Chinese biologists have cloned for the first time a highly productive Holstein cow, which can produce 18 tons of milk annually.
According to the newspaper “Global Times” Global TimesScientists from Northwestern University of Agriculture and Forestry in China cloned three calves through somatic cell nuclear transfer, using tissue from the animal’s ear.
Research team leader Jin Yaping said, according to the newspaper, that the experiment is of great significance for the revival of livestock in China, as 70 percent of cows in China are bought from abroad.
“We plan to spend two to three years building a herd of more than 1,000 super cows, which will be a solid foundation for resolving China’s dependence on animal supplies from abroad,” he added.
It is reported that Chinese scientists have conducted a number of cloning experiments in recent years, especially from pigs, horses, cats, dogs and other animals.
