Eat Corn - Live Long and Prosper

Greg Stewart, OMAFRA Corn Specialist

Search for More Value
Ontario has a relatively large demand for corn stemming from feed, food or fuel uses, and this demand is anticipated to grow. However the ability for this high demand scenario to significantly buffer Ontario producers against low prices has been shown to be ineffective. The price for commodity corn sits significantly below the cost of production for Ontario producers. In the face of these depressed market conditions it needs to be pointed out that genetic improvements have not been insignificant. General stress tolerance, improved hybrids, genetic modifications (i.e. resistance to glyphosate and European Corn Borer) have contributed to record high yields in the last three years! These gains are important in remaining productioncompetitive, but are insufficient in addressing economic sustainability. Capturing more value for the Ontario corn producer will require an emphasis on adding value to a bushel of corn.

Dr. Liz Lee, Corn Breeder at the University of Guelph is heading up a research project to try and tackle this value-added challenge. “It is very easy to throw terms around like - value chains, bioeconomy, and value added - but it is quite different to actually make it happen,” says Lee. This research project addresses these issues by pursuing the development of a value-added feed technology through high carotenoid corn.

Carotenoids in human health and nutrition
Animals, unlike plants, are not able to synthesize carotenoids on their own; rather carotenoids are acquired through their diet, primarily through fruits and vegetables and to a lesser extent from eggs, poultry, and fish. The interest in dietary carotenoids comes from their anti-oxidant properties and the association between arotenoid deficiencies and many chronic human diseases, and in developing countries vitamin A deficiency and childhood mortality. B-carotene, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin are the four carotenoids that much of the health related research has focused on, particularly in relation to anti-oxidant activity and regulators of the immune system. The research at Guelph focuses specifically on two of these carotenoids – lutein and zeaxanthin - because of their importance in prevention of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). ARMD is a condition that affects the centre of the field of vision and the ability to see fine detail. Approximately 25% of the population over 65 years of age exhibit early signs of the precursor disease agerelated maculopathy (ARM) and have a higher risk of developing ARMD. Unfortunately medical intervention options to slow the progression of or prevent ARMD are not available resulting in ARMD being the leading cause of legal blindness in older adults. Diets rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, are one of the options currently available to delay the onset of ARMD. In addition to their role in preventing ARMD, lutein and zeaxanthin are thought to be involved in protection against atherosclerosis, breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Corn Breeding Effort The U of G corn-breeding program has developed approximately 34 lines (HiC lines) that exhibit grain color of a very deep yellow or orange. The orange color is indicative of the high carotenoid concentration (see figure). One of the anticipated outcomes is the development of high carotenoid feed corn for poultry and dairy animals to produce anti-oxidant rich eggs and dairy products similar to the omega-3 eggs and dairy products. “It is clear that there is real economic potential behind dietary supplements that improve health”, states Lee. Dr. Lee, in collaboration with Dr. Barry Shelp and Andrew Burt a Ph.D. student, is in the first year of a three year project supported by OCPA and the New Directions Program at OMAFRA.