Efficient nuclear transfer with primordial gametes

Patent Number: 7,351,876

This patent covers a new method of cloning cows.  Specifically, the patent teaches a method of making a cow blastocyst by

- extracting a primordial gamete cell population from the cow fetus
- using the nucleus of the primordial gamete cell as a nuclear donor for an enucleated oocyte
- and activating the combination of the primordial gamete nucleus with the recipient enucleated oocyte

According to the specification, this method of cloning produces results in a more economical and expedient manner.  Cloning of farm animals is useful not only for propagation of desired phenotypes but also because it allows for various manipulations such as transgenic expression of genes that are sought after.  A useful example of cloning and genetic manipulation of animals is the creation of the DAF transgenic pig by Dr David White, founder of Sernova.

View this patent on the USPTO website.

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