India’s first gene-edited sheep, named Tarmeem, has celebrated its first birthday in robust health, marking a breakthrough in livestock biotechnology that could enhance sustainable meat production in the region. Researchers report that the sheep is thriving with increased muscle mass, achieved through precise genetic modifications.
Tarmeem was born on December 16 last year in Indian-administered Kashmir, developed by scientists at Sher-e-Kashmir Agricultural University using CRISPR gene-editing technology. The team targeted the myostatin gene, which regulates muscle growth, to create a sheep with enhanced body weight potential.
After editing embryos in the lab for several days, they were implanted into a foster mother, leading to the birth of Tarmeem along with a non-edited twin. Prof. Riaz Shah, the project lead, confirmed that Tarmeem is growing well, exhibiting normal physiological parameters and a significant 10% increase in muscle mass compared to its twin.
The achievement capped seven years of intensive research involving multiple in vitro fertilization attempts, with only one successful gene-edited lamb emerging from the process. This persistence has now standardized the technique, promising higher success rates in future applications.
This development holds particular relevance for Kashmir, which consumes about 60,000 tonnes of mutton annually but produces only half that amount. Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, the university’s vice-chancellor, highlighted that gene-editing could raise a sheep’s body weight by up to 30%, enabling more efficient meat production with fewer animals.
Globally, gene-editing is revolutionizing agriculture and medicine, with countries like the U.S. and China adopting it for crops and animals. However, it remains ethically debated, distinguished from genetic modification by tweaking existing genes rather than introducing foreign ones.
For India, the success of Tarmeem could pave the way for government-approved replication in larger flocks, potentially extending to other livestock such as goats and poultry. This aligns with efforts to address food security challenges amid land and water constraints.
As Tarmeem continues to be monitored in a secure enclosure, scientists are optimistic about its role in advancing sustainable agriculture. The project exemplifies how cutting-edge science can tackle real-world problems, with implications for enhancing meat yields and supporting local economies.
