Identical twins are a natural occurrence.  By definition, they share the same DNA make up, and thus offer the same genetics.  Unfortunately, few of the most elite animals are born with an identical twin. Cloning technology now allows breeders to create a calf or calves that are genetically identical to the original animal.

Cloning an animal involves several steps:

Involvement from both producers and scientists
is required to complete the cloning process:

1. Order a genetic preservation kit by contacting a Trans Ova Genetics client services representative at 1-800-999-3586 or Bovance at 877-4-BOVANCE. 

2. Collect tissue samples from the original animal using the genetic preservation kit (you can also ask your veterinarian to help with this step).

3. Mail collection sample to the Bovance laboratory.

Lab Processing
12357-A Riata Trace Pkwy., Suite 100
Austin, TX 78727

4. Tissue samples are cultured in the Bovance laboratory, producing millions of viable cells that are identical to the donor animal’s cells.

5. These cells can be cryogenically frozen and stored indefinitely as a genetic preservation, or used immediately to clone the animal.

6. If you decide to clone your animal from which you’ve made a genetic preservation, the DNA from the stored cell line can be transferred into enucleated oocytes (eggs which have had their genetic material removed).

7. An electrical current is passed through the media containing the oocytes to fuse the outer membrane of the donor cell to the inner membrane of the enucleated oocyte (electrofusion). This forms fused couplets.

8. The fused couplets are incubated for several days to form embryos.

9. Embryos are then transferred into Trans Ova Genetics’ health-certified recipients, which gestate the pregnancies for 283 days.

10. Healthy clone calves are delivered to their owners 60 days after their birth, with or without a lactating recipient on request.

Producers can have live, healthy clone calves within as little as 10 - 12 months from the original sample collection and have the option to genetically preserve their desired animals for many years to come. In this short time frame, genetically superior animals that a breeder may have spent a lifetime to develop can be copied, offering piece of mind and increased mating and marketing opportunities.