The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-Kashmir) has successfully produced a gene-edited sheep, setting a new benchmark in reproductive biotechnology and propelling the country into an elite group of nations capable of advanced genome editing.
The lamb, born at the university’s research facility, has undergone targeted modification of the myostatin gene – a known regulator of muscle growth. The result is a significant enhancement in muscle mass by approximately 30 percent[.]
Though the edited lamb will not enter the food chain or livestock markets in the immediate term, scientists believe that the study will provide valuable data for future translational research, especially in developing disease-resistant, high-yield animal breeds.
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“The possibilities are immense,” said [Dr Riyaz A Shah]. “If scaled responsibly, such technologies could help double farmer incomes, reduce dependence on imports, and ensure that India’s livestock sector becomes resilient in the face of climate change.”
