Animal cloning is a reproductive technique that allows the generation of genetically almost identical individuals. This technique has been used in various fields such as medicine, agriculture, and livestock (research). In the field of equestrian sport, animal cloning is becoming an increasingly popular tool.
Recently, “Otterongo Alpha Z”, a cloned horse, won the CSI5*-W 1.55m Grand Prix in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. “Otterongo Alpha Z” is a KWPN horse aged 9. The original horse, “Otterongo van de Kopshoeve”, had an outstanding sports career. He won numerous grand prix titles, including a 4th place at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
The cloning of “Otterongo van de Kopshoeve” was carried out by a team of scientists at Utrecht University, Netherlands. The team used a cloning technique called somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). This technique involves transferring the nucleus of a somatic cell from an animal into an enucleated recipient oocyte. The resulting embryo is then transferred into a recipient mare.
Cloning makes it possible to create horses that are genetically nearly identical to other highly valued horses. This can help breeders and riders produce horses with the desired traits for equestrian sport.
