VIEWS ON THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF CLONING ON ANIMAL BREEDING AND PRODUCTION

The potential benefits of cloning domestic animals in animal breeding and production are considered. ii is concluded that cloning will not m ake a significant contribution to increasing the rate of genetic gain in selection programmes It seems that only marginal advantages can be derived from the use of cloning in other areas of livestock production . If costs are reduced and embryo transfer technology continues to adv ance, the dissemination of genetic material in the form of cloned embr yos could be a reality. It will lead to the introduction of greatly in creased risk in animal production and the consequences can be substant ial.