Chinese scientists breed genetically-engineered low-lactose dairy calf

Scientists at the Inner Mongolia Agricultural University claim to have bred the world’s first genetically-modified calf that can produce low-lactose milk, to help lactose-intolerant people.

The calf known as ‘Lakes’ is seven weeks old, and is expected to produce low-lactose milk within two years. It was born at the lab of the northern Chinese university, reported Xinhua.

To breed the calf, the scientists collected fetus fibroblasts from a Holstein cow that was 45 days pregnant in May 2011, and genetically engineered the fetus by including a lactose dissolution enzyme.

The enzyme is capable of dissolving lactose to glucose or galactose, making the milk easily digestible for those with lactose intolerance.

The scientists then placed the engineered fetus into the womb of a cow in July 2011.

This process was later conducted on 14 heads of cattle, and five calves were born in April 2012; however, only three calves carried the lactose dissolution enzyme and, of those, one calf survived.

According to the researchers, the calf will produce safer milk for people with lactose intolerance, which affects nearly 60% of the Chinese population.

Research leader Zhang Li said the calf will produce low-lactose milk after she is 25 months old and has delivered calves.

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Its symptoms include abdominal bloating, diarrhoea, flatulence and nausea.

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Image: Lactose intolerance affects nearly 60% of the Chinese population. Photo: Alessandro Paiva.