There is a great deal of controversy regarding the science of cloning. Because cloning is still a fairly young science and not mainstream, there is much education needed. We look to science to help us determine what is Fact vs. Fiction?

What is Cloning?

The nucleus from a mature, unfertilized egg, containing a single set of genes from the female, is removed and discarded. It is replaced with an adult somatic (body) cell from the donor animal, containing two sets of genes (one from each of the donor’s parents). Following the application of an electrochemical stimulus, the egg/cell “couplet” fuses, and the resulting clone embryo begins to divide like a naturally conceived embryo. After a brief period of growth in culture, the embryo is transferred into a recipient (a female of the same species, generally in estrus or hormonally-stimulated) as in conventional embryo transfer. In a matter of months — whatever the natural gestation period is for that species — she will give birth to an animal that is genetically identical to the donor animal.

FACT VS FICTION

Fiction: A cloned horse cannot compete in rodeo events.

Fact: In the rodeo/barrel racing world the best events in the world are at Professional rodeos and large jackpot barrel racing events. None of those organizations require a horse to be registered with AQHA. The horse's value and accomplishments are based on how he does at these events not because he is registered with the AQHA. The registration of your horse with the AQHA is nothing more than a birth certificate, proof of ownership and bloodline. As an owner of a breeding clone we will be providing that certificate for the foals owners (it's a simple procedure). The AQHA World Show barrel racing event is a minor event within the barrel racing world because of the many other large scale events that can prove your horse as a winner.

On a final note, once cloning and breeding cloned horses become common place and seen as another assisted reproductive process, the AQHA will approve the horses. Once they feel they are losing members and money watch how fast they change their opinion. It's happen in the past with all the other assisted reproductive process in the past (embryo transfer, artificial insemination, etc.).

Fiction: Cloning is immoral

Fact: Cloning is just another assisted reproductive process similar to in vitro-fertilization or embryonic transfer. It is a science that is shrouded by mystery and unanswered questions. However, as more horses are being cloned each day and more healthy foals are being produced we see that this is a viable option for those looking to breed successful equine offspring.

"Cloning offers the possibility to fulfill that desire by producing an intact male that is genetically identical to a champion gelding. Likewise, as your best mare ages and reaches the end of her reproductive years, you can clone her and then use the new mare to continue to produce offspring.

While not every animal is suitable for cloning, the opportunity to protect and multiply the genetics of superior animals makes cloning a valuable tool for horse owners and breeders.

Cloning also offers a kind of insurance. The impact of injury or loss of a popular stud is greatly reduced if another stud with the same genes is available.”

Fiction: Cloned Horses run a high risk of being deformed

Fact: The majority of animals produced by cloning reach healthy adulthood. However, the incidence of health problems in animals produced by assisted reproductive technologies—such as cloning, in vitro fertilization, and embryo transfer—is higher than in animals produced by natural reproduction. The health problems that affect some animals produced by cloning, including malformation of the placenta and other organs, also occur in naturally conceived animals. As cloning scientists study these health problems and their prevention and treatment, they may contribute to improved veterinary care for all animals.

Fiction: Cloned Horses only live a few years

Fact: The theory that cloning causes animals to be born “old” or age rapidly has been disproved. This theory was based on the fact that telomeres, which are caps on the ends of chromosomes, shorten as an animal ages. When the first adult animals were cloned, scientists wondered whether their telomeres would be the same length as the telomeres of the adult animals from which they were cloned—in other words, would they start life prematurely old. It turns out that cellular reprogramming during the cloning process re-sets telomeres to lengths that are normal for newborns. In short, the age of the donor animal (the animal whose DNA is used in a cloning procedure) does not affect the age or aging process of the new animal.

Fiction: Cloning isn’t exact. The clone is not identical.

Fact: Animals produced by cloning have the same genes as their donor animals, which is why we describe them as being like later-born identical twins. Also like identical twins, the new animals and their donors may have phenotypic differences, such as differences in markings. Such differences may be caused by natural epigenetic factors. Because genes influence behavior, animals produced by cloning and their donors generally have behavioral similarities, but they will also likely have differences, because behavior is influenced by experience and environment too. In short, the new animal may not be indistinguishable from its donor, but it will be the closest possible match.

Learn More about Cloning Success Stories please visit: http://www.viagen.com/benefits/success-stories/