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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

A Simple Microaspiration Technique for Isolating Somatic Cells from Cryopreserved Equine Semen as Nuclear Donors for Cloning
Published on: December 19, 2025
Somatic cell nuclear transfer in horses.
Cesare Galli1, Irina Lagutina, Roberto Duchi
1Laboratorio di Tecnologie della Riproduzione, Istituto Sperimentale Italiano Lazzaro Spallanzani, CIZ srl, Cremona, Italy. cesaregalli@ltrciz.it
Equid cloning is now a reproducible technique, enabling the preservation of valuable genetics. This method allows for the creation of offspring from elite horses, including castrated champions, which would otherwise be impossible.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Animal cloning
- Equine science
Background:
- Equid cloning lagged behind other species due to underdeveloped assisted reproductive techniques.
- Classical reproductive methods like oocyte maturation and in vitro embryo production were essential for successful equine cloning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the technical procedures for cloning equids.
- To summarize the current status of equine cloning technology.
Main Methods:
- Competent oocyte maturation.
- Oocyte enucleation and reconstruction (zona-enclosed or zona-free).
- Efficient activation for high cleavage rates and suitable in vitro embryo culture.
Main Results:
- The first equid clone (a mule) used in vivo-matured oocytes and immediate embryo transfer.
- The first horse clone utilized a complete in vitro procedure from oocyte maturation to blastocyst stage.
- Subsequent equine cloning studies report high efficiency compared to other species.
Conclusions:
- Cloned equid offspring appear normal and fertile upon reaching puberty.
- Equine cloning is a reproducible technique for genetic preservation.
- It enables the generation of offspring from valuable horses, including castrated champions.

