Vietnamese scientists have for the first time successfully cloned pigs using the somatic cells of ear tissue.

Four healthy pigs were born on March 10 using somatic cell nuclear transfer technology.

Visiting the National Institute of Animal Sciences on March 14, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong said this was an important breakthrough for Vietnam’s animal cloning sector, proving the country’s scientific and technological role and position in the region and beyond.

The institute launched the project to study the cloning of pigs using somatic cell nuclear transfer technology back in July 2017.

Head of the institute Dr Pham Cong Thieu said although the facilities and equipment were limited, Vietnamese scientists have strived to study and apply animal cloning technology.

This outstanding achievement has opened up new research opportunities to apply animal cloning technology in breeding, preserving rare and valuable animals as well as creating livestock resistant to diseases and the impacts of climate change. It could also help to create cloned pigs for organ transplants in the future, he said.

Somatic cell nuclear transfer technology was successfully carried out for the first time in 1996 in the UK, where scientists created Dolly the sheep.

Minister Cuong praised the efforts of the researchers of the institute for cloning the pigs, which make up a high proportion of Vietnamese food.

“Vietnamese scientists have been creative and determined to apply world achievements to develop Vietnam’s own achievements in the context of limited equipment and facilities,” he said.

He asked the institute to review the process to strengthen the results and continue to study and uphold this technology to preserve native animals and develop livestock as part of the husbandry strategy.

VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK