Cloning
Cloning is a breeding technique that raised a lot of discussion in Europe. Cloning allows the reproduction of animals that already have proven their productivity, low disease incidence and ability to cope with the environment. Plus, through cloning castrated male animals can be made available for breeding again.
Cloning is a more cost-effective manner than the storage of sperm or egg cells. Besides, the sample collection and storage is easier.
Cloning is a more cost-effective manner than the storage of sperm or egg cells. Besides, the sample collection and storage is easier.
The principle of cloning
Currently cloning is only used in farm animals for research purposes. Potentially it can be used to copy genetic individuals, as well as for dissemination of genetic progress. Cloning can also be used to introduce a new or endangered breed into a country, without the risk of disease transmission by transport of animals.
Animals can be cloned in two ways: splitting an embryo or by Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT).
Currently cloning is only used in farm animals for research purposes. Potentially it can be used to copy genetic individuals, as well as for dissemination of genetic progress. Cloning can also be used to introduce a new or endangered breed into a country, without the risk of disease transmission by transport of animals.
Animals can be cloned in two ways: splitting an embryo or by Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT).
Embryo splitting
An embryo is split, very soon after conception; two individuals are created. These individuals have the same genotype - based on the genes of the parent animals. This concept is the same as the natural occurrence of identical twins. |
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT)
When a clone is produced through SCNT, the nucleus from an un-fertilised egg cell is removed and replaced with the nucleus of a somatic cell (i.e. any kind of tissue apart from eggs and sperm). The egg cell with replaced nucleus is transferred into the uterus of a recipient animal. Note: this would not be true of non-mammalian species, these species are typically hatched. |
Biosecurity and food safety
EFSA and others have assessed the food safety of food products derived from cloned animals or their offspring - no food safety risks have been identified. There is no difference from food products of conventional breeds.
Still, the concerns of society remains; mainly regarding animal welfare, animal health and ethics.
The benefits of cloning for the food production are limited; with further developments these benefits will reduce.
EFSA and others have assessed the food safety of food products derived from cloned animals or their offspring - no food safety risks have been identified. There is no difference from food products of conventional breeds.
Still, the concerns of society remains; mainly regarding animal welfare, animal health and ethics.
The benefits of cloning for the food production are limited; with further developments these benefits will reduce.
References:
- Scientific Opinion of the Scientific Committee on a request from the European Commission on Food Safety, Animal Health and Welfare, and Environmental Impact of Animals derived from Cloning by Somatic Cell Nucleus Transfer (SCNT) and their Offspring and Products Obtained from those Animals. The EFSA Journal (2008) 767, 1-49.
- FDA (Food and Drug Administration), 2008. Animal Cloning: A Risk Assessment. Center for Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, pages 1-968.
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