Cloning Cows Using Embryonic Transplants (T5)

Question 1

Describe the process of cloning cows using embryonic transplants..

Answer 1

• a cow is artificially inseminated with sperm taken from a bull
• the zygotes then develop into embryos in the cow at which point they are removed from the uterus
• the embryos are then split into several smaller embryos, each of which has the capacity to grow into a new calf
• these embryos are then placed in the uterus’s of foster mother cows

Question 2

Why are cows cloned using embryonic transplants?

Answer 2

This technique can be used to make many copies of cows that have a high milk yield.

It would produce a her of cows much faster than if the cow was used for breeding in the normal way/.

Question 3

When cloning cows using embryonic transplants are the cows identical to the parents?

Answer 3

No. Sexual reproduction is still involved so the cows are not identical to either parent.