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India celebrates milestone in gene-edited livestock
Researchers in Indian-administered Kashmir report that Tarmeem, the country's first gene-edited sheep, has reached its first birthday in robust health. The animal was created using CRISPR technology to enhance muscle growth, marking a potential leap for sustainable meat production.
How Tarmeem was created
Scientists at Sher-e-Kashmir Agricultural University in Srinagar employed CRISPR-a tool likened to molecular scissors-to disable the myostatin gene, which limits muscle development. The process involved extracting embryos from pregnant sheep, editing their DNA in a lab, and implanting them into a surrogate ewe.
Of seven in vitro fertilization attempts, only one resulted in a successful gene edit. Tarmeem was born on 16 December 2024 alongside a non-edited twin, providing a direct comparison for researchers.
Health and growth outcomes
Professor Riaz Shah, the project's lead investigator, confirmed that Tarmeem exhibits normal physiological and biochemical markers. However, its muscle mass has already increased by approximately 10% compared to its twin, with expectations of further growth.
"It's growing well, and we anticipate the muscle advantage will expand as it matures," Shah told the BBC.
Prof. Riaz Shah, Sher-e-Kashmir Agricultural University
The sheep remains under strict observation in a secure facility while scientists assess its long-term health and viability.
Potential for Kashmir's mutton industry
Kashmir consumes around 60,000 tonnes of mutton annually but produces only half that amount. University Vice-Chancellor Nazir Ahmad Ganai highlighted the technology's promise for addressing this gap, noting that gene editing could boost sheep body weight by up to 30%.
"With shrinking land and water resources, fewer animals could yield more meat, making production more sustainable," Ganai said.
Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Sher-e-Kashmir Agricultural University
The team has submitted a funding proposal to the government to scale the technology for larger flocks, with potential applications for other livestock.
Global context and ethical debates
Gene editing, which earned its inventors a 2020 Nobel Prize, differs from genetic modification by altering existing genes rather than introducing foreign DNA. Countries like the U.S., Japan, and Brazil have approved gene-edited crops and animals for consumption, while the EU recently eased regulations for edited crops.
In India, the agriculture ministry approved two gene-edited rice varieties this year, but the status of Tarmeem remains uncertain. Ganai expressed optimism, drawing parallels to India's 1960s Green Revolution, which transformed food security through high-yield crops.
"Science can replicate that success for the meat industry," he said.
Challenges and future steps
The eight-member research team spent seven years refining the technique, overcoming multiple setbacks before achieving success. Shah noted that the process has now been standardized, improving prospects for future edits.
While CRISPR holds promise for treating human diseases-such as sickle cell anemia and rare genetic disorders-its use in livestock continues to spark ethical debates. The team's next steps hinge on government approval for broader applications.
