Effect of Genetically Modified Plants in the Diet of Japanese Quail on the Productivity and the Presence of Transgenic DNA in the Genome of the Birds

The objective of the study was to conduct a comprehensive research, contradicting or confirming the negative impact of feed included genetic modified plant on productivity of japanese quail (Coturnix cot. Japonica) and also on presence of transgenic DNA in birds genome. One way to achieve this goal was to take comparison of the productivity traits of the birds fed with different kinds of feeds (GMO and non GMO) and also examination whether the accumulation of the transgenic DNA in eggs, breast muscle and internal organs (gizzard, intestine, liver, spleen, kidney and heart) really exists. In the experiment five-generations of Japanese quails were subject to three different diets: two containing GMO (Genitically modified RR soybean and genetically modified –MON 810 maize) and one control GMO-free. Birds’ performance and health status was monitored along the trial in subsequent generations. A screening molecular method (PCR amplification) was used to detect CaMV 35S promoter and nos terminator in the collected samples. In general, performance was similar (no statistically significant differences found) in all three feeding groups, regarding hatchability, liveability, health status, growth, and laying performance. Results showed no presence of modified DNA in none of the 1665 examined samples used for the detection of CaMV 35S-promoter and nos terminator. According to the obtained results, there was no negative effect of the use of GMO soya bean or maize in the course of the trial with regards to  the most of the performance traits of bird’s. These are preliminary results; further research evaluating more generations will be carried out in the future.