GMO feed found safe for livestock, study shows
Ethiopian research highlights benefits and ongoing questions
17 April 2026
1 minute read
By: Researchers from Arba-Minch University and Borena University in Ethiopia have reviewed the effects of genetically modified (GM) crops used as livestock feed, finding no adverse impacts on animal health or production.
Published in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, the study notes that GM crops have been widely adopted to improve yield, nutrition, and resistance to disease and pests. Safety assessments typically rely on the concept of substantial equivalency — comparing modified crops to their conventional counterparts — and the researchers found that the nutritional composition of GM feeds is generally comparable to non-modified crops.
Public concerns around GM feed remain, including questions about antibiotic resistance, allergic reactions, gene flow to wild plants, and biodiversity loss. The study acknowledges these issues while also pointing to the broader benefits of biotechnology, such as improved crop yields, better livestock productivity, and enhanced nutritional value.
The researchers note that some differences in nutritional composition require further investigation to better understand their biological relevance.
For full details, read the original article in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health.
