clone | Horse Racing Free Tips

Gemini Genetics and ViaGen Pets & Equine animal cloning have created a clone of a showjumping stallion using a skin sample, reports EQUUS magazine.

Owned by Pat, John and Lisa Hales of Shaw Farm, Arko III was by the world famous Argentinus, out of Unika. Arko III was the top showjumper in Europe in 2004, 2005 and 2006 and he was the British Equestrian Showjumper of the Year on five occasions.

[Story Continues Below]

Arko's clone was created from a small skin sample that had been preserved by Gemini Genetics. ViaGen Pets & Equine completed the cloning process. Gemini Genetics is a new animal genetic preservation company that specializes in regenerative genetic banking.

In addition to regenerating a horse or other animal, genetic preservation and cloning also allows for breeding from geldings. Sporthorses Gem Twist, Cruising and Chilli Morning have all been cloned. Experts say the technology can also be used to support rare horse breeds.

Read more at EQUUS magazine.

The post Clone Of Show Jumper Generated From Equine Skin Sample appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

On Aug. 6, the world's first cloned Przewalski horse was born, giving hope to conservationists of the endangered breed. To create the colt, scientists used genetic material that had been cryopreserved 40 years ago at the San Diego Zoo Global (SDZG) Frozen Zoo.

“Kurt” was born to a domestic surrogate mother. His birth revives genetic diversity that was believed to have been lost decades ago. Dr. Bob Wiese, chief life sciences officer at San Diego Zoo Global, is hopeful that the colt will bring back genetic variation imperative for the future survival of the Przewalski breed.

The Przewalski horse is a wild horse breed from the steppes of central Asia; native populations declined dramatically after World War II because of hunting, severe winters and competition with livestock. The last sighting of a wild Przewalski horse was in 1969.

A captive breeding program was begun in 1899 and included 12 horses; these 12 animals were the foundation for the nearly 2,000 Przewalski horses alive today. However, with such low genetic diversity, these 2,000 individuals are less able to adapt to environmental changes or stressors, and are at risk of inbreeding, which can result in a plethora of unwanted traits.

“Kuporovic” was a captive bred Przewalski horse with a genome that had ancestry to two wild horse founders. Because he had so much genetic variation, scientists preserved his genome in the San Diego Zoo's Frozen Zoo in 1980.

The Zoo partnered with wildlife conservation group Revive & Restore and pet cloning company ViaGen Equine to produce Kurt, who is Kuporovic's exact genetic replica. The tiny foal represents long-term viability of preserved genetic material, offering hope for the survival of all endangered species.

Tag: clone

Clone Of Show Jumper Generated From Equine Skin Sample

Foal Cloned From 40-Year-Old Genetic Material Offers Hope For Endangered Species