NDRI, based in Karnal, Haryana, has developed a genetically edited buffalo embryo using CRISPR technology, aiming to protect milk production from climate change impacts.
NDRI’s Breakthrough in Climate-Resilient Dairy Research
In a major advancement towards making India’s dairy industry climate-resilient, the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) in Karnal, Haryana, has successfully developed a genetically edited buffalo embryo using CRISPR technology. This groundbreaking achievement is aimed at maintaining stable milk production amid increasing instances of severe heatwaves and climate challenges.
The research, carried out over several years, represents a critical step towards ensuring the sustainability of milk production in the face of climate change. NDRI, a premier institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), is recognized for its pioneering work in dairy science and animal husbandry across India.
CRISPR Technology and Climate-Resilient Milk Production
The next stage of the project involves implanting the genetically edited embryo into the uterus of a female buffalo, which will then carry the embryo for its 10-month gestation period. Once born, the offspring will need to mature for two to three years, followed by a pregnancy period, before its milk production can be evaluated.
According to Dheer Singh, Director of NDRI, this gene-editing process uses the advanced CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) technology, which allows for the precise modification of specific DNA sequences in animals. “If the offspring’s milk production proves to be resistant to extreme climate conditions, this could revolutionize how the dairy industry handles climate-related disruptions,” he said.
In addition to creating new breeds, NDRI’s research focuses on enhancing the natural resilience of existing indigenous cattle breeds. Singh pointed out that breeds like the Tharparkar, native to India, have shown natural resistance to heat and climate fluctuations. By identifying and mapping the genes responsible for these heat-resistant traits, scientists aim to transfer them to other cattle breeds that are more vulnerable to climate shifts, potentially boosting overall milk yields across India.
This development marks a pivotal step forward in safeguarding India’s dairy industry, which is the world’s largest producer of milk, from the adverse effects of climate change.
