Tanuvas conducts workshop on gene editing

Experts in genetics from Washington said that the State with rich livestock population is a best place to explore the gene editing of small animals in an ethical manner. 

Bryan K Slinker, dean, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University told DT Next that livestock production and climate change diseases can be addressed by gene editing and for this purpose the state university is working in association with Tanuvas to explore the gene editing options in sheep and goat.

Disease resistance is another area that the veterinarians are working on and the foreign university will bring in expertise on genomics, cloning and we would share our data on the subject with Tanuvas, Slinker said.

Animal husbandry secretary K Gopal in his inaugural address urged the veterinarians to focus on animal production using genetic science. Food security and disease resistance in livestock are two major components that the fraternity should work on, he said adding that animal husbandry plays a major role in empowering the economic status of farmers.

As on the date, feed efficiency and weight gain in poultry has improved and the egg production in poultry have increased by 30 percent due to steady researches and breeding programmes, said C Balachandran, vice chancellor Tanuvas. 

By enhancing the genetic modifications particularly in cattle, the milk yield can be increased, and this needs a scientific and ethical approach of gene editing and effective breeding, C Balachandran, vice chancellor Tanuvas said.

There is a need for effective cross breeding of exotic and indigenous species, the VC added. Around 120 experts from veterinary medicine and faculty in genetics from the US are attending the workshop, Tanuvas sources said.