Indian scientists have made a groundbreaking advancement in yak genomic research by successfully completing the first-ever chromosome-level genome sequencing of the Indian yak (Bos grunniens). This achievement was led by Dr. Martina Pukhrambam, Dr. Vijay Paul, and Dr. Mihir Sarkar from the ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak, Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, in collaboration with research teams from ICAR-IIAB (Ranchi), ICAR-CIRC (Meerut), and ICAR-CICR (Nagpur), under the ICAR-NEH funding initiative.
This scientific breakthrough holds significant promise for conservation efforts, breeding programs, and a deeper understanding of the yak’s genetic makeup and its crucial ecological role in the Himalayan region.
Yaks, vital to the survival of high-altitude communities across Ladakh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh, are known for their resilience in extreme conditions and are a primary source of milk, meat, and transportation. However, this hardy species is under threat due to shrinking grazing lands, climate change, diseases, and genetic erosion.
The newly completed genome provides a comprehensive map of yak genes, helping scientists to better understand the genetic basis of traits such as cold tolerance, disease resistance, and milk production. By employing advanced sequencing technology and bioinformatics tools, researchers were able to assign genes to specific chromosome locations, offering unprecedented clarity into the yak’s genetic structure. This lays the foundation for more targeted breeding strategies and improved livestock management.
Dr. Sujay Rakshit, Director of ICAR-IIAB, emphasized the potential of this genomic data in identifying critical genes through comparative analysis with other bovine species, particularly those associated with stress resilience and quality traits. Dr. A.K. Mohanty, Director of ICAR-CIRC, highlighted that this achievement will play a pivotal role in sustaining yak populations, essential for maintaining Himalayan biodiversity and supporting rural livelihoods.
Dr. Mihir Sarkar described this development as a major leap in yak research, emphasizing its practical applications in sustainable development and conservation. Dr. Martina Pukhrambam, the lead scientist of the project, underlined how this genetic blueprint can revolutionize breeding programs by allowing precise selection for desirable traits, ultimately contributing to the socio-economic upliftment of yak herders.
The genome has been made publicly available to encourage wider scientific collaboration and to accelerate future research and conservation efforts.
