Philipp J Vet Anim Sci 2012, 38 (1): 23-33 23

EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT CORN HYBRIDS ON PERFORMANCE

PARAMETERS, CARCASS YIELD AND ORGANOLEPTIC
CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILERS

Joseph F. dela Cruz1, Sonia P. Acda2, Josephine R. Centeno2

and Nelia F. Carandang2

ABSTRACT

A total of 280 straight-run broiler chicks were used to evaluate the

feeding value of insect-protected herbicide-tolerant corn. Birds were
randomly distributed into four treatments following a completely randomized
design. Treatments included were diets with commercial corn, insect-
protected herbicide-tolerant corn, insect-protected corn and herbicide-
tolerant corn. The results show that the ME content of genetically-modified
(GM) corn and commercial corn used in this study were not statistically
different. However, birds fed diets with the commercial corn performed better
than those fed diets with GM corn. Birds fed diets with any of the GM corn –
insect-protected, herbicide-tolerant or combined traits of insect-protected and
herbicide-tolerant corn – elicited similar growth and efficiency on feed
utilization. The carcass yield and organoleptic characteristics of cooked
broiler meat, except for tendernesswere, were likewise similar in all groups .
Results indicate that the feeding value of insect-protected herbicide-tolerant
corn was equivalent to any of the single trait GM corn, though slightly lower
compared to the commercial corn.

Keywords: broiler, genetically-modified corn, herbicide-tolerant corn, insect-

protected corn

INTRODUCTION

In livestock and poultry feeding, corn is the primary cereal grain used as
energy source due to its high feeding value and palatability. Corn is very rich in
highly digestible and easily assimilated carbohydrates. Therefore, the growth and
success of livestock and poultry industry depend largely on the availability of corn
for feed production. In the Philippines, corn production for the past years has been
very erratic. The inconsistent corn production caused by weather changes, soil

1
Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine,
University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines (email:
[email protected]), 2Animal and Dairy Sciences Cluster, College of
Agriculture, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna,
Philippines.
24 Dela Cruz, Acda, Centeno and Carandang

fertility, pests and weeds was aggravated with rising cost of pesticides and
herbicides (Querubin et al., 2003). These factors resulted to high prices of corn and
feeds, leading to unreasonably low profit of farmers. These led to interest on
research and development of varieties of corn that could withstand the factors
contributing to the reduction of corn yield.
Through biotechnology, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn is genetically
modified to produce a protein that provides the plant protection against the Asian
Corn Borer (Ostrinia furnicalis). This insect pest is known to cause reduction in the
production of corn. In addition, the affected plants are highly susceptible to molds
and may lead to production of mycotoxins linked to decreased performance in
poultry. With Bt corn, better production and yield are expected to meet the
increasing demand for both animal feed and food for humans. Querubin et al. (2003)
indicated that the Bt corn varieties and the non-Bt corn varieties have the same
feeding value or nutritionally equivalent. Morever, the performance parameters
measured were not statistically different among broilers fed diets containing
transgenic, non-transgenic or commercial corn (Taylor et al., 2003b).
Another corn hybrid developed by Monsanto was the glyphosate tolerant
corn. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in non-selective, broad spectrum
herbicides that kills plants, thus, providing increased corn yield while lowering
herbicide costs (Taylor et al., 2007). Recently, Monsanto Philippines, Inc. combined
these two traits, developing insect- protected glyphosate- tolerant corn.
The objectives of this study were to determine the feeding value of insect-
protected herbicide-tolerant corn for broilers and to assess the organoleptic
characteristics of cooked meat from broilers fed diets with insect-protected herbicide
-tolerant corn compared with other genetically modified corn (GM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Acquisition of test materials

The genetically modified (GM) corn such as insect protected-herbicide
tolerant (MON89034 x NK603), insect protected (MON89034) and herbicide tolerant
(NK603), which are isogenic to DK818 were provided by Monsanto Philippines, Inc.
The commercial corn and other feed ingredients were purchased from a feedmill in
Lipa City, Batangas. The genetic make-up of commercial corn was not identified in
this study.

