China successfully clones batch of six super high-yield dairy goats

Chinese scientists from the Northwest A&F University have successfully cloned six “super” high-yield dairy goats in Shaanxi Province, representing a major milestone in China’s agricultural biotechnology. The batch, consisting of four males and two females, was cloned from elite Saanen donors capable of producing over 2,800 kilograms of milk annually—significantly higher than average yields. These donor animals also exhibited superior milk quality, disease resistance, and environmental adaptability.
By integrating genomic selection with somatic cell cloning, the research team managed to bypass the lengthy timelines of traditional breeding, which can take up to a decade to establish superior populations. This breakthrough addresses critical industry bottlenecks, such as the slow propagation of elite traits and long generational intervals. With Shaanxi already processing 80% of China’s goat milk products, this advancement aligns with the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan goals to modernize the livestock industry and secure a diversified food supply system.
Credit – CGTN