Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnamese scientists have for the first timesuccessfully cloned pigs using the somatic cells of ear tissue.

Fourhealthy pigs were born on March 10 using somatic cell nuclear transfertechnology.

Visitingthe National Institute of Animal Sciences on March 14, Minister of Agricultureand Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong said this was an important breakthroughfor the animal cloning sector of Vietnam, proving the country’s science andtechnology’s role and position in the regional and the world.

Theinstitute launched the project to study the cloning of pigs by somaticcell nuclear transfer technology in July 2017.

Directorof the institute Dr. Pham Cong Thieu said although the facilities and equipmentwere limited, Vietnamese scientists have strived to study and apply animalcloning technology.

Thisoutstanding achievement has opened up new research opportunitiesto apply animal cloning technology in breeding, preserving rare andvaluable animals as well as creating livestock resistant to diseases andthe impacts of climate change. It could also help to create cloned pigs fororgan transplants in the future, he said.

Somaticcell nuclear transfer technology was successfully carried out for the firsttime in 1996 in the UK, where scientists created Dolly the sheep.  

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

“Vietnamesescientists have been creative and determined to apply world achievements todevelop Vietnam’s own achievements in the context of limited equipment andfacilities,” he said.

Heasked the institute to review the process to strengthen the results andcontinue to study and uphold this technology to preserve native animals anddevelop livestock as part of the husbandry strategy./.