Scientists are genetically modifying dairy cows in a bid to save them from climate change. A team from New Zealand is using CRISPR genome editing to create cows with gray patches instead of black, which would decrease the amount of heat the animal absorbs while in pasture. Researchers successfully eliminated the pre-melanosomal protein 17 gene, which causes the black coloring, and produced in ‘a strong color dilution effect’ of a gray and white coat. ‘After seven days in vitro culture single embryos were non-surgically transferred to synchronized recipient cows for development to term,’ according to the study. Although the study looked at dairy cows, researchers believe the same method can be applied to beef breeds such as Black Angus cattle.

Source: Daily Mail October 06, 2020 17:28 UTC