Novel Feeds from Biotechnology-Derived Animals

On this page

Biotechnology can be defined as, the application of science and engineering in the direct or indirect use of living organisms or parts or products of living organisms in their natural or modified forms. This broad definition encompasses organisms developed through traditional breeding methods and newer technologies such as genetic engineering including genome editing.

The term "biotechnology-derived animal" is an extension of the definition of biotechnology and may include, but is not limited to, the following categories of animals:

  • genetically engineered or modified animals in which genetic material has been added, deleted, silenced or altered to influence expression of genes and traits
  • chimeric animals that have received transplanted cells from another animal
  • interspecies hybrids produced by any method
  • animals derived by in-vitro cultivation such as maturation or manipulation of embryos

Novel feed products from biotechnology-derived animals

Many products and by-products of animal origin are approved for use as ingredients in livestock feed in Canada. They include animal proteins (milk, blood meal, meat and bone meal), animal fats and oils (tallow), and marine proteins (fish meal). These products, which are used for protein or energy sources in livestock feeds are listed in the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table.

Novel feeds from biotechnology-derived animals are feeds that are derived from products/by-products of animal origin where the animal has been developed using techniques of biotechnology such recombinant DNA (rDNA) techniques and genome-editing techniques.

Approving a novel feed product from biotechnology-derived animals for use in livestock feed

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) evaluates and regulates all feed ingredients, including novel feeds derived from genetically modified organisms. Any ingredient that is not currently listed in, or does not meet, the existing ingredient description found in the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table requires a pre-market evaluation and approval before it can be manufactured in, sold in or imported into Canada as a feed ingredient.

The purpose of all feed evaluations is to ensure, prior to marketing, that:

  • the feed ingredient is safe in terms of animal health, the environment, and human health via food residues and user exposure
  • the feed ingredient is effective for its intended purpose
  • the feed is accurately described in the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table of the Feeds Regulations
  • the feed is labelled appropriately for its safe, effective use and for consumer protection

Approved novel products from biotechnology-derived animals

Currently, products from biotechnology-derived animals that are approved for use in Canada are posted on the CFIA's website in decision documents, explaining the regulatory decisions reached under the Feeds Regulations. The Government of Canada does not advocate for, nor oppose, specific products; approval of a product is based on expert assessment of risk associated with its use. Our regulatory decisions are evidence-based, impartial, and are conducted to ensure the safety of humans, animals, and the environment. Below are examples of feeds from biotechnology-derived animals that were evaluated and approved by the CFIA.

AquaBounty Technologies Inc.'s Salmon (Salmo salar L.)

AquAdvantage Salmon is a genetically modified salmon developed by AquaBounty Technologies Inc. to grow more quickly during its early life stages. This rapid growth is possible because a growth hormone gene from the Chinook salmon was added to the Atlantic salmon.

In May 2016, the Government of Canada determined that the genetically modified AquAdvantage Salmon is as safe and nutritious for humans and livestock as conventional salmon.

AquAdvantage Salmon required three separate assessments prior to being approved. Health Canada assessed the safety and nutrition of AquAdvantage Salmon for use as food, and the CFIA assessed the safety and nutrition of AquAdvantage Salmon for use as a livestock feed and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) assessed the risk to the environment.

PIC-Canada Ltd.'s Pigs (Sus scrofa) Resistant to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Virus (PRRSV-resistant)

The PRRSV-resistant pigs were developed using gene editing technology to introduce a targeted change in a gene associated with the animal's susceptibility to PRRSV. This edit prevents the virus from infecting the animal, making pigs that carry this gene resistant to the disease.

In January 2026, the Government of Canada determined that the products derived from PRRSV-resistant pigs are as safe and nutritious for humans and livestock as products derived from conventional pigs.

The PRRSV-resistant pig required three separate assessments. Health Canada assessed the safety and nutrition of the PRRSV-resistant pigs for use as food, and the CFIA assessed the safety and nutrition of the PRRSV-resistant pigs for use as a livestock feed. ECCC is also responsible for conducting an environmental assessment that is independent of the feed and food approvals.

Data requirements for biotechnology-derived animals in Canada

As part of the assessment process, proponents are required to provide extensive data for review by regulators at the CFIA. The submitted data includes detailed descriptions of how the biotechnology-derived animal was developed, how the novel trait functions, and the nutritional composition of the animal. Regulators also access relevant peer-reviewed studies from published literature.

Exporting feed products containing biotechnology-derived animals

Government approvals of biotechnology-derived animal products are intended for a product's use in Canada. If a Canadian company chooses to export a novel product in any form to another country, the exporter would need to comply with the importing country's regulatory requirements, including any related to genetically modified products.

Research with novel feed products from biotechnology-derived animals

Researchers in private, governmental or academic research establishments who intend to conduct research with novel feeds may require an authorization from the Feed Section.

Date modified: