A new lab studying the genetic modification of cattle was established Thursday in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The Golden Cattle Bio-Technology Research Center is initiated by the Xinjiang Golden Cattle Biology Incorporated Company (GCBIC) and Canada-based Alta Genetics Incorporation.

The center focuses on the industrialization of cattle breeding technologies such as embryo transplantation, embryo segmentation, sex appraisal and genetic modification.

Over the past few years, the GCBIC has accumulated abundant experience in cow breeding. In 1999, it succeeded in breeding over1, 000 heads of cattle dubbed by local herdsmen as "Golden Cattle" because of the good quality of meat. Many weighed 780 kilograms (1719 lb) in only 18 months.

Analysts believe the center will enhance the upgrading of local rural industry to great extent.

( March 29, 2002)