A baby yak, genetically identical to its donor, was born via cesarean on July 11, 2025, at a breeding base in Damxung County, Tibet. The calf weighed 33.5 kg, heavier than typical yak newborns, and was seen walking and in good health—fully coated in black fur
🎯 5 Scientific Breakthroughs
1. First-ever yak cloned
This is the world’s first somatic-cell cloned yak, achieved using a nucleus from an adult yak cell inserted into an enucleated egg
2. Plateau-ready cloning
The calf was grown, delivered, and raised in Tibet’s low-oxygen, high-altitude environment, demonstrating cloning’s feasibility under harsh conditions .
3. Advanced genome selection
Scientists combined whole-genome selection with somatic cell cloning—ensuring precise inheritance of valuable traits like hardiness and body mass
4. Livelihood & eco benefits
Yaks are vital for Tibet’s herders—used for milk, meat, transport, and as cultural symbols. This technology ensures breed conservation and support for plateau communities
5. Conservation potential
Cloning techniques open doors to protecting endangered livestock and species native to the Tibetan Plateau—like wild yak and Tibetan antelope
📅 Project Timeline & Partners
- Began in July 2023, led by Zhejiang University researchers, Damxung County government, and the Institute of Plateau Biology .
- Utilized somatic-cell cloning and whole-genome selection tools to produce the calf Interesting Engineering
🌱 Why it matters
- Breed improvement: Enables propagation of high-yield, resilient yak breeds.
- Scientific advancement: Breaks altitude and environmental barriers in cloning.
- Conservation: Paves the way for cloning endangered plateau species.
- Rural development: Boosts local herders’ livelihoods with quality livestock.
✅ Bottom Line
This is a major leap for livestock science—the world’s first cloned yak, born and thriving on the Tibetan Plateau. With advanced genome control and breeding technology, Chinese scientists are not only enhancing yak herds but also charting a future where cloning supports biodiversity and rural communities in extreme environments.
