NIAB using next-generation sequencing for genetic print of Indigenous cattle

NIAB using next-generation sequencing for genetic print of Indigenous cattle

Sub: Sci

Sec: Biotech

Genetic Conservation of Indigenous Cattle Breeds:

• The National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) is working to decode the genetic blueprints of indigenous cattle breeds using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and genotyping technology.
• Goal:
• Establish molecular signatures for registered cattle breeds to aid in purity identification and
• Focus on developing next-generation vaccine platforms against livestock diseases like brucellosis, which are crucial for animal health and reducing economic losses.
• NIAB is keen to support industry and biotech start-ups to transform the livestock-based economy for food/feed security and develop animal vaccines, diagnostics, and new-generation biomolecules. Under the program:
  • ‘Bio-scaffolds’ (for repairing tissues), both natural as well 3D printed, are being produced for cell/drug delivery, bio-banking and using animal stem cells enriched scaffolds as various therapeutic interventions.
  • A ‘bovine primary lung cell-based 3D-pulmosphere model’ was developed for superior modelling of bovine tuberculosis and to establish an anti-TB drug screening platform.
  • Point-of-care diagnostics such as DIVA capable Brucella ELISA kit, iron oxide nanoparticles-based mastitis detection kit, a biosensor for detection of progesterone and luteinizing hormone in animal milk and serum, phyto-formulations for tick/tick-borne diseases were developed.
  • A biomarker (metabolite and protein) has been developed for early assessment of nutritional stress-induced negative energy balance leading to decreased productivity and infertility in the cattle population.
  • CRISPR-Cas9-based genome editing techniques, production of biosimilars such as protein hormones using large animal models, and engineered yeast and bacteria to produce complex drugs provide exciting opportunities.

BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy:

• To be steered by the Department of Biotechnology, the policy is for fostering high-performance biomanufacturing.
  • High-performance biomanufacturing is the ability to produce products from medicine to materials, address farming and food challenges, and promote the manufacturing of bio-based products through the integration of advanced biotechnological processes.
• The policy seeks to include innovation-driven support for research and development and entrepreneurship across thematic sectors.
• This will accelerate technology development and commercialization by establishing biomanufacturing and bio-AI hubs and bio foundry.
• Along with prioritising regenerative bioeconomy models of green growth, this policy will facilitate the expansion of India’s skilled workforce and provide a surge in job creation.
• To address the national priorities, the BioE3 Policy would broadly focus on the following strategic/thematic sectors:
  • high-value bio-based chemicals;
  • biopolymers and enzymes;
  • smart proteins and functional foods;
  • precision biotherapeutics;
  • climate resilient agriculture; carbon capture and its utilisation;
  • marine and space research.

Meeting of Livestock farmers and Agriculturists with NIAB Scientists (MILAN):

• ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair in collaboration with DBT-National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad organized this Workshop.
• Held at ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair
• The workshop was conducted on the theme of Implications of the Human-Animal Interface in Public Health and to understand the issues and challenges faced by livestock farmers, thereby making suitable technological interventions for improving the productivity and health of livestock.