TransOva Could Play Pivotal Role In Cloning Animals For Food
US - The Food and Drug Administration could approve meat and milk, from cloned animals, for human consumption. And, a Siouxland company could play a pivotal role.
10 May 2007
2 minute read
| Cloned meat - coming to a supermarket near you. |
Meet Noah. He's a gaur... a rare species of ox that scientists at Sioux Center, Iowa-based TransOva Genetics cloned six-years ago. Noah died 48-hours after he was born... not from the cloning process, but of common dysentery.
The setback didn't stop the scientists. In fact, this week, they showed off two cloned calves at the BIO conference, in Boston. "Cloning has continued to improve," said Dr. Dave Faber, TransOva CEO. "It's a reemerging technology."
In fact, Faber says cloning is ready for farmers and ranchers to use. And, if the FDA has it's way, the products of cloned cattle could be coming to a grocery store near you. "Better steaks, pork chops and more healthful milk," said Dr. Barb Glenn, BIO Managing Director. Not from the cloned animal, however. "The cloned animal is indeed the breeding stock used to breed other cows in the herd. So, from this technology, we'll consume the offspring."
That's if the FDA gives the process the "okay." So far, the agency has only endorsed the idea. We'll have to wait until later this year for a decision. But, that won't stop TransOva from continuing its work. "yes, we look forward to using the cloning technology once the FDA has approved," Faber said. From the test tube... to your dinner table.
For more information on the clone debate, click here.
