September 23, 2005

US scientist develops high-protein feed corn

A US scientist has developed a feed corn with twice the usual amount of protein and oil, and only about half its usual carbohydrate content, it was announced on September 20.

Daniel Gallie, a biochemistry professor at the University of California, Riverside, does this by fusing two kernels of corn into one through a new technology.

"Despite the fusion, the kernels are not bigger," Gallie explained. "It's basically the same corn, except that it is protein-rich and starch-poor."

In the US, nearly 65 percent of corn crops grown are used for livestock feed. Much of the remainder is exported to other countries also for feeding animals or to be made into corn sweeteners or fuel alcohol.

In fact, corn is the most widely produced feed grain in the US, accounting for more than 90 percent of the total value and production of feed grains in the country, with around 80 million acres of land planted with corn.

If widely used, Gallie's research, which was partly funded by the USDA, could add benefit corn producers as this new corn nearly doubles corn oil-the most valuable content of corn grain-and significantly increases the grain's nutrient value.

Gallie's research had been published last year in The Plant Journal, and will be presented to a congressional seminar in Washington, D.C., on September 23.