In view of its multiple applications, cloning through
somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is currently one of the
most important reproductive technologies. It can be used
for multiplication of elite farm animals in a manner far
quicker than conventional breeding, the production of
transgenic animals, regenerative medicine, xenotransplantation,
model for human diseases, and conservation
and/or restoration of endangered species [1]. However,
the application of SCNT is severely limited by the low
offspring rate that it offers [2]. Specifically, in case of bovines,
only 9% of transferred embryos resulted in calves [3].