Drought tolerant wheat IND-ØØ412-7 is nutritionally equivalent to its Non-Transgenic Comparator

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Biotechnology
• Animal Nutrition

Background:

• Wheat event IND-ØØ412-7 (HB4® wheat) expresses the HAHB4 sunflower transcription factor, enhancing drought tolerance.
• Compositional equivalence of HB4® wheat with conventional wheat has been established.
• Nutritional assessment is crucial for the acceptance of genetically modified (GM) crops.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the nutritional equivalence of HB4® wheat (event IND-ØØ412-7) compared to its non-genetically modified (GM) counterpart.
• To assess the impact of HB4® wheat on broiler performance and yield.

Main Methods:

• A 42-day broiler feeding study was conducted using isoenergetic diets containing 40% flour from HB4® wheat, its non-GM counterpart (Cadenza), and a commercial variety.
• Broiler performance metrics included feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion, and time to reach a target weight.
• Carcass yield parameters such as carcass weight, breast meat, and abdominal fat were evaluated.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in broiler performance or yield were observed between HB4® wheat and its non-GM counterpart.
• Some differences were noted when compared to a commercial variety, attributed to genetic background variations.
• The study confirmed the nutritional similarity of HB4® wheat to conventional wheat.

Conclusions:

• HB4® wheat (event IND-ØØ412-7) is nutritionally equivalent to conventional wheat.
• The genetic modification for drought tolerance does not adversely affect the nutritional profile for broiler chickens.
• These findings support the safety and suitability of HB4® wheat for animal feed applications.