On 23 February 1997, news leaked that, for the first time in history, scientists had managed to clone an adult mammal. Dr Ian Wilmut and his team at the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh had achieved the live birth of the famous “Dolly the sheep” (born in 1961), possibly the most famous sheep in the world.
To understand what animal cloning is, how it works, and how it is used today, we must begin with the meaning of the words “to clone” and “cloning”. We will also explore how Ovoclone has the necessary technology to provide the solution you may be looking for if you wish to spend your whole life with a clone of your beloved pet.
WHAT IS A CLONE AND HOW IS IT CREATED?
Clones are basically two organisms that share the same genetic material. Although it is not scientifically exact, it can be helpful to think of clones as identical twins born at different times. And, just like identical twins, although their genetic makeup is the same, individual clones will have differences depending on their different life experiences.
The most widely used technique for cloning today is known as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). First, it is necessary to obtain a sample of the animal’s DNA. This can come from a cryopreserved sample or, in the case of a valuable animal with a premature death, from a biopsy taken immediately after its death.
Next, embryologists must take an egg (from the correct species) and remove its nucleus. This creates an empty egg, without its own genes, but with all the functions necessary to be fertilised and undergo embryonic development. The DNA from the donor animal’s nucleus is introduced into the recipient egg and, if the process is successful, the cell will begin to divide and the embryo will form. The embryo is carefully cultured (grown) in the laboratory until it is ready to be transferred into the uterus of the recipient animal (as in standard assisted reproduction techniques). The resulting pregnancy is carried to term until the clone is born.
WHAT ANIMALS HAVE BEEN CLONED SO FAR?
To date, at least 25 different species of adult animals have been successfully cloned, including the domestic cat in 2000, the horse in 2003, the dog in 2005, and the camel in 2009. Here are some interesting facts about animal cloning:
- Cloning has been used in agriculture to produce genetically identical animals for research purposes, to preserve endangered species, and to produce animals with similar traits.
- The first cloned pet was a cat named “CC” (Carbon Copy) in 2001.
- To date, hundreds of dogs and horses have been cloned, making them the two most cloned animal species.
- Cloning is not the same as genetic engineering, as it does not involve the manipulation of an animal’s genes.
Cloning is a relevant field within equine reproduction, as it makes it possible to preserve the genetic legacy of an exceptional horse, and in the field of agriculture, it helps to increase efficiency in food production.
At Ovoclone, our team of veterinarians and specialists also makes it possible to preserve the genetics of animals and pets, storing biological samples in our laboratory until you decide to use this material for cloning. It is a simple and safe process that you can carry out thanks to our cell preservation bank.
If you have a best and loyal friend and are interested in animal cloning, get in touch with our specialists to learn more about the process. Our team of professionals can begin the replication process of the animal once the DNA sample (usually skin tissue) has been received. The Ovoclone team will carry out the cloning in a specialised and safe laboratory using the best protocols and techniques to successfully complete the procedure. In addition, all animals will undergo thorough veterinary examinations to ensure they are in good health.
1 . I. Wilmut, A. E. Schnieke, J. McWhir, A. J. Kind & K. H. S. Campbell. Viable offspring derived from foetal and adult mammalian cells. Nature, volume 385, pp. 810–813 (1997).
2. Gambini A, Briski O, Canel NG. State of the art of nuclear transfer technologies for assisting mammalian reproduction. Mol Reprod Dev. May 2022;89(5-6):230–242.