India’s first gene-edited sheep, born last year in Indian-administered Kashmir, has just celebrated its first birthday and researchers report it is doing well, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s biotech journey. Scientists behind the project say the animal is healthy and showing the expected physical traits that came from precise genetic editing, offering a glimpse of how advanced genome editing might someday support sustainable livestock production.
The sheep, named Tarmeem a name that reflects the concept of editing or modification was developed at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-Kashmir). Using CRISPR gene-editing technology, scientists targeted a gene associated with muscle growth, modifying it to promote enhanced muscle development without introducing foreign DNA into the animal’s genome.
Born on 16 December 2024, Tarmeem has lived under careful observation alongside its non-edited twin sister. The editing focused on the myostatin gene, which naturally limits muscle growth. By disrupting this gene, researchers hoped to achieve muscle gains similar to those seen in certain European breeds of sheep, and the results on Tarmeem have so far matched scientific expectations.
At one year old, Tarmeem is reported to be physiologically and biochemically normal, showing a robust growth profile. Researchers say the animal’s muscle development is about 10% greater than that of its non-edited twin, an outcome that aligns with the experiment’s goals. Experts believe this difference may increase with age, though further study is ongoing.
Scientists involved in the programme emphasise that these results reflect precise gene editing rather than traditional genetic modification. CRISPR acts like molecular “scissors” that can cut specific parts of DNA, allowing researchers to remove or alter sequences that regulate biological traits in this case, muscle development. Unlike older genetic modification approaches, the technology doesn’t insert new genes from other species, a point that could be significant for future regulatory acceptance.
Tarmeem’s success is not just a scientific milestone for SKUAST-Kashmir but also for India’s biotechnology sector. The team behind the project had been refining the technique for years, testing multiple embryos and improving their protocols before achieving a successful gene-edited live birth. In the initial phase, they attempted several procedures, ultimately resulting in a viable gene-edited lamb after overcoming early challenges.
While Tarmeem’s stable health at one year old is encouraging, researchers are still collecting data. Continuous evaluation of its growth patterns, health markers and overall survival is necessary to form conclusions about long-term outcomes. This deeper study will help scientists understand both the practical implications and any unforeseen effects of editing livestock genomes.
The potential applications of this research go beyond academic curiosity. India’s Kashmir Valley, where Tarmeem lives, has a high demand for mutton, far outstripping local supply the region consumes about 60,000 tonnes annually but produces only half of that amount. Gene editing that enhances muscle growth could one day help narrow this gap by allowing farmers to produce more meat with fewer animals, pending regulatory approval for widespread use.
However, expanding gene-edited livestock into commercial farming will depend on government policies and regulatory approval. Authorities in India have already approved some gene-edited crops, including rice varieties designed to boost yields, but animal gene editing remains a more complex regulatory landscape. Decisions will require balancing innovation with ethical, environmental and food safety concerns.
Experts also point out that gene editing has broader scientific applications beyond agriculture. CRISPR and related tools are being used globally to study disease resistance, fertility, and traits that could improve animal welfare or reduce the environmental footprint of farming. This type of technology is already being applied in other countries on crops and livestock, with some nations moving more quickly than others on regulatory fronts.
In Kashmir, Tarmeem’s existence has sparked both scientific interest and public curiosity. Researchers say they plan to continue gene-editing experiments to explore other traits, such as disease resistance or improved wool quality, and to build a foundation for responsible use of the technology in livestock breeding.
While the sheep’s future role in commercial agriculture remains uncertain, its healthy first year has provided confidence to the team that their work is on the right track. The data gathered from Tarmeem and similar gene-edited animals will inform future decisions about how gene editing might be used ethically and effectively in livestock industries.
Scientists emphasise that continuing research and transparent dialogue with regulators, farmers and the public will be essential as biotechnology advances. For now, Tarmeem stands as a promising example of how precision gene editing can be applied beyond the laboratory and into real-world applications that could support food production and sustainability.
As the technology evolves, questions about ethics, regulation and long-term impacts will remain central. But for Tarmeem, the first year has shown that gene editing can produce a healthy, robust animal that meets scientific expectations a small but meaningful step forward for India’s growing role in genetic science.
