London : Hens that do not produce their own chicks have been developed by researchers for use as surrogates to lay eggs from rare breeds using new gene-editing techniques. The advance could help to boost breeding of endangered birds, as well as improve production of commercial hens, researchers said.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland used a genetic tool called TALEN to delete a section of chicken DNA. They targeted part of a gene called DDX4, which is crucial for bird fertility. Hens with the genetic modification were unable to produce eggs but were otherwise healthy, the team found. DDX4 plays an essential role in the generation of specialised cells – called primordial germ cells – which give rise to eggs.–PTI
