Pathology reports on the first cows fed with Bt176 maize (1997–2002)

Journal or Publishing Institution: Scholarly Journal of Agricultural Science

Study: http://www.seralini.fr/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Glockner-Seralini-SJAS-2016.pdf

Author(s): Glöckner, G. and Séralini, G.É.

Article Type: Journal Publication

Record ID: 790

Abstract: On an independent modern farm followed by certified veterinarians, dairy cows (mean of 62 per year) were maintained in optimized milk production for 3 years each. From 1997 to 2002, just after the commercial release of the first GMO (genetically modified organism) in Europe, genetically modified (GM) Bt176 maize grown on the farm was progressively introduced in controlled diets. The results are described in the following account, which has an historical value as it is the longest and first on-farm observation of mammals, performed by an experienced farmer and veterinarians, during a period of unusual pathological problems in cows receiving a GMO-rich diet. Thus it was not designed as a scientific experiment. Over the years, and coinciding with regular increases in GMO content of the diet (0–40%), the proportion of healthy cows with high milk yield diminished from 70% (normal rate) to only 40%. At the peak of mortalities in 2002, 10% of the cows died, preceded by a long-lasting paresis syndrome without hypocalcemia or fever, but with kidney biochemical failure and mucosa or epithelial problems. No microbial origin was identified, though intensively investigated. The GM maize, subsequently withdrawn from the market, was at the time the only intended managerial change for the cows. It is proposed that it provoked long-term toxic effects on mammals, which are not observable in most common conditions of intensive farming with high and rapid animal turnover and with no specific labels on GM feed (identifying amount and precise identity of GMO content). More long-term assessments during GMO feeding trials should be performed.

Keywords: GMO; pesticides; dairy farm; toxicity; Bt176 maize, cows, genetically modified corn

Citation: Glöckner, G. and Séralini, G.É., 2016. Pathology reports on the first cows fed with Bt176 maize (1997–2002). Scholarly Journal of Agricultural Science, 6, pp.1-8.