Genetically modified sheep with more meat

23 June 1998

Genetically modified sheep with more meat

SCIENTISTS from the University of Wales have successfully bred sheep with alterations to their genes which can boost their lean meat to 63% – as against the more normal 55%.

The flock of 50 lambs was bred with a mutated gene called callipyge.

But the one adverse effect of the new breed is that the meat tends to be tough. The scientists are now looking at ways of tenderising the meat.

• The Independent 23/06/98 page 1