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Genetically Modified Grain Harvests IncreasingBy Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010
The past few years have seen global growth in all plantings and uses of genetically modified (GM) grain crops. According to Clive James, chairman of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications, the increasing world population has led to a shift in emphasis from simple food security to food self-sufficiency. Led by China's acceptance of insect-resistant rice and phytase corn, GM crop plantings in developing nations increased to 46% of the global total.
Phytase is an enzyme that makes phosphorus bioavailable for animals that consume corn. In the past, feed manufacturers had to add phytase to animal feeds. This step can be eliminated when GM phytase corn is used as a feed ingredient, lowering the cost of feed production. Corn and rice are the world's most important feed and food crops, respectively.
