Genetic breakthrough: China carries out first mass animal cloning

In China, scientists at Northwestern A&F University have successfully cloned six Saanen dairy goats in a series. The experiment resulted in animals with high genetic productivity, capable of producing up to 3,000 liters of milk per year.

This is reported by Xinhua .

The research was conducted by a team of specialists from the Northwestern University of Agriculture and Forestry, specializing in agricultural biotechnology. The work resulted in the creation of six cloned animals – four males and two females, obtained from elite donors with high milk productivity.

The scientists note that the experiment was based on a combination of genomic selection and somatic cell cloning technology. This approach allowed not only to copy genetic material, but also to increase control over each stage of the process, including cell isolation, cell line creation, embryo reconstruction, embryo transfer, and subsequent pregnancy monitoring.

“As part of the study, we improved the process of isolating somatic cells and optimized all cloning stages to increase the stability of the result,” the research team noted.

Scientists emphasize that serial cloning allows for the repeated reproduction of genetically identical animals with the best characteristics . This eliminates the traditional risks of selection associated with the randomness of natural selection and allows for the purposeful formation of a productive herd.

The key advantage of the technology is a significant reduction in the time required to develop a highly productive population . While traditional breeding methods require approximately 8–10 years, cloning allows for a stable result in just one pregnancy cycle.

The researchers also emphasize that similar approaches have previously been used to create highly productive “supercows” , but the current experiment with goats is larger in scale due to the serial reproduction of several individuals at once.

Separately, scientists explain that the technology is of strategic importance for China’s agriculture. It can reduce the country’s dependence on imported breeding animals and increase food security, especially in the face of growing demand for dairy products.

At the same time, experts draw attention to possible risks . These include a decrease in genetic diversity and the potential vulnerability of herds to the same diseases, since genetically identical animals may have common weaknesses.

Despite this, the technology is seen as a promising tool for mass application in animal husbandry. Scientists predict that further automation of the processes could make cloning more accessible to large farms and the industrial agro-sector.

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