Journey of Tarmeem: India’s First Gene-Edited Sheep

Introduction to India's First Gene-Edited Sheep

India has made a significant stride in biotechnology with the development of its first gene-edited sheep, named Tarmeem. This innovative animal has now completed one year and is reported to be in a stable and healthy condition. Developed at the Sher-e-Kashmir Agricultural University, Tarmeem was created using advanced gene-editing techniques.

Understanding the Gene Editing Process

Researchers utilized CRISPR gene-editing technology to modify the myostatin gene, which normally restricts muscle growth in animals. By disabling this gene, scientists enabled enhanced muscle development in Tarmeem without introducing any foreign DNA, thus ensuring that the modification remained within the sheep's genetic framework.

Current Status of Tarmeem

Tarmeem continues to be monitored closely in a controlled environment, with several key observations noted:

• Normal physiological and biochemical parameters.
• Approximately 10% higher muscle growth compared to its non-edited twin.
• No abnormal health outcomes reported to date.

Researchers anticipate that muscle gains will continue to increase as Tarmeem matures.

Significance of Tarmeem for India

The implications of this development are substantial, particularly for food security and livestock productivity in regions like Kashmir, where mutton consumption far surpasses local production. Key benefits include:

• Improved food security through higher meat yields.
• Enhanced resource efficiency by producing more meat from fewer animals.
• Greater sustainability with reduced pressure on land and water resources.
• Potential economic benefits for livestock farmers.

If gene editing is approved for broader use, it could address meat shortages without the need to increase livestock populations.

Gene Editing vs. Genetic Modification

It is essential to distinguish between gene editing and genetic modification. Gene editing involves altering existing genes within an organism, while genetic modification introduces genes from different species into an organism. This distinction is crucial in ongoing regulatory and ethical discussions both in India and globally.

Global and Indian Policy Context

Several countries have already approved the consumption of certain gene-edited animals. The global recognition of gene-editing technology was highlighted when its pioneers, Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna, received the Nobel Prize. In India, while gene-edited rice varieties have been approved, regulatory frameworks for gene-edited animals are still in development.

The Future of Gene-Edited Animals in India

Any future advancements towards breeding or consuming gene-edited animals will necessitate government approval. Large-scale acceptance will hinge on thorough safety assessments and public willingness to embrace this technology. Research is currently ongoing on other livestock such as goats, pigs, and poultry in India. This experiment signifies India's growing expertise in advanced biotechnology, directly impacting agriculture, nutrition, and sustainable development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is gene editing in livestock?
Answer: Gene editing in livestock refers to the use of techniques like CRISPR to alter the genes of animals, improving traits such as growth rates and disease resistance without introducing foreign DNA.

Q2. How does gene editing differ from genetic modification?
Answer: Gene editing modifies existing genes within an organism, while genetic modification involves introducing genes from a different species, leading to distinct regulatory and ethical implications.

Q3. What are the potential benefits of gene-edited animals?
Answer: Gene-edited animals can contribute to enhanced food security, increased meat yields, and improved resource efficiency, making livestock production more sustainable.

Q4. Is Tarmeem the only gene-edited animal in India?
Answer: Currently, Tarmeem is a notable example, but research is being conducted on other livestock, including goats, pigs, and poultry, to explore similar genetic advancements.

Q5. What regulatory frameworks exist for gene-edited animals in India?
Answer: While gene-edited rice varieties have received approval, the regulatory framework for gene-edited animals is still evolving, requiring comprehensive safety assessments and public acceptance.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What technology was used to develop Tarmeem?
A) CRISPR
B) Genetic Modification
C) Artificial Intelligence
D) Traditional Breeding
Correct Answer: A

Question 2: What is the main advantage of gene editing in livestock?
A) Introduction of foreign DNA
B) Improved muscle growth
C) Increased animal population
D) Reduced meat quality
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What gene was modified in Tarmeem to enhance muscle growth?
A) Insulin gene
B) Myostatin gene
C) Growth hormone gene
D) Reproductive gene
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: Which aspect of gene editing is debated in regulatory discussions?
A) Cost of implementation
B) Ethical implications
C) Animal welfare
D) All of the above
Correct Answer: D

Question 5: What is a potential benefit of gene-edited animals for farmers?
A) Increased land use
B) Higher meat yield
C) More veterinary care
D) Reduced productivity
Correct Answer: B