 Idaho Gem, a Cloned Mule
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July 1, 2003 — University of Idaho and Utah State University scientists recently created the first clone of a mule.
Idaho Gem, named after the state in which he was born, is "vigorous and healthy," according to Dirk K. Vanderwall, who participated in creating him.
Numerous clones of sheep, pigs, cows and other animals had previously been born. Idaho Gem is nevertheless unique because a clone of an animal genetically incapable of reproduction had never before been created.
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The project to create a mule clone was started in 1998 by American Mule Racing Association President Don Jacklin, who wanted to obtain a means of reproducing winners.
"I'm so excited — I'm in the sky," said Jacklin.
The University of Idaho and Utah State University scientists, who are expecting animals that they impregnated to give birth to two additional mule clones within the next two months, implanted more than 300 embryos before Idaho Gem was born.
The project has so far cost more than $500,000.
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