The National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) in Karnal has made a significant breakthrough in dairy farming by developing a gene-edited embryo using CRISPR technology. This innovation aims to enhance milk production’s resilience against climate change, ensuring steady supplies even in extreme weather. The next step involves implanting the edited embryo into a female buffalo for gestation, which takes about 10 months. Once the calf matures, researchers hope to prove its climate-resistant milk production. Additionally, NDRI is also targeting the β-lactoglobulin gene to reduce milk allergies, making dairy products healthier and more appealing to consumers. This research is crucial as India produced around 230.6 million tonnes of milk in 2023 amidst growing climate challenges.
In a groundbreaking development for the dairy industry, the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) in Karnal has created a genetically edited embryo using advanced gene-editing technology. This innovation aims to enhance the resilience of milk production against climate change, ensuring steady supply even during challenging weather conditions.
The next steps involve implanting this genetically modified embryo into a female buffalo, where it will undergo a gestation period of over 10 months. The scientists are employing CRISPR technology, which allows for precise editing of DNA, targeting specific genes to improve the traits of dairy animals.
Dheer Singh, the director of NDRI, explained that after the offspring is born, it usually takes about five years for the animal to reach the milking stage. Research aims to demonstrate if these modifications lead to milk production that can endure climate fluctuations. Indigenous breeds like ‘Tharparkar’ already show natural heat resistance, and the researchers hope to transfer these beneficial traits to more vulnerable cattle, potentially increasing milk yields throughout India.
In addition to climate resilience, NDRI is working on gene-edited embryos that focus on the β-lactoglobulin (BLG) gene, which can cause allergies in some individuals. By using CRISPR technology to edit this gene, NDRI hopes to create dairy animals that produce milk with fewer allergenic proteins, thereby improving the nutritional quality of dairy products for health-conscious consumers.
In 2023, India produced about 230.6 million tonnes of milk, but with climate change causing more extreme summer conditions, the necessity for sustainable solutions has never been more critical. As these research efforts advance, they may not only enhance food security but also improve public health by reducing milk allergies.
Tags: Dairy Industry, Gene Editing, CRISPR Technology, Climate Change, Milk Production, NDRI, Sustainable Agriculture, Public Health.
What is the research about climate-resilient milch cattle?
The research focuses on developing cattle breeds that can better adapt to changing climate conditions, ensuring they can produce milk even in extreme weather.
Why is this research important for India?
India relies heavily on dairy farming for livelihoods and nutrition, so creating climate-resilient cattle can help maintain milk production during climate changes.
How will this research benefit farmers?
Farmers will have stronger cattle that can handle heat and other climate stressors, leading to better milk yields and improved income stability.
What makes these cattle climate-resilient?
These cattle are bred or genetically modified to withstand higher temperatures, disease, and other challenges posed by a changing environment.
When can we expect to see results from this research?
It may take a few years for the research to be fully developed and implemented, but farmers could start seeing benefits as new breeds are introduced.
