Gene-edited Hens Produced as Surrogates to Save Rare Breeds (IMAGE)

University of Edinburgh

Gene-edited Hens Produced as Surrogates to Save Rare Breeds

Caption

Hens that do not produce their own chicks have been developed for use as surrogates to lay eggs from rare breeds. The advance -- using gene-editing techniques -- could help to boost breeding of endangered birds, as well as improving production of commercial hens, researchers say. The team at the University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute targeted a gene called DDX4, which is crucial for fertility.

Credit

Norrie Russell, The Roslin Institute

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