Chinese scientists have announced a significant breakthrough in yak cloning, reporting the successful natural birth of 10 cloned calves in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region.
According to researchers, the calves comprising three black yaks and seven white yaks were born between March 25 and April 5 at a breeding and research base in Damxung County. Officials said all newborns are healthy, meet expected development standards, and are steadily gaining weight.
Project lead Fang Shengguo of Zhejiang University said the achievement marks a shift from a single successful cloning case to stable, large-scale application of the technology.
“This shows the technology has moved from a one-time success to a stable, mass-scale application,” he said at a press briefing.
The breakthrough follows the first successful cloned yak born in July 2025, which has since grown to around 183 kilograms.
Yaks, which are native to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, play a vital role in the livelihoods of local herding communities and the region’s fragile ecosystem. Scientists noted that cloning yaks is particularly complex due to their adaptation to high-altitude conditions, including low oxygen levels and strong ultraviolet radiation.
The project is a joint effort involving researchers from the regional plateau biology institute, Damxung County authorities, and Zhejiang University. It employs whole-genome selection and somatic cell cloning techniques to enhance breeding efficiency.
Officials said the advancement could help address long-standing challenges such as slow genetic improvement cycles and declining livestock quality, supporting high-altitude agriculture development under China’s upcoming development plans.