Experimental design, birds and diets

A total of three hundred (300) day-old straight-run chicks (Cobb 500) were
group-brooded. After 7 days of brooding, two hundred eighty (280) broiler chicks of
almost similar body weight (127-128 g) and health condition were randomly selected
and distributed to 28 cages. Four treatments were randomly assigned to the caged
birds following a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment was
replicated 7 times with 10 birds per cage and each cage represented a replicate.
The dietary treatments were as follows:
 Effects of different corn hybrids on performance of broilers 25

Treatment Description
1 Diets with commercial corn
2 Diets with insect-protected herbicide-tolerant corn (MON89034 x NK603)
3 Diets with insect-protected corn (MON89034)
4 Diets with herbicide-tolerant corn (NK603)

Diets were formulated to contain 21 and 19% crude protein (CP), and
metabolizable energy (ME) of 3050 and 2950 kcal/kg for broiler starter and finisher
diets, respectively (Table 1). Each dietary treatment contained 50% corn. The
commercial corn in Treatment 1 was replaced with MON89034 x NK603,
MON89034 and NK603 in Treatments 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The sources of
dietary protein in all diets were primarily from corn and soybean meal. All diets were

Table 1. Feed ingredient composition and calculated nutrient content of diets used
in the study.

Percentage in the diets, %

Ingredients
Chick booster Broiler starter Broiler finisher
Yellow corn 50.00 50.00 50.00
Soya, US 34.00 32.00 27.00
Rice bran D1 3.01 7.26 15.55
Fishmeal, US/analogue 5.00 3.00 2.00
Coco oil 5 4 2
Monodicalcium phosphate 1.10 1.40 1.45
Limestone 1 1.40 1.10
Salt 0.25 0.30 0.30
DL-methionine 0.15 0.15 0.13
Mineral concentrate regular 0.20 0.20 0.20
Vitamin concentrate regular 0.20 0.20 0.20
Coccidiostat 0.02 0.02 -
Polyenzyme 0.05 0.05 0.05
Enzyme for soya (Xylanase) 0.02 0.02 0.02
Total 100.00 100.00 100.00
Calculated nutrient content
Crude protein, % 22.50 21.30 19.62
Ether extract, % 8.00 7.40 6.36
Crude fiber, % 3.85 4.74 5.45
Calcium (Ca), % 1.00 1.01 0.85
Avail. Phosphorus (AP), % 0.50 0.50 0.50
ME kcal/kg 3150 3050 2950
Lysine, % 1.37 1.25 1.10
Meth + Cystine, % 0.95 0.87 0.79
Threonine, % 1.00 0.88 0.80
Tryptophan 0.27 0.24 0.22
26 Dela Cruz, Acda, Centeno and Carandang

fortified with vitamins, minerals and amino acids to provide the minimum nutrients
required by the birds (PHILSAN, 2003).
The chicks were fed commercial chick booster for the first 7 days. Starter
diet was provided to birds from 8-28 days of age, and shifted to finisher diet until 42
days of age. A 3-gallon capacity tube feeder was provided in each cage. Birds were
fed their respective dietary treatments continuously during the study, water was
made available at all times and all cages were provided with 18 h of continuous light
daily. The total amount of feed consumed was determined at 28 and 42 days. Birds
were weighed by lot at 7, 28 and 42 days of age. The cumulative body weight gain
at 28 and 42 days was determined by subtracting the initial body weight from the
body weight at each stage of growth. The cumulative feed efficiency was calculated
and expressed as the amount of feed required for a kilogram gain in body weight.

Carcass and sensory evaluation

After the feeding trial, representative birds (one male, one female) from each
cage were sacrificed. Carcass yield (%) or dressing percentage (%) was expressed
as percentage relative to the live weight (g) of bird whereas the abdominal fat (g)
was relative to the dressed weight. Two carcasses from each treatment were
processed at a time. Organoleptic characteristics of cooked broiler meat were
evaluated by 12 trained sensory panelists following the 7-point criteria for sensory
evaluation of cooked meat established by the Animal Production and Product
Utilization Division, Animal and Dairy Sciences Cluster (ADSC), College of
Agriculture (CA), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

Metabolism trial
A total of 44 twenty-one day-old male broilers (Cobb 500) were used to
determine the ME of broiler starter diets, GM corn and the commercial corn. Birds
were randomly distributed to 44 metabolism cages with each cage representing a
replicate. Each treatment was replicated 7 times while each kind of corn was
replicated 4 times only, due to lack of GM corn. Birds were fed their respective diet
with 0.20% Cr2O3 for 7 days. Collection of fecal samples commenced on the 4th
day. Fecal samples were collected for 4 consecutive days, cleaned from scales and
feathers, dried at 70ºC, and ground to pass a 20 mm mesh. Aliquot samples of
feeds and feces were subjected to gross energy (GE) and Cr2O3 analyses. ME was
calculated as follows (Cheeke, 1999):

