Researchers in McGill University's Department of Animal Science have successfully produced three litters of cloned pigs, Canada's first. These pigs are meant to contribute to biomedical research into human ailments such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The 17 piglets were produced from cells collected from a single pig. The cells were cultured in vitro and then injected into matured germ cells whose nuclei were removed. Developing embryos were later inserted into the uterus of a female - the same approach that gave birth to Dolly, a sheep that, in 1996, was the first mammal to be cloned in this manner, Dr. Bordignon said.

Out of the 17, 7 were autopsied to rule out any potential health issues. The remaining 10, now several weeks old, are developing normally.

In the United States, pigs were first successfully cloned in 2000.

Source: McGill