According to the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), China’s meat production in 2020 reached 76.39 million t and egg production reached 34.68 million t, both ranking first in the world. Within “135”, the country has set up 199 national-level breeding farms, conservation areas and gene banks for livestock and poultry genetic resources. More than 300 local livestock and poultry breeds were preserved in the form of frozen semen, embryos and somatic cells. The CAAS has made significant progress in genome analysis, functional gene cloning and key breeding technologies for major livestock and poultry such as pigs, cattle, goats, chickens´, ducks and horses, providing a theoretical basis and technical support for genetic improvement and breeding. A number of functional genes with great breeding value were discovered. A new variety of yak was developed to improve production and help herders on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

During “145” (2021-2025), China aims to build the pool with the largest livestock and poultry germplasm resources, the most complete varieties, and the highest level of intelligence globally, which collaborate with enterprises.

Xinhua news release, January 26, 2021