Assessment of Reproductive Performance of Albino  Rats Fed with Gm and Non–Gm Cotton Seeds for  Three Generations

Megha Kansal; Gurinder Kaur Sangha

Volume : III, Issue : XII, December - 2013

Assessment of Reproductive Performance of Albino Rats Fed with Gm and Non–Gm Cotton Seeds for Three Generations

Megha Kansal, Gurinder Kaur Sangha

Abstract :

Advances in technologies enabling transfer of foreign gene in plants have overcome several barriers to crop improvement. These technologies offer immense benefits in terms of increased yield, better quality and resistance to biotic and abiotic factors. There is a world–wide debate concerning the safety and regulatory approval process of genetically modified crops and foods. The present study was designed to compare the feeding value and reproductive performance of a line of genetically modified cotton seeds (GM cottonseeds) to that of standard diet and reference diet (NonGM cottonseeds). GM and Non– GM treated cotton seeds were incorporated into the diet of the rats at a concentration of 20% for continuously three generations. Growth rate, litter size, weekly body weight, gross abnormality and developmental aspects were compared between control, Non– GM and GM seed fed animals for all generations. The results showed that maternal body weight gain and gestation period was not affected by the treatment as compared to control rats. It was observed that cotton seed supplementation in feed had significant effect on body weight gain of pups during 7th–42nd days of postnatal development as compared to control pups. No effect of treatment was observed in developmental parameters like eye opening, hair appearance. The production parameters, average litter size as well as number of weaned pups were in favour of the control and Non GM fed lines.