In a milestone for agricultural biotechnology, researchers in China's Xizang Autonomous Region announced the successful birth of a cloned yak this week. The calf, delivered via cesarean section at a Damxung County breeding base, marks a leap forward in efforts to preserve and enhance high-altitude livestock populations critical to the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau's ecology and economy.
Weighing 33.5 kilograms at birth—significantly heavier than average yak newborns—the healthy black-coated calf stood and walked shortly after delivery. The achievement stems from a collaboration between Zhejiang University, the Damxung County government, and the Institute of Plateau Biology, combining whole-genome selection with somatic cell cloning techniques.
Professor Fang Shengguo, leading Zhejiang University's team, emphasized the project's broader implications: "This breakthrough opens doors to optimizing yak breeds and establishing sustainable breeding systems for communities reliant on these animals." Yaks serve as both economic anchors for herders and ecological stewards in the fragile plateau environment.
The cloning initiative, launched in July 2023, addresses challenges posed by declining genetic diversity and harsh climatic conditions. Researchers aim to develop hardier livestock strains while preserving indigenous species—a balance crucial for maintaining regional food security and cultural traditions.
As global interest grows in climate-resilient agriculture, this advancement positions Xizang at the forefront of high-altitude biotechnology innovation, offering potential applications for mountainous regions worldwide.
