Abstract
Mammalian somatic cell cloning by nuclear transfer is relatively a new reproductive biotechnique with many potential applications. However, at the current stage of development, the reprogramming of epigenetic inheritance by nuclear transfer is still inefficient. The variable conception or birth rates currently associated with cloning in mammals cannot be cited as justification for not embracing this technology as the future use of therapeutic cloning and of embryonic stem cells in tissue and cell therapy will be determined by its help. Similarly the role of cloning in producing transgenic livestock is unequivocal. Therefore, it would be shortsighted to reject it out of hand until we learn more about its possible future role in therapeutic medicine and animal biotechnology. Further efforts and new paradigms are needed to perfect this biological tool and extend it to its fullest potential.
