Physical and clinicopathologic findings in foals derived by use of somatic cell nuclear transfer: 14 cases (2004-2008).
OBJECTIVE
To describe the health status of foals derived by use of somatic cell nuclear transfer (NT) at a university laboratory.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
14 live-born NT-derived foals.


METHODS
Medical records from 2004 through 2008 were evaluated to identify all pregnancies resulting in live-born NT-derived foals. Information obtained included gestation length, birth weight, foaling complications, gross abnormalities of the fetal membranes, appearance of the umbilicus, mentation of the foal, limb deformities, and any other abnormalities detected in the neonatal period. Clinicopathologic data were also evaluated when available. Records of 4 recipient mares during gestation were included.


RESULTS
Six foals were clinically normal for all evaluated variables. The most common abnormalities detected in the remaining 8 foals included maladjustment, enlarged umbilical remnant, and angular deformity of the forelimbs. Two foals died within 7 days after parturition; in the remaining foals, these conditions all resolved with medical or surgical management. Large offspring syndrome and gross abnormalities of the fetal membranes were not detected. The 12 surviving foals remained healthy.


CONCLUSIONS
Associated problems of calves resulting from use of NT have been reported, but there are few data on the outcome of foals resulting from adult somatic cell NT in horses. Although this population of foals had a lower perinatal mortality rate than has been reported for NT-derived calves, some NT-derived foals required aggressive supportive care. Birth of foals derived from NT should take place at a center equipped to handle critical care of neonates.
Johnson
Aime K
AK
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA. akj0001@auburn.edu
Clark-Price
Stuart C
SC
Choi
Young-Ho
YH
Hartman
David L
DL
Hinrichs
Katrin
K
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D019976:Cloning, Organism / Q000662:veterinary*; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000662:veterinary; D047108:Embryonic Development; D005260:Female; D006736:Horses; D008136:Longevity; D053652:Nuclear Transfer Techniques / Q000662:veterinary*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000662:veterinary; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies