Science & Equine

  • Logo Mono
Written by Aleksandra Dimitrova

kheiron-biotech.com
Image by: kheiron-biotech.com

In vitro production of equine embryos and cloning

The process of producing a genetically identical copy of an original organism is known as animal cloning. The ability to clone an animal by somatic cell nuclear transfer can have huge benefits for disease resistance, conservation biology in endangered species and especially for genetic improvement. Cloning is one of the reproductive biotechnologies used in the equine industry, mainly used in animals of high genetic value. In 2003 the first cloned equid was born. 

Somatic cell nuclear transfer in equine is now a popular option and there are more than 200 equine clones worldwide. Nuclear transfer in horses can have a variety of benefits, especially in situations where the animal is no longer reproductively sound or when it comes to endangered species. With more breeders being interested on how this technique can benefit their breeding programms, somatic sell nuclear transfer will continue to grow and make further developments, however further research is needed.   

 

> From: Maserati et al., JEVS 41 (2016) 42-50. All rights reserved to 2016 Elsevier Inc.. Click here for the online summary.

avma.org
Image by: avma.org