Health status and potential uptake of transgenic DNA by Japanese quail fed diets containing genetically modified plant ingredients over 10 generations

1. The hypothesis assumes that feed containing GMOs affects animal health and results in the transgene product accumulating in the body. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of genetically modified (GM) ingredients used in poultry diets on aspects of bird health status and accumulation of transgenic DNA in eggs, breast muscle and internal organs.

2. A total of 10 generations of Japanese quail were fed three types of diets: group A – containing GM soya (Roundup Ready) and non-GM maize, group B – containing GM maize (MON810) and non-GM soya, and group C – containing non-GM soya and maize.

3. Bird performance traits were monitored throughout the trial. In 17-week-old animals of each generation, health examination took place on birds from each group including post-mortem necropsy and histological organ evaluation. For the purpose of transgenic DNA detection, samples of selected important tissues were taken. A molecular screening method of PCR amplification was used.

4. The analysis of the sectional examination of birds used in the current experiment did not indicate the existence of the pathological changes caused by pathogens, nutritional factors or of environmental nature. The histopathological changes occurred in all three dietary groups and there were no statistically significant differences between the groups.

5. There was no transgene amplification – neither CaMV35S promoter sequence nor nos terminator sequence, in the samples derived from breast muscle, selected tissues and germinal discs (eggs).

6. According to the obtained results, it was concluded that there was no negative effect of the use of GM soya or maize with regard to bird health status or to the presence of transgenic DNA in the final consumable product.