World's first handmade cloned transgenic sheep born in China

Chinese scientists from BGI, the world's largest genomics organization, together with the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Shihezi University, made a significant breakthrough in animal cloning.  The world’s first transgenic sheep produced with a simplified technique, handmade cloning, was successfully born at 12:16pm, March 26, 2012, in Xinjiang Region, China. In 2009, donor cells were collected from a Chinese Merino sheep, and, by genetic manipulation, a transgenic cell line was established. After numerous attempts, the Handmade Cloning system for sheep cloning was successfully established in October 2011. The transfer of the produced embryos has eventually led to the present achievement. The genetic modification may result in improved meat quality by increasing the unsaturated fatty acid content. The procedure may contribute to efforts to save endangered species and to produce medicines for human diseases through transgenic animals.