Journal of Embryo Transfer (한국수정란이식학회지)

The Korean Society of Embryo Transfer (한국수정란이식학회)
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Reproductive Efficiency and Characteristics of Cloned Miniature Piglets Produced from Domestic Commercial Gilts

  • You, Jin-Young (College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University) ;
  • Jeon, Yu-Byeol (College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Hyun, Sang-Hwan (College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Park, Soo-Bong (Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration (RDA)) ;
  • Lee, Eun-Song (College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University)
  • Received : 2010.11.22
  • Accepted : 2010.11.30
  • Published : 2010.12.31
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Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the reproductive characteristics of cloned miniature piglets produced from surrogate domestic pigs. Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) miniature pig embryos were transferred into domestic pigs. As controls, domestic pigs of the same breed with surrogates for SCNT embryos and miniature pigs of the same breed with the somatic cell donor were bred by artificial insemination and natural mating, respectively. Surrogate domestic pigs that farrowed cloned miniature piglets had a significantly longer gestation length (118.1 days) than conventionally bred domestic (115.4 days) and miniature (115.5 days) pigs. Furthermore, the birth weight of cloned miniature piglets produced from domestic pigs (743 g) was significantly greater than that of miniature piglets produced by natural breeding (623 g). Also, cloned miniature piglets had a significantly lower weaning rate (49.7%) than conventionally produced domestic (91.5%) and miniature (100%) piglets. No differences were observed between female and male cloned piglets in gestation length, litter size, birth weight, or weaning rate. Our results demonstrate that gestation length is extended in domestic pigs that are transferred with SCNT miniature pig embryos and that cloned miniature piglets have increased birth weight and high pre-weaning mortality.

Keywords

References

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