The effect of genetically modified (GM) feed components comprising soybean meal and corn on the performance indices (reproduction, survival rate, growth, egg production, relative weight of chosen internal organs, and basic chemical composition of breast muscle and egg yolk) of Japanese quails was investigated during a 10-generation trial. A total number of 8,438 healthy quail chicks were used in the course of the trial. In each generation, birds were maintained in three experimental groups differing in the main feed components: 1) GM soybean (Roundup Ready) and non-GM corn, 2) GM corn (MON810) and non-GM soybean, and 3) non-GM soybean and corn.

The research group found the different feeds used in this ten-generation experiment did not influence any of the biological hatch indices, survival rate, or body weight of young or adult quails. With regard to egg-laying performance, the GM corn group showed a better laying percentage and a higher egg mass production compared to the other groups; the GM soybean group showed reduced average egg mass compared to the other groups, whereas the overall egg production level was the same as in the control group. Results showed a higher relative weight of breast muscle and gizzard in birds fed GM corn compared to the control group, whereas live body weight and the relative weights of liver and heart were not different among groups. Meat from the GM soybean group showed higher protein and lower fat levels compared to the control group. The chemical composition of egg yolk in the experimental groups did not differ from the control group. The researchers concluded that even though some differences were found among the feeding groups, none could be judged as a negative influence of GM corn or GM soybean in feed fed the Japanese quail over the ten generations. (Note: This is another study demonstrating the safety of GM corn and soybeans).