Kashmir University Produces India's First Gene-Edited Sheep

Researchers at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-Kashmir), led by Dr. Riyaz A. Shah, have successfully developed India's first gene-edited sheep, marking a historic breakthrough in animal biotechnology.

The gene-edited lamb has been modified for the myostatin gene, which regulates muscle growth. By disrupting the myostatin gene, the lamb's muscle mass is enhanced by nearly 30%, a trait naturally absent in Indian sheep breeds but present in select European breeds, such as the Texel. The gene-edited sheep contains no foreign DNA and is from the local ‘merino' breed. It weighed almost the same as a normal lamb at birth, but within three months, it became at least 100 grams heavier than a non-edited lamb,” said Dr. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir. Ganai added that a gene-edited sheep will not be much different from a non-gene-edited one, and both will give around 2-2.5 kg of wool. However, the gene-edited lamb will be heavier and will give more meat than a non-edited one.

"This is not just the birth of a lamb, but the birth of a new era in livestock genetics in India,” said Dr. Ganai. The Vice Chancellor commended Dr. Shah and his team and said that biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and other next-gen technologies are emerging as a key driver towards achieving a sustainable bioeconomy for a developed India. Leading institutions like SKUAST Kashmir can play a pivotal role in ensuring livelihood, food security, and sustainability for future generations.”

For more details, read the articles in the Greater Kashmir and The Indian Express.