When biotechnology-derived crop varieties were first introduced during the mid 1990’s, substantial equivalence was often confirmed by evaluating the effectiveness of feeds containing biotechnology crop-derived materials compared to their conventional counterparts in feeding studies with dairy cattle, beef cattle, poultry, swine, and other farm animals that involved protocols easily recognized by animal nutrition experts, feed formulators, and producers.
To provide comprehensive information on how to conduct these nutritional studies in biotech feeds that are substantially equivalent to their conventional counterparts, IFBiC convened a task force, and in collaboration with FASS, and numerous international experts published Best Practices for the Conduct of Animal Studies to Evaluate Crops Genetically Modified for Input Traits in 2003. In 2004, it was referenced in the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) Draft Guidance Document for the Risk Assessment of Genetically Modified Plants and Derived Food and Feed.
There is now global interest in the conduct of livestock and poultry feeding studies designed to measure the value of crops that are genetically enhanced with output traits (for nutritional improvement). To draw valid conclusions from research studies, the quality of the product being tested must be verified and each study must be designed and conducted in a scientifically valid and rigorous manner using internationally recognized best practices. The importance of such studies is widely recognized by various stakeholders including food producers, food companies, food retailers, and consumers.
Therefore, the Task Force and FASS initiated a second project to develop a document which presents the rationale and specific protocol recommendations for each major type of animal nutrition study appropriate to the evaluation of the next generation of biotechnology-derived feeds. After extensive international review, IFBiC published Best Practices for the Conduct of Animal Studies to Evaluate Crops Genetically Modified for Output Traits in 2007. It includes: protocols on how to produce, handle, store, and process genetically modified (GM) crops; procedures for sampling and analyzing the harvested and processed crop; information about the importance of each class of nutrients, enzymes, and antinutrients in animal feeds; best practices for the design and conduct of livestock, poultry, and aquaculture studies; as well as best practices for the analysis and interpretation of results. It updates and expands upon the 2003 publication thereby supporting internationally harmonized methods.
Best Practices for the Conduct of Animal Studies to Evaluate Crops Genetically Modified for Output Traits is available for free download as PDF. If you would like to purchase a hard copy for $15 US, please complete the information on this order form.
For more information about this or other IFBiC projects, please contact Dr. Marci Levine, mlevine@ilsi.org.