Pic shows world’s 1st gene-edited polo horses designed for explosive speed
The world of polo, a sport often associated with luxury and elegance, has just taken a revolutionary turn with the introduction of the world’s first gene-edited polo horses. Argentina-based Kheiron Biotech has successfully bred five genetically edited horses, designed to produce explosive speed, using cutting-edge CRISPR technology.
The company used gene editing to reduce the expression of the gene that limits muscle growth in horses, allowing these edited ponies to reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. This is a significant improvement over the average speed of 35 miles per hour of traditional polo horses.
The gene-edited horses were cloned from the prize-winning polo mare named Polo Pureza (or Polo Purity), considered one of the best polo ponies in the world. The edited ponies are designed to excel in the sport, providing a competitive edge to polo players.
While the introduction of gene-edited horses is a groundbreaking achievement, it has also raised concerns among some breeders. Critics argue that gene editing is a form of tampering with nature, and it could lead to unintended consequences in the long run.
Kheiron Biotech, however, has defended its approach, stating that the gene editing technology was used to enhance the natural abilities of the horses, rather than creating new characteristics that are not found in nature. The company also claims that the edited horses are healthy and well-treated, and that the technology was used to improve the sport, rather than to create a competitive advantage.
The use of gene editing in horses is not new, but it is still a relatively rare and controversial practice. In 2019, a team of scientists used CRISPR technology to edit the genes of a horse to make it resistant to a common genetic disorder. However, this was the first time that gene editing has been used to enhance the physical abilities of a horse.
The introduction of gene-edited polo horses is set to shake up the sport, which has traditionally been associated with breeding and training horses over many years. With the ability to edit genes, breeders can now select for specific traits and characteristics, allowing them to create horses that are tailored to specific roles and purposes.
Polo players and enthusiasts are excited about the potential benefits of gene-edited horses. “These horses are going to revolutionize the sport,” said one polo player. “They are faster, stronger, and more agile than traditional polo horses. It’s going to be a game-changer.”
However, not everyone is convinced about the benefits of gene-edited horses. Some critics argue that the technology is still in its infancy, and that there are many unknown risks and consequences associated with it. They also argue that the focus on speed and performance comes at the expense of the welfare of the horses.
As the debate around gene-edited horses continues, it is clear that the introduction of these horses is set to have a significant impact on the sport of polo. Whether it is a positive or negative impact remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the world of polo will never be the same again.
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