Not AvailableSomatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technology provides an opportunity to multiply superior animals
that could speed up dissemination of favorable genes into the population. In the present study, we
attempted to reproduce a superior breeding bull of Murrah buffalo, the best dairy breed of buffalo,
using donor cells that were established from tail-skin biopsy and seminal plasma. We studied several
parameters such as cell cycle stages, histone modifcations (H3K9ac and H3K27me3) and expression of
developmental genes in donor cells to determine their SCNT reprogramming potentials. We successfully
produced the cloned bull from an embryo that was produced from the skin-derived cell. Growth,
blood hematology, plasma biochemistries, and reproductive organs of the produced cloned bull were
found normal. Subsequently, the bull was employed for semen production. Semen parameters such
as CASA (Computer Assisted Semen Analysis) variables and in vitro fertilizing ability of sperms of the
cloned bull were found similar to non-cloned bulls, including the donor bull. At present, we have 12 live
healthy progenies that were produced using artificial insemination of frozen semen of the cloned bull,
which indicate that the cloned bull is fertile and can be utilized in the buffalo breeding schemes. Taken
together, we demonstrate that SCNT can be used to reproduce superior buffalo bulls.Not Availabl