The SEARCA Biotechnology Information
Center (BIC) recently published two brochures that highlighted the results of studies
conducted on Bt corn in the Philippines.
In the "Philippines
Bt corn and feed safety," Prof. Lydia J. Querubin,
university researcher, Institute of Animal Science, University
of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) investigated the feed safety
and feeding value of Bt corn to broilers and its effects on meat
quality. Results showed that growth performance and meat quality
of broilers fed with Bt corn and non-Bt corn diets are comparable
suggesting the safety of Bt corn as feeds. Download the brochure
at www.searca.org/~bic/ info_kits/btcorn_feed.pdf
On the other hand, the brochure on "Philippines
Bt corn and insect diversity" (www.searca.org/
~bic/info_kits/btcorn_insectdiv.pdf) presented the results
of insect diversity studies on Bt corn fields conducted in Villaluna,
Cauayan, Isabela, and Panagan, Tigaon, Camarines Sur. Using the
Shannon Index to measure species diversity, Dr. Stephen G. Reyes,
assistant professor, Department of Entomology, UPLB, showed that
in Bt- & non Bt-corn fields, insect diversity was generally the
same. He and co-workers found more beneficial insects in Bt corn
fields than in non-Bt corn fields sprayed with chemical insecticides.
Both publications are part of SEARCA BIC's continuing
effort to share science- and evidence-based information on
agricultural biotechnology.
Copies of the brochures are available upon request at SEARCA
BIC, UPLB, College, Laguna or you may contact 049-536-7162(telefax)
/ 7163(phone); or email at 
.
Other informational materials on biotechnology may be downloaded
from http://www.bic.searca.org.
(El Bill R. Madrigal, SEARCA-BIC)
Contact person:
Ms. Sonny P. Tababa
Network Administrator
SEARCA BIC
UPLB, College, Laguna
Email: spt at agri.searca.org
Tel: 049-536-7163
Tele/Fax: 049-536-7162
