Russian biologists have cloned a heifer with improved biological characteristics. The newborn, named Zvezdochka, was born weighing 70 kg, which is twice the weight of her peers. This promises high milk yields and meat performance in the future.
Cloning became possible thanks to a long and complex process that used cells from two cows: one to provide egg cells, the other for genetic material. The process involves collecting egg cells, fertilization, and growing the cloned embryo to the blastocyst stage. The embryo is then transferred to the uterus of a surrogate cow.
The main breeding method in animal husbandry today remains the purebred breeding method. The essence of the method lies in using the semen of a high-class producer to improve the genetic potential of the herd.
First, the cow-donor's ovaries are removed entirely, from which hundreds of egg cells are taken. These egg cells, while in an immature state, are grown in a cryobank using nutrient media and activators to the desired level of maturity. After that, the laboratory processing begins. Somatic cells from another cow, which has increased size, body weight, and milk yield, are used as the second source of material.
The egg cell of an ordinary cow is divided into parts, and the nucleus containing the genetic material is removed from it. A somatic cell from the cow that they want to clone is introduced into the empty egg cell. This process is carried out using special solutions and electrofusion. As a result, a cloned embryo is formed, which is cultured in laboratory conditions to the blastocyst stage for seven days. Then the embryo is transferred to the uterus of a surrogate cow, where it develops.
Despite the fact that Zvezdochka was born by caesarean section due to her large weight, her development is now observed to be within the normal range. It is expected that she will reach puberty by 16–18 months. It is not yet possible to say exactly how her improved characteristics will manifest themselves.
Zvezdochka, as befits a cub, behaves actively: she tries to butt and trample on the flooring. She was born in the spring on a farm near Krasnodar and now weighs about 200 kg.
Read materials on the topic:
Potatoes from a test tube: Krasnoyarsk scientists have bred the perfect variety
It became known how many farmers in Russia are ready to use drones to cultivate land