains?

Hennie Du Toit

Transvaal, South Africa

Consultant

NWK

Comments : (3)

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Mike Watkins

Denton, Texas, United States

Animal Nutritionist

Biomin

Re: GMO-corn in animal feed

07/25/2012 | Hennie:
I have never heard that cattle, dairy or otherwise, could not use GMO corn very well. I'd like to know where you got such information. It sounds like someone with an agenda against GMO crops all together, but I dont't know that.

I have also been to South Africa and never heard such claims there or anywhere.

Mike Watkins
Biomin America

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Hennie Du Toit

Transvaal, South Africa

Consultant

NWK

Re: GMO-corn in animal feed

07/26/2012 | Mike,

Thank you for your comment. One of the farmers that I assist, went to a study group where one of the lecturers (a animal feed fundi?) told them not to use GMO maize in dairy rations. I know that cattle do not utilize GMO maize rests (remains) very well. A lot of farmers have noticed that already in the north west province of South Africa. But I never heard anything about the maize itself. Not even in one of our animal science congresses.

Thanks again.

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Mike Watkins

Denton, Texas, United States

Animal Nutritionist

Biomin

Re: GMO-corn in animal feed

07/26/2012 | Hennie:

As I'm sure you know most of the corn varieties planted in the US are GMO. Much of that is planted for silage for dairy rations and fed as a major ingredient in lactation rations. The beef feedlot industry feeds a lot of the remains (stalks) for fiber in rations because hay and other forages are in short supply (drought) and cost too much. They also feed a lot of silage in some regions, both corn and sorghum silages from GMO and conventional varieties.

The only reason I know of for not feeding dry stalks to lactating dairy cattle is because of the low digestibility whether the corn is a GMO or a conventional variety. I'm sure they could be a part of some rations because straw is added to some rations for scratch factor and energy dilution where needed.

Regards,
Mike

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