GM Barley Feed Improvement
Presently, feed quality is being improved by modifying barley to produce these feed enzymes in the endosperm. |
Related topics: Summary Report on the Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops - [View the 2004 report] Transgenic Crops - [Click Here] Extensive Study on Bt Cotton - [Click Here] Download the complete copy of the ISAAA Briefs on Global Status/Review of GM Crops - [Click Here] SciDev.Net's dossier on GM crops - [Click here] Global Status of Approved Genetically Modified Plants - [Click here] |
| Home :: Global Status :: CBT Update :: Info Resource :: Events :: BICs :: Directory :: About Us :: Editorial Policy | |
Copyright © 2006. CropBiotech Net. |
|
Barley is
important in the formulation of livestock feeds. It is a good source
of protein and other nutrients which are stored in the seed or endosperm.
However, most of these nutrients are not made available to the animals
because the walls of the endosperm are fibrous and tough. When digested,
cell wall components such as E-glucans and arabinoxylans, are turned
into sticky fluids that block the absorption of the nutrients by the
animal's digestive system. To alleviate the problem, microbial enzymes
like glucanases and xylases are added into the feed to help in the
breakdown of these components.