China has claimed to have successfully cloned three cows that are said to produce more milk and grow faster than other cows. The country's state-run news agency, Xinhua, reported the development on Monday.
The three cows were cloned using somatic cell nuclear transfer, a method in which the nucleus of a body cell is transferred to an egg cell, resulting in an animal with the same genetic makeup as the original.
According to the report, the cloned cows have a gene that makes them produce more milk and grow faster. The cows, referred to as "super cows," are expected to be more efficient for farmers and the dairy industry.
This latest achievement is part of China's plan to advance its biotechnology sector and increase its global competitiveness. The country has already made advances in cloning and genetic engineering, including the creation of the world's first genetically edited babies.
The cloned cows are part of a larger initiative by the government to improve the country's dairy industry, which has been hit by a decline in milk production and a rise in the demand for milk and dairy products.
The Chinese government has also been investing in biotechnology research to increase food production, reduce costs and improve the quality of food products. The success of the cloned cows could pave the way for similar efforts in other animal species.
However, the news has been met with some criticism and concerns. Some experts have raised ethical concerns over cloning, and the potential impact it could have on the environment and animal welfare.
Animal welfare organization, World Animal Protection, stated that cloning animals for food production is not necessary and raises serious animal welfare concerns. They added that the focus should be on improving the welfare of existing animals and developing more sustainable food production methods.
Critics have also raised concerns over the potential impact on the environment, including the increased use of land, water and other resources to feed the larger number of animals.
Despite the criticism, China is committed to advancing its biotechnology sector and is expected to continue investing in cloning and genetic engineering research.
The Chinese government has not yet revealed any plans to commercialize the cloned cows, but the development is seen as a significant milestone in the country's efforts to improve its dairy industry and increase its global competitiveness in biotechnology.
