In a landmark achievement announced on Monday, April 27, 2026, China has for the first time successfully cloned 10 yaks in a single batch, marking a major advance in livestock breeding technology. The announcement was made in Damxung County, Lhasa, within the Xizang Autonomous Region.
The breakthrough is the result of three years of research by a Chinese scientific team, utilizing a domestically developed breeding system that combines whole-genome selection with somatic cell cloning. This innovative approach has demonstrated high efficiency and reliability for agricultural applications.
Between March 25 and April 5 this year, a second batch of cloned yaks led to 10 successful pregnancies, all of which culminated in natural deliveries. Researchers highlight that this outcome underscores the technology's readiness for large-scale industrial use, promising to revolutionize yak breeding in high-altitude regions.
This achievement builds upon the birth of the world's first cloned yak on July 10, 2025. Named "Namco 1#," the animal weighed 16.75 kilograms at birth and has since grown robustly, reaching 183.25 kilograms at 286 days old.
The successful batch cloning of yaks represents a significant stride in biotechnology, offering potential benefits for genetic preservation, breeding efficiency, and sustainable livestock management across Asia and beyond.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
