New Deal for Better Feed Corn
US - BASF and Monsanto have announced they are joining forces to develop and commercialise genetically modified (GM) maize with improved characteristics for animal feeding.
10 December 2009
3 minute read
BASF Plant Science and Monsanto have announced the signing of an agreement to develop and commercialise new corn hybrids with better nutrition for animal feed.
The new hybrids will contain BASF's NutriDense® traits that are designed to enhance animal feed performance. NutriDense corn has higher levels of essential amino acids and energy, greater phosphorus availability and is more digestible.
BASF;s NutriDense traits will be combined with Monsanto's Roundup Ready® GenuityTM VT Triple PROTM and GenuityTM SmartStaxTM corn. The new high quality hybrids are expected to deliver the best feed value and yields equivalent to elite conventional corn. Once launched, seed companies will market the new hybrids through licensing agreements.
Jonathan Bryant, managing director of BASF Plant Science LP said: "The addition of higher yielding NutriDense corn hybrids from Monsanto plus increased distribution through Monsanto regional brands and other partners will allow animal operations to contract the planting of the enhanced nutrition corn across a broad geography."
Corn growers may benefit from the premium pricing opportunity on the product from animal feed operations.
Cameron Ator, regional brand lead for Monsanto said: "We believe this collaboration will produce new and high-value hybrids for farmers by enabling them to deliver a more nutritious source of corn for feed use to their customers," said . "This is another example of Monsanto's efforts to continue to provide innovative products that can help farmers maximize the yield and profit potential on their farms."
Roughly 45 per cent of the corn grown in the United States is used as animal feed, with the majority being fed specifically to swine or poultry. A better nutritional composition of the grain fed to the animal reduces costs and waste. This development and commercialisation agreement will benefit animal producers by offering a greater number of high yielding, high nutritional quality hybrids specifically designed for the swine, poultry and dairy segments.
Dr Bryant added: "BASF Plant Science has a strong commitment to the feed industry and our work in corn enhancement and animal nutrition is delivering better corn for better feed. We are the only company investing in this manner and depth to provide solutions that improve animal performance and help producers increase their profitability."