Cr2O3 in feeds GE in feces

Digestibility = 100 - --------------------- x ----------------- x 100
Cr2O3 in feces GE in feeds

ME = Digestibility x GE of feeds

Chemical analyses
Feed/fecal samples were assayed for proximate analysis, calcium and
phosphorus using standard methods described by AOAC (1995). Cr2O3 was
analyzed using methods described by Stevenson (1962). Gross energy was
determined using isoperibol bomb calorimeter (Parr 6200 Calorimeter) standardized
 Effects of different corn hybrids on performance of broilers 27

with benzoic acid. Assays were conducted at the Animal Nutrition Analytical Service
Laboratory, ADSC, CA, UPLB.

Statistical analysis
All data gathered were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the
general linear model procedures of SAS Software.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Nutrient composition of corn and diets

There were slight variations observed on the components of proximate
analysis of corn. As shown in Table 2, proximate analysis showed that both the
herbicide-tolerant (NK603) and commercial corn had higher CP content compared
to the other GM corn. But the carbohydrate fractions were not statistically different
among the GM corn and commercial corn used in this study. This indicates that the
slight difference in CP had no great influence on the gross energy (GE) content of
the dlfferent corn grains. Nonetheless, the digestibility as well as the ME content
were not significantly different among GM corn and the commercial corn. According
to Querubin et al. (2003), Bt corn varieties have no significant difference in

Table 2. Nutrient composition of corn used in the study.

Treatment
1 2 3 4
Parameters % CV
Commercial MON89034 MON890
NK603
Corn x NK603 34
Proximate Analysis
Moisture, % 10.44* 11.12 11.76 11.40 4.48
Ash, % 1.42 1.49 1.62 1.52 6.32
Crude Protein, % 8.28 7.36 6.94 8.06 3.94
Crude Fat, % 4.30 4.81 3.80 3.53 6.70
Crude Fiber, % 3.16 3.36 3.31 3.48 6.80
Nitrogen Free Extract,
72.40 71.86 72.57 72.01 1.22
%
Mineral Analysis
Calcium, % 0.09 0.17 0.22 0.17 1.75
Total Phosphorus, % 0.22 0.26 0.25 0.24 7.67
Gross Energy, kcal/kg 3967 3965 3983 4110 19.84
Coefficient of
74.54 69.85 68.42 69.67 3.12
Metabolizability, %
Metabolizable energy,
2957 2770 2726 2863 10.06
kcal/kg
*means: not statistically different (P>0.05)
28 Dela Cruz, Acda, Centeno and Carandang

digestibility and provided similar energy levels as the non-Bt corn. Similar result was
reported by Adriano (2005) on glyphosate-tolerant corn.
The broiler starter and finisher diets containing the commercial corn, insect-
protected herbicide-tolerant corn, insect-protected corn and herbicide-tolerant corn
are shown in Table 3. The differences on the nutritional content of the diets could be
attributed to the differences in nutrient composition of the feed ingredients. Corn

Table 3. Nutrient composition of broiler starter and finisher diets used in the study.

Treatment
1 2 3 4
Parameters % CV
Commercial MON89034 MON890
NK603
corn x NK603 34
Starter Diet
Proximate Analysis
Moisture, % 10.19* 10.41 10.53 10.03 1.63
Ash, % 7.41 6.85 6.82 6.94 5.96
Crude protein, % 21.26 20.45 21.41 22.25 1.72
Crude Fat, % 7.87 7.54 8.10 7.60 4.95
Crude Fiber, % 3.82 3.79 3.52 4.17 12.10
Nitrogen Free Extract,
49.45 50.96 49.62 49.01 1.75
%
Mineral Analysis
Calcium, % 0.93 0.92 0.88 0.88 9.32
Total Phosphorus, % 0.84 0.83 0.82 0.83 6.31
Gross Energy, kcal/kg 4217 4318 4362 4362 7.55
Coefficient of
69.40 69.78 68.87 69.44 2.71
Metabolizability, %
Metabolizable energy,
2927 3013 3004 3029 2.71
kcal/kg
Finisher Diet
Proximate Analysis
Moisture, % 11.12 11.70 11.28 10.79 1.46
Ash, % 6.27 6.18 6.36 6.42 1.36
Crude protein, % 19.48 19.40 19.64 19.44 3.69
Crude Fat, % 5.12 5.36 4.38 5.40 4.51
Crude Fiber, % 3.61 3.62 3.45 3.56 10.04
Nitrogen Free Extract,
54.40 53.74 54.89 54.39 1.21
%
Mineral Analysis
Calcium 0.80 0.80 0.86 0.90 5.04
Total Phosphorus 0.88 0.79 0.87 0.90 11.04
Gross Energy, kcal/kg 3943 4040 4035 4205 17.99

