Austrian researchers recently discovered that long-term consumption of MON810 transgenic corn may affect the fertility of mice. Studies have shown that the fertility of experimental mice that have long consumed this type of corn has decreased, and the offspring have light weight and weak constitution.
The Austrian Ministry of Health and Food Safety recently announced the results of the study. The study was commissioned by the Austrian Ministry of Health and implemented by the Vienna University of Veterinary Medicine. The study aimed to explore whether long-term consumption of genetically modified corn feed would have an effect on rats.
The researchers divided the rats into two groups, one group fed with feed supplemented with MON810 transgenic corn and the other fed with feed supplemented with native Austrian corn. After 20 weeks, the researchers found that there were differences in the offspring produced by the two groups of rats. The number of litters in experimental mice fed with genetically modified corn was reduced, and the young rats were also lighter in weight and weaker in physique. After several generations of breeding and rearing, there have also been some changes in the reproductive organs of females that have been fed with genetically modified corn.
The researchers pointed out that the results of this study are currently only applicable to experimental rats and cannot simply assert that it is equally applicable to other animals and humans. Whether GM corn will affect the fertility of other animals and humans still needs further study.