Animal cloning is a technique of asexual assisted reproduction that allows the creation of individuals genetically almost identical to an original, with up to 99.99% similarity in their nuclear DNA. It is based on somatic cell nuclear transfer, a procedure in which the nucleus of an oocyte is replaced with that of a cell from the animal to be cloned. The resulting embryo is implanted into a recipient female, which carries the pregnancy.
Currently, this technique has been successfully applied to various species, such as dogs, cats, horses, camels, cows, and sheep, among others.
A process of asexual assisted reproduction that creates organisms genetically almost identical to an existing one.
A cell from a multicellular organism that does not take part in sexual reproduction (not an egg or a sperm cell).
A technique in which the nucleus of a somatic cell is inserted into an enucleated oocyte (without a nucleus) to initiate embryonic development.
A clone is an organism that shares the same nuclear genetic material (99.99%) with another.
Although not exact, it can be compared to identical twins born at different times.
Just like twins, clones may show differences due to their life experiences and the process of epigenetics.
If they receive similar upbringing and care, their behaviours will also be more alike.
The clone will be genetically identical to the original, sharing the same nuclear DNA and therefore an identical genotype. This translates into:
However, the phenotype (the way genes are expressed in physical and behavioural traits) can vary due to environmental and epigenetic factors.
Example: a spot on the coat may differ slightly in shape or size. In animals of a single colour, these variations are usually minimal or almost imperceptible.
Moreover, although the clone will have the same genetic predisposition, its final behaviour will depend on:
In conclusion, the clone will be the closest possible genetic replica of the original animal, although not necessarily an exact copy in every aspect.
To date, at least 25 different species of adult animals have been successfully cloned.
In 1891, Hans Driesch separated the first two cells of a sea urchin embryo. This discovery demonstrated that early cells are totipotent, capable of forming an entire organism. An experiment that forever changed developmental biology.
First cloned mammal from an adult cell using the Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (TNCS / SCNT) technique.
This event revolutionised reproductive biotechnology.
The birth of “Copycat” (CC) in 2001 marked a historic milestone in biotechnology: it was the first cloned cat in the world.
This achievement was made possible thanks to the somatic cell nuclear transfer technique, the same method previously used to clone the sheep Dolly.
In 2003, Prometea was born, considered the first successfully cloned horse.
This scientific achievement was carried out by a team of Italian researchers and represented a historic breakthrough in animal biotechnology.The most remarkable aspect of this case is that Prometea was carried by the same mare from which the cell used for cloning was taken, a unique event that attracted the attention of the international scientific community.
In 2005, a team of scientists from Seoul National University introduced Snuppy to the world, the first successfully cloned dog.
The name comes from a combination of Seoul National University and puppy.
In 2009, in Dubai, Injaz was born, the first successfully cloned camel.
Her name means “achievement” in Arabic, reflecting the importance of this breakthrough for science and the region.
Today, cloning is applied to horses, dogs, cats, camels, cows, pigs, and other species.
Its uses range from genetic preservation and species conservation to replication of animals with high sporting or reproductive value.
Successfully cloned species include, among others:
Cloned mammals include a wide range of livestock species, pets, and elite animals bred for sports competitions: sheep, cows, horses, camels, dogs, cats, goats, and pigs.
In the field of scientific research, the most commonly cloned mammals are mice, sheep, and rabbits, used to study diseases, test treatments, and better understand genetic mechanisms.
Species conservation is applied to mammals such as the bison, mouflon, and deer, with the aim of preserving unique genetic lines and helping to restore endangered populations.
To avoid confusion, it is important to distinguish between these three concepts:
Creates an embryo with the nuclear DNA of the original animal, producing a “genetic twin” born at a different time.
Includes techniques such as artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
The offspring have a unique genetic combination (50% from each parent).
Directly modifies an organism’s genes: adding, deleting, or altering specific genetic sequences, usually with tools such as CRISPR-Cas9.
To avoid confusion, it is important to distinguish between these three concepts:
Creates an embryo with the nuclear DNA of the original animal, producing a “genetic twin” born at a different time.
Includes techniques such as artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
The offspring have a unique genetic combination (50% from each parent).
Directly modifies an organism’s genes: adding, deleting, or altering specific genetic sequences, usually with tools such as CRISPR-Cas9.
Cloning an animal consists of creating a genetically identical organism to another using the Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (TNCS / SCNT) technique.
Natural cloning occurs in identical twins, who share the same DNA.
Artificial cloning is achieved in the laboratory by generating an embryo with the nuclear DNA of the original animal.
The clone shares 99.99% of its nuclear DNA with the original.
However, environmental and epigenetic factors can cause slight differences in coat, behaviour, or temperament.
To date, more than 25 species have been successfully cloned, including sheep, cows, horses, camels, dogs, cats, pigs, goats, mice, rabbits, and primates, as well as some attempts with endangered species.
It is applied in different fields:
Yes, clones can reproduce naturally and have offspring just like any other individual of their species.
Yes. Cloned animals can live a healthy and normal life.
Although not all cloning attempts are successful, those that are born usually develop in a stable way.
The cost varies depending on the species and the laboratory, being higher for pets and horses than for farm animals.
No. Regulations vary from country to country: some allow cloning for commercial or scientific purposes, while others restrict it to research only.
No. The procedure is carried out at the cellular level in the laboratory. Neither the cell donor nor the recipient female experiences pain during the process.
Although the technique is highly advanced, it does not guarantee 100% success in gestation and requires specialised facilities, expert staff, and strict ethical oversight.
The most famous case is the sheep Dolly (1996), the first mammal cloned from an adult cell, marking a turning point in biotechnology.