Cow Gives Birth to First Clone Created in Africa
Embryo Plus recently announced that one of its cows had given birth to the first animal clone created in Africa. Futhi, a Holstein whose name is the Zulu word for "replica," was created with deoxyribonucleic acid extracted from an ear cell of a former South African milk production record holder.
by Sherry Morse
Embryo Plus recently announced that one of its cows had given birth to the first animal clone created in Africa.
Futhi, a Holstein whose name is the Zulu word for "replica," was created with deoxyribonucleic acid extracted from an ear cell of a former South African milk production record holder.
"A healthy calf was born," said Dr. Morné de la Rey, who participated in the creation of Futhi. "There is no reason to think her life expectancy or her ability to produce milk would differ from her mother’s."
The survival rate of clones is less than half the rate of animals conceived naturally. In addition, clones often die at an early age.
The cow from which Futhi was cloned, a 9-year-old known only as LMJC 865, is due to give birth to a calf soon.
"It will be very interesting to see how the calf and clone develop," said South African animal advocate Greg Kelly.
© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.
Embryo Plus recently announced that one of its cows had given birth to the first animal clone created in Africa.
Futhi, a Holstein whose name is the Zulu word for "replica," was created with deoxyribonucleic acid extracted from an ear cell of a former South African milk production record holder.
"A healthy calf was born," said Dr. Morné de la Rey, who participated in the creation of Futhi. "There is no reason to think her life expectancy or her ability to produce milk would differ from her mother’s."
The survival rate of clones is less than half the rate of animals conceived naturally. In addition, clones often die at an early age.
The cow from which Futhi was cloned, a 9-year-old known only as LMJC 865, is due to give birth to a calf soon.
"It will be very interesting to see how the calf and clone develop," said South African animal advocate Greg Kelly.
© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.
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