Chinese scientists are always in controversies because of their research. What Chinese scientists have done this time is even more shocking. Indeed, Chinese scientists have successfully cloned three super cow calves that, once fully grown, are capable of producing 50% more milk than the average American cow.

According to the Global Times, the calves were born healthy last month in the city of Lingwu. The first calf born weighed 120 pounds and was 2' 6" feet tall, the Global Times reported. Scientists told the state-owned media outlet that the calves' size and skin pattern are similar to those of cows.

Chinese scientists said that the calves will eventually produce 18 tonnes of milk per year or 1 lakh liters of milk in their lifetime. By comparison, the average American cow produces about 12 tons of milk a year, according to data from the US Department of Agriculture. US Food and Drug Administration officials have said that the meat and milk from cloned cows is "as safe to eat as food from conventionally bred animals." 

The so-called super cows were created using Holstein Friesian cows, a Dutch breed of cattle known for producing higher-than-average amounts of milk. Chinese scientists made headlines last year for cloning the world's first arctic wolf, but the super cow experiment was hailed as another significant breakthrough by researchers, who also noted how much China relies on imports of cows.

Faced with increasing demand for milk and cheese, China imports about 70% of its dairy cows from other countries. The Global Times reported that there are approximately 6.6 million Holstein Friesian cows within the nation's borders, but only five out of every 10,000 are able to actually produce high amounts of milk.