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Sheep Gene Jitters

Misunderstandings of research applications have seen AgResearch blasted for attempting to genetically engineer sheep with "big muscles".

AgResearch's application for permission to develop a sheep breed without the functional myostatin gene in them is to study the role of the gene in disorders such as heart attacks, muscle wasting in old age and muscular dystrophy.

"Published studies have indicated that a better understanding of the role of myostatin could assist in saving future lives and our application to undertake the project has been made in the interests of better health not only for New Zealanders but for the entire world," says Chief Executive, Dr Keith Steele.

"The Green Party's concerns are understandable but this is purely a research project for the possible benefit of the medical world -- which will be carried out under strict containment conditions with no exposure to the food chain at all."

The Environmental Risk Management Authority, the regulatory body in New Zealand for all research applications, has yet to approve the program.