Intra and Interspecies Somatic Cell Cloning in Rabbits, Cats and Goats

Abstract

Nuclear transfer from adult somatic cells is an advanced reproductive biotechnology. This technique can be applied in animal production for producing a high genetically identical copy for endangered species conservation and for therapeutic cloning for human medicine. Our three-year preliminary study indicates the possibility of somatic cell cloning by using the rabbit as model of technical development. Later, interspecies cloning in wild cats and domestic cats was performed successfully in terms of cloned embryo production. Meanwhile, goat cloning served as the model for farm animals.