UAE’s Breakthrough in Cloning: Boosting Dairy Production for Food Security
Researchers at the UAE Biotech Research Center have achieved a major milestone by successfully cloning Alpine goats that are genetically predisposed to produce an impressive 14 litres of milk daily. Compared to the average goat, which typically yields between four and eight litres, this initiative aims to multiply superior genetic traits to bolster the nation’s food security. By focusing on cloning rather than traditional breeding, scientists can bypass the unpredictable nature of genetic inheritance, ensuring that every offspring possesses the exact high-yield and high-protein characteristics of the original donor.
The cloning process involves extracting genetic material from the donor goat and transferring it into a surrogate, allowing the centre to create a reliable herd of high-performing animals without waiting years for selective breeding results. While the team is currently preparing for their first milking cycle, they are already looking toward the future, with potential plans to launch a dedicated dairy brand. Beyond enhancing dairy output, the center views this technology as a vital tool for preserving rare animal lines and maintaining sustainable, high-quality agricultural resources for the region.