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Pioneering Cloning: China’s First Yak Clone Born in Tibet

July 22, 2025

Chinese researchers have accomplished a remarkable feat in Tibet with the delivery of the world’s first cloned yak. Born via cesarean on July 11 in Damxung County of the Xizang Autonomous Region, the calf weighs an impressive 73.9 pounds (33.5 kg) and is already ambulating independently.

This breakthrough isn’t just a scientific milestone—it’s a practical step forward for livestock breeding in high-altitude areas. Yaks, essential for meat, milk, transport, and fuel, help sustain local communities and maintain the delicate ecological balance on the Tibetan Plateau.

The cloning utilised the somatic cell cloning method, where DNA from a body cell is introduced into an egg cell stripped of its nucleus. Researchers also applied whole-genome selection to identify and propagate superior genetic traits like size and milk yield. The project, launched in 2023 by a Zhejiang University team and backed by the Damxung County government and the Institute of Plateau Biology, aims to strengthen yak breeds by enhancing productivity, resilience, and disease resistance.

If you’ve ever grappled with the challenges of breeding livestock in harsh conditions, you can appreciate how this scientific advancement promises to build a more robust and modernised breeding system suited to Tibet’s unique environment.

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