Amy, a Holstein heifer calf, is the first animal in the world cloned from non-reproductive cells. Under the direction of Xiangzhong “Jerry” Yang, head of UConn’s Transgenic Animal Facility and one of the world’s preeminent researchers in the field, a team of University scientists cloned Amy from cells removed from the ear of an adult cow. of human rights.

Winning a major international scientific race like this is very important for the University and the state of Connecticut because of the high-stakes competition among reproductive research scientists. The announcement of Amy’s birth generated media inquiries from around the globe. The media attention given to Amy testifies to the incredible revolution taking place in the cloning of animals, and the remarkable evolution of UConn’s land grant mission and agricultural research programs.

UConn is one of only a few academic institutions in the world working with transgenic farm animals whose genetic makeup is permanently altered by the introduction of genes from other organisms. Transgenic technology has great potential for breeding disease-resistant livestock or farm animals raised for organ donation.

Amy’s birth is just a part of the biotechnology story at the University that has unfolded in recent years. UConn researchers have conducted the first-ever successful transplant of a foreign gene into a crustacean and are developing a gene sequence that will allow chickens to eat corn infused with chicken interferon that could make them resistant to diseases such as avian influenza. The University’s gene research extends to plant sciences as well with the development and patenting of the fragrant flower Alstroemeria, which is now recognized for its longevity as a cut flower. Furthermore, UConn scientists have sent genetically engineered tomato seeds into space on the space shuttle Discovery to study microgravity’s affect on plant growth habits.