February 17, 2000
The public submission period for the Ag Research GM sheep application closed today.
The proposal is to alter a gene in conventional sheep that produces the myostatin protein, which regulates muscle development. It is known that a similar process operates naturally in the Belgian Blue cattle.
The research is to see if the process can be replicated in sheep to achieve enhanced muscle growth.
The public submission period for the Ag Research GM sheep application closed today.
The proposal is to alter a gene in conventional sheep that produces the myostatin protein, which regulates muscle development. It is known that a similar process operates naturally in the Belgian Blue cattle. The research is to see if the process can be replicated in sheep to achieve enhanced muscle growth.
Around 80 submissions have been received (at time of writing), mostly from individuals. Generally submitters have expressed objections to the proposal although there were a number of submissions in support. Local Maori have not made a submission but have provided comment when consulted by the applicant.
A full summary report on the submissions, including the final numbers and the nature of comments received, will be published in a few weeks time.
Ag Research already has approval to develop the gene construct. The present application is to transfer embryos to a flock of conventional sheep, with the expectation of achieving 5-10 transgenic animals. These would form a founder flock, to breed up to 30 transgenic sheep. The work would be done at the Ag Research Ruakura site.
The aim of the project is to study how the myostatin function works. If approved, it would be a field test in containment. The applicant has cited potential long term benefits from the research including:
- the potential to identify genetic markers which could enhance conventional sheep breeding;
- alternatively, the potential to develop a transgenic flock carrying the new gene construct;
- to improve scientific understanding of the process of muscle development, which might have benefits for medical research related to heart failure and muscular damage.
The application was received on 16 June 1999 and then stalled when further information was sought under S.52 of the HSNO Act. It was notified on 8 December 1999 and submissions closed 16 February 2000.
The hearing on this application is likely to be held in mid March. The date must be confirmed 10 days in advance. It will be notified to all parties and on the ERMA New Zealand website..
The Summary of Submissions report and the Evaluation and Review Report from ERMA New Zealand will be circulated 15 days prior to the hearing. All documents, including the application summary, will be available on the website.
For further information:
Karen Cronin,
Communications Manager,
ERMA New Zealand
Tel: +64 4 496 4826 or +64 4 918 4826