SKUAST-Kashmir creates India’s first gene-edited sheep using CRISPR

SKUAST-Kashmir Creates Nation’s First Gene-Edited Sheep Using CRISPR (Representative Image: Canva)

In a quiet corner of Kashmir, science has made history. A lamb was born, not just any lamb, but India’s first gene-edited sheep — a small animal carrying a giant step forward for Indian research.

The birth took place at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-Kashmir). Officials say it is the nation’s first success in editing the genes of livestock. It is also a major milestone in India’s push for innovation in animal biotechnology.

The lamb’s DNA was carefully altered using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. This was done to edit the myostatin gene — a natural brake on muscle growth. By altering this gene, researchers were able to increase muscle mass by 30%. Such a feature exists naturally only in some European breeds like the Texel, not in Indian sheep.

This strategy delivers a distinct shift from crossbreeding. Gene editing offers faster, safer results without introducing foreign DNA. The method, researchers say, could change how future generations manage livestock.

University leads biotech progress

Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai called the birth a turning point in livestock genetics. “This is not just the birth of a lamb,” he said, “but the beginning of a new era for India.” He explained that gene editing allows precise changes without foreign genes, making it more acceptable for regulators and consumers alike.

Dr Riyaz A Shah and his team led the project. Their work is part of SKUAST-Kashmir’s larger goal — to build India’s most advanced reproductive biotechnology facility. The university aims to mix scientific research with real-life benefits for farming and animal care.

This project follows another national first. India recently released its first gene-edited rice variety, backed by the Union Agriculture Minister. Both achievements reflect India’s growing ability in genome science.

The Vice Chancellor also recalled a major success from 2012 — the cloning of India’s first Pashmina goat, named Noori. That effort, also by Prof. Shah’s team, had won global recognition. “Biotechnology, with AI and other tools, can lead us towards a sustainable bioeconomy,” Prof. Ganai added.

He later briefed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha about the project. Sinha praised the work and its role in raising the region’s scientific profile.

Local success, global technology

The CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing process complied with international safety regulations. Scientists emphasised that there is no alien DNA in the lamb. This distinguishes it from transgenic animals and aligns with India's current biotech regulations.

The study demonstrates the promise of new genomic techniques, albeit being conducted solely for research purposes. According to experts, these techniques could address a variety of cattle problems, including increasing output and controlling disease.

SKUAST-Kashmir continues work in numerous domains, including vaccine design, gene therapy, and reproductive cloning. Stem cells and other cutting-edge fields of animal research are also examined.

With this success, SKUAST-Kashmir has placed itself firmly on the world map. The birth of this lamb stands not only as a scientific triumph, but as a hopeful symbol of what Indian research can achieve.