*means: not statistically different (P>0.05).

 Effects of different corn hybrids on performance of broilers 29

was incorporated in the diet at 50% for all diets and there were slight variations on
the nutritional composition of GM corn including that of commercial corn. The
nutrient composition content of other feed ingredients as listed in PHILSAN (2003)
was used in the feed formulation. These variations are still within the acceptable
levels for birds to have normal growth. In particular, the coefficient of
metabolizability and ME content of broiler starter diets were not statitically different
among treatments. Aeschbacher et al. (2005) reported that diets with Bt corn had
the same nutrient content as those with non-modified corn; the diets formulated
were also isonitrogenous and isoenergetic (Rossi et al., 2005). Similar findings of no
substantial compositional effects have been reported for insect-resistant (Bt) and
conventional corn (Sidhu et al., 2000) and for herbicide-tolerant corn, NK603 (Ridley
et al., 2002).

Performance of broilers
Body weight and body weight gain
The initial body weight ranged from 127-128 g at 7 days of age and there
was no significant difference among treatments (Table 4). At 28 days of age, the
birds fed diet with commercial corn were significantly heavier than those fed diet

Table 4. Summary performance of broilers fed diets with different corn hybrids.
Treatment
% CV
1 2 3 4
Parameters
Commercial MON89034 MON890
NK603
corn x NK603 34
Body weight, g
initialns 128 127 127 128 2.6
28 1346a 1022b 996b 1014b 3.53
42 2316a 2011b 1998b 2001b 3.25
Body weight gain, g
8-28 1218a 895b 869b 886b 3.91
28-42ns 970 989 1002 987 5.23
8-42 2188a 1884b 1871b 1873b 3.41
Avg. feed consumed, g
8-28 1686a 1526b 1486b 1509b 3.11
28-42 1941a 1807b 1841b 1808b 4.03
8-42 3627a 3333b 3327b 3317b 2.11
Feed efficiency
8-28 1.38a 1.71b 1.71b 1.70b 3.87
28-42 2.00b 1.83a 1.84a 1.83a 5.96
8-42 1.66a 1.77b 1.78b 1.77b 3.62

ns: not statistically different (P>0.05)

ab
means with different superscripts within row are significantly different (P<0.05).
30 Dela Cruz, Acda, Centeno and Carandang

with GM corn (P<0.05). The variation on the CP content of the commercial corn
could have contributed to the improved body weight of birds fed the control diets.
There were no significant differences observed on body weight and body weight
gain among birds fed diet with GM corn (P>0.05). The average body weight of birds
fed diets with insect-protected herbicide-tolerant corn (MON89034 x NK603), insect-
protected corn (MON89034), and herbicide-tolerant corn (NK603) at 28 days of age
were 1022, 996 and 1014 g, respectively. Similar pattern of growth of birds was
observed at 42 days of age. Other studies showed no significant difference on the
body weight of broilers fed diets with isogenic and transgenic corn (Rossi et al.,
2005) or with different genetically modified corn hybrids (Taylor et al., 2003a).
Results suggest that GM corn are nutritionally equivalent and had no negative effect
on the body weight and body weight gain of broilers.

Feed consumption
Birds fed diets with commercial corn consumed more feeds than those fed
diets with GM corn. The increased feed consumption of birds fed diets with
commercial corn could be attributed to the slightly but non-significantly lower ME
content of diets, but had caused significant increase on the body weight and body
weight gain. On the other hand, birds fed diets with GM corn consumed statistically
the same amount of feeds. Similar result was reported by Taylor et al. (2003a and
2003b) and Querubin et al. (2003).

