Austin-based ViaGen, Inc. a livestock cloning company, announced its collaboration with Encore Genetics, an equine marketing firm, in creating the first commercial horse cloning operation in the United States.

The legendary cutting horse Royal Blue Boon, a registered American Quarter Horse, became the first mare to be commercially cloned when a foal was born to a recipient mare on Royal Vista Southwest farms in Purcell, Okla., on Feb. 19, 2006. The foal was born healthy and continues to thrive on the farm where she was born.

She was joined soon after by a clone of the mare Tap O Lena, born at the same farm on March 9, 2006. Two clones of the famous mare Bet Yer Blue Boons are expected to be born any day. Including the foals announced today, seven clones of famous horses will be born this year. Many other pregnant ViaGen/Encore mares are due next year. The companies have also gene banked over 75 champion horses from multiple breeds and disciplines.

Cloning used to be just a science experiment. But when this process became viable, it became a state-of-the-art reproductive technology that allowed duplication of the genetically superior animals to extend its influence on a breed or species.

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