Introduction to Animal Cloning Technology
Animal cloning technology describes several processes applied in producing genetically identical copies of a species. The copied materials usually have the same genetic makeup as the original, thus known as a clone. Some of the biological materials that have been cloned include genes, cells, tissues, and at times, the entire organism. Animal cloning is conducted by removing a full-grown somatic cell, such as, skin cells from the species that will be copied. The DNA material is then moved to the somatic cells of the donor animal into an egg cell, where its DNA nucleus is removed (Petersen, 2017). Animal cloning is used for improving the characteristics of the animal, such as healthy off springs, thus an advantage to farmers, consumers, and endangered species. It has also been a way of making more profits since the cloned animals are more expensive, and their products are more, thus a benefit to farmers.
Companies and People Interested in Researching Animal Cloning
Farmers and agricultural companies are interested in researching animal cloning. Agricultural companies are aimed at producing superior animals which are better than the originals. It would be a business advantage since the farmers will be buying from these companies the cloned animals. These companies will be aiming at improving specific traits of animals such as resistance to specific diseases depending on the place where the animal will be reared. It will also be a way of ensuring that no species will be extinct since the clones will carry their DNA.
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What They are Trying to Discover
The agricultural companies and farmers are conducting cloning, mainly for-profit purposes. The researchers are trying to discover the traits that will be superior in specific species and then cloning them. Agriculture is among the leading supporters of economic growth in the world. To make sure that the sector keeps on being competitive, cloning helps produce superior animals, which will provide more yields such as milk and meat. The cloned animals would also last longer, thus reducing the disadvantage of animals dying before they make a profit for the farmers.
What has already been done with Animal Cloning
Cloning technology has been used in various ways. Different companies have achieved different results; for example, Cooperative Research Center for Innovative Dairy Products is a cloning company found in Melbourne, Australia. The company has been able to generate elite dairy cows and bulls (Raadsma, Zenger, Khatkar, Crump, Moser, Solkner, & Nicholas, 2007). The process has been possible through the transfer of casein genes, which achieves enhanced animals for producing high-quality milk and high-value beef products. Cloning has also been successful with other animals such as dogs and cats.
Ultimate Goal in the Future
Cloning technology aims at improving agriculture in the future by making superior breeds that will be resistant to weather conditions, health problems, and increased productivity. There is a fear that the number of endangered animals is on the rise. The problem will be done through cloning these breeds and species; thus, their DNA will be carried on (Petersen, 2017). The researchers are also trying to work on recovering the animals that have become extinct. Through animal cloning, biodiversity will be improved with renewing the gene pool.
Conclusion
The cloned species has superior characteristics than the original. Since the aim of agriculture is improving productivity, they are involved in researching ways in which animal cloning can help increase yields and productivity in the sector. The process is beneficial to the farmers as they gain improved animals. The animal species also benefits due to preservation from extinction.
References
Petersen, B. (2017). Basics of genome editing technology and its application in livestock species. Reproduction in Domestic Animals , 52 , 4-13.
Raadsma, H. W., Zenger, K. R., Khatkar, M. S., Crump, R. E., Moser, G., Solkner, J., ... & Nicholas, F. W. (2007). Genome wide selection in dairy cattle based on high-density genome-wide SNP analysis: from discovery to application. In Proc Assoc Advmt Anim Breed Genet (Vol. 17, pp. 231-234).
