In a major scientific breakthrough, researchers at Srinagar's SKUAST-Kashmir have produced India's first gene-edited sheep. Using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, they successfully modified the myostatin gene to increase muscle mass, aiming for higher meat yield. This achievement holds the potential to significantly boost the income of farmers by improving livestock productivity.
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Picture Courtesy: INDIAN EXPRESS
Scientists at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) in Srinagar have successfully produced gene-edited sheep.
Gene editing is a group of technologies that offers scientists the ability to change an organism's DNA. This allows genetic material to be added, removed, or altered at particular locations in the genome.
The scientists in Kashmir employed the CRISPR-Cas9 (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) method to produced India's first gene-edited sheep.
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CRISPR-Cas9 It uses a guide molecule (RNA) to find a specific gene and an enzyme (Cas9) to act like molecular scissors, cutting the DNA at that spot. Scientists can then edit the gene by either removing it or replacing it with a desired version. This technology is more precise, faster, and cheaper than older methods of genetic modification. It allows for targeted changes without necessarily introducing foreign DNA, which differentiates it from traditional Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) technology. |
This project targets the local 'Kashmir Merino' sheep, a breed known for its fine wool and adaptation to high-altitude climates.
Scientists edited the 'myostatin' gene, which is a natural regulator of muscle growth in sheep. By disrupting or "knocking out" this gene, they removed the brakes on muscle development.
The gene-edited lamb shows a potential increase in muscle mass by nearly 30%. While its wool yield remains the same (about 2-2.5 kg), its meat yield will be higher.
Economic Boost for Farmers
Doubling Farmers' Income => Higher meat yield from each animal directly translates to increased income for farmers, aligning with the national mission of doubling farmers' income.
Reduced Rearing Time => Faster growth means farmers can get their animals to market weight quicker, reducing input costs and improving turnover.
National Food and Nutritional Security
Increased Meat Production => This technology can boost mutton production in the country, contributing to food security.
Precision Livestock Farming => It marks a shift towards high-yield, efficient, and precise livestock breeding, reducing reliance on traditional, slower cross-breeding methods.
Scientific Leadership
Atmanirbhar Bharat in Biotechnology => This success, following the recent development of gene-edited rice, highlights India's growing capability in advanced biotechnologies. It places India on the global map of nations with advanced genome editing capabilities.
The same technology can be used to develop disease-resistant livestock, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from animals, and further improve other productive traits.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. India's first gene-edited sheep is identified as belonging to which breed? A) Pashmina B) Kashmir Merino C) Garima D) Samrupa Answer: B Explanation: India's first gene-edited sheep, developed by researchers at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) in Srinagar, Kashmir, belongs to the Kashmir Merino breed. |
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