Biotech Updates

GM Camelina, Safe Feed for Salmon

February 4, 2015

Omega-3 fatty acids are associated with health benefits, making it essential as a dietary nutrient for humans. Fish and other seafood are the main sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. However, the Omega-3 content of fish oil is not enough to satisfy the human dietary requirement for Omega 3. Thus, researchers from Rohamsted Research, University of Sterling and Biomar Ltd conducted a feeding study using genetically modified (GM) camelina (Camelina sativa) as substitute feed for salmon. GM camelina contains an algal gene to produce oil rich in fatty acids that will help increase the Omega-3 content in salmon.

Their findings reveal that GM camelina as a substitute salmon feed show no adverse effects on the salmon's performance and metabolic responses. The nutritional quality of the salmon was not also affected. No transgenic DNA fragments were also detected in salmon's organs. These findings suggest that GM camelina is safe and can be an alternative feed for salmon.

Read full details of the study at: http://www.nature.com/srep/2015/150129/srep08104/full/srep08104.html#affil-auth