Using DNA from Exceptional Carcasses to Produce Cows, Bulls
by Troy Smith, field editor, Angus Journal
RAPID CITY, S.D. (Dec. 4, 2013) — Cloning is not new. Most livestock people can remember hearing about “Dolly,” the cloned sheep. That was back in 1996, and cattle, horses and other species have been cloned since then. According to West Texas A&M reproductive physiologist Dean Hawkins, researchers are still looking for ways that somatic-cell nuclear transfer, or cloning technology, can benefit livestock production.
Researchers have harvested cells from carcasses to create a clone bull calf named Alpha and three heifers named Gamma 1, 2 and 3, said Dean Hawkins, West Texas A&M reproductive physiologist.
“Genetically, a clone is a twin separated by time,” said Hawkins, during his presentation at the Range Beef Cow Symposium hosted Dec. 3-5, in Rapid City, S.D. He talked about a different approach to the application of cloning technology.
“Typically, clones have been created by taking a tissue biopsy from an outstanding live animal,” stated Hawkins, “but we started with the end product and worked backward.”
Hawkins explained how, in 2010, researchers took muscle biopsies from a Prime, Yield Grade (YG) 1 carcass that had been harvested six days before. From a steer carcass sample, viable cells were grown and used to create a clone bull calf named Alpha. Cells grown from a heifer carcass yielded three heifer clones named Gamma 1, 2 and 3.
Semen from Alpha is currently being collected, and the cloned heifers will serve as embryo donors. Plans call for superovulation of the cloned heifers in March, and artificial insemination with semen from Alpha. Resulting embryos will be transferred to recipient cows. Progeny from this mating will be DNA-tested for gene markers associated with carcass merit and feed efficiency. Progeny will be fed at the university feedlot, and resulting carcasses will be evaluated for quality and yield grade.
Hawkins admitted that the project involves numerous unknowns, but the research team hopes to determine whether hitting the desirable “Prime One” target can be enhanced through cloning technology. Hawkins advised his audience to “stay tuned” for further developments.
Hawkins spoke Wednesday at RBCS XXIII. Visit the Newsroom at www.rangebeefcow.com/2013 to view his PowerPoint, read his proceedings paper or listen to his presentation.
---------------------
The RBCS is a biennial educational symposium offering practical production management information. It is sponsored by the Cooperative Extension Service and animal science departments of the University of Wyoming, South Dakota State University, Colorado State University and the University of Nebraska.
Comprehensive coverage of the symposium is available online at www.rangebeefcow.com. Compiled by the Angus Journal editorial team, the site is made possible through sponsorship of LiveAuctions.tv and the cooperation of the host committee.
Editor’s Note: This article was written under contract or by staff of the Angus Journal. To request reprint permission and guidelines, contact Shauna Rose Hermel, editor, at 816-383-5270.
