More than 200 Merino sheep embryos imported from Australia were transplanted in Uxin Banner, Ordos city, between Oct 17 and 20, marking a key step in upgrading the local fine-wool sheep breeding industry.

The recipient ewes. [Photo/WeChat account of Uxin Banner Publishing]

The project was jointly carried out by the banner's agriculture and animal husbandry bureau, the Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, and Inner Mongolia Zhengshuo Livestock Breeding Technology Co.

The project aims to introduce superior genetic traits from Australian Merino sheep into the Ordos fine-wool sheep breed. With a total investment of 316,000 yuan ($44,300), it is expected to help breeding sheep better adapt to local climate and farming conditions.

Over 40 percent of the recipient ewes have been confirmed pregnant, indicating a promising start for the embryo transfer program.

Breeders in their lab. [Photo/WeChat account of Uxin Banner Publishing]

"Since we first introduced Australian Merino sheep in 1986, we have been continuously working on genetic improvement," said Aodun, a local animal husbandry expert. "Now, in terms of wool fineness and meat quality, the genes of Ordos fine-wool sheep are more than 98 percent similar to those of purebred Australian Merino."

Ordos' fine-wool sheep. [Photo/WeChat account of Uxin Banner Publishing]

The transplantation project highlights the active role of Uxin Banner's agriculture and animal husbandry authorities in promoting high-quality development of the local specialty industry. It has not only increased the productivity and competitiveness of Ordos fine-wool sheep, but also set a benchmark for modern animal husbandry practices in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region.