Feed conversion ratio

Birds fed diets with commercial corn showed better feed efficiency compared
to those fed diets with the different GM corn (P<0.05). The increased amount of
feed consumed was efficiently utilized causing a corresponding increase in body
weight gain. On the other hand, birds fed diets with GM corn required 1.77-1.78 kg
of feed to gain a kg of body weight. Similar result was reported by Gaines et al.
(2001) that commercial corn was more effciently utilized than corn hybrids. On the
contrary, Brake and Vlachos (1998) showed that broilers fed transgenic Bt176 corn
exhibited a significantly better feed conversion efficiency compared to those fed with
conventional corn.

Livability
There was no mortality among birds used in the study (100% livability). All
birds were in good health throughout the feeding period. Similarly, Brake and
Vlachos (1998) identified no difference on livability of broilers fed Bt and non-Bt
corn. Also, Brake et al. (2003) reported no significant difference in percentage
livability of broilers fed diets with transgenic, isoline and commercial corn.

Carcass yield
There were no significant differences on the dressing percentage, liver
weight and abdominal fat observed in broilers fed diets containing the different GM
corn and commercial corn (Table 5). Dressing percentage with giblets ranged from
72.20-75.53%. Brake and Vlachos (1998) reported a dressing percentage of 74.36
and 73.94% for transgenic and non-transgenic corn, respectively. Abdominal fat
ranged from 1.30-1.83%. Results indicate that neither the commercial corn nor the
 Effects of different corn hybrids on performance of broilers 31

Table 5. Carcass yield of finished broilers fed diets with different corn hybrids.

Treatment
1 2 3 4
% CV
Commercial MON89034 MON890
NK603
corn x NK603 34
Dressing percentagens
With giblets 74.66 75.53 73.27 72.20 4.48
Without giblets 70.46 70.92 68.88 67.84 5.05
Abdominal fat, %ns 1.30 1.59 1.67 1.83 25.63
Liver, %ns 2.52 2.55 2.43 2.44 18.94
Organoleptic characteristics
Flavor ns 4.98 5.35 5.63 5.23 12.29
Off-flavor ns 1.54 1.29 1.25 1.33 23.29
Tenderness 5.29b 5.85ab 6.02a 5.85ab 17.33
Juiciness ns 5.15 5.29 5.44 5.31 7.14
General acceptability ns 5.13 5.33 5.19 5.15 7.00
ns: not significantly different (P>0.05)
ab
means different superscripts within row are significantly different (P<0.05).

GM corn used in this study had an effect on the carcass quality of broilers, which
confirm the report of Taylor et al. (2007).

Organoleptic characteristic
There were no significant differences on the organoleptic characteristics of
cooked broiler meat among treatments except for the tenderness (Table 5). Cooked
meat from broilers fed diets with MON89034 was more tender than those fed diet
with commercial corn but not significantly different from those fed diets with other
corn hybrids. On the average, cooked meat from broilers fed diets with GM corn
were generally acceptable; the flavor, tenderness and juiciness were within the
acceptable scores. Results manifest that the GM corn had no detrimental effect on
the organoleptic characteristics of broiler meat. Querubin et al. (2003) also found no
significant difference on the organoleptic characteristics of cooked meat from
broilers fed diets with Yieldgard corn.

CONCLUSION

GM corn such as the insect-protected herbicide-tolerant corn (MON89034x

NK603), insect-protected corn (MON89034) and herbicide-tolerant corn (NK603)
developed by MONSANTO Philippines, Inc. are statistically equivalent in proximate
composition but lower in crude protein compared to commercial corn. Crude fat,
crude fiber, nitrogen-free extract, calcium, phosphorus and metabolizable energy
contents were likewise statistically the same as that of commercial corn. Feeding
32 Dela Cruz, Acda, Centeno and Carandang

broilers with diets containing any of the GM corn resulted to non-significant

differences on the performance parameters measured such as body weight, body
weight gain, feed consumption and feed efficiency (P>0.05). Furthermore, the
carcass quality, dressing percentage and the organoleptic characteristics of cooked
meat from broilers fed diets with GM corn and commercial corn were not
significantly different among treatments, except for tenderness. Results suggest that
insect-protected herbicide-tolerant corn and other GM corn used in this study were
nutritionally comparable to commercial corn and elicited no detrimental effect on the
growth performance of broilers.

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