by 2dapoint » Mon Jul 18, 2005 9:06 am
#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I'm trying really hard, but I just cannot follow what you are trying to say?#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#The foal is bay. The horse he was cloned from is a fleabitten grey. Where is the issue? Foal greys out over time - same colour as was expected.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Or are you referring to not breeding to the foal as its genetic heritage is unproven (donor was a gelding). #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Let's use another example then. How many Warmblood mares are bred first, used for performance AFTER?#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#You keep referring to horses like ... Donnerhall. Although a wonderful horse, his stud fees still did not approximate (even closely) those of stallions in many other industries. You mention that the horse the foal was cloned from - an endurance champion, was unproven in the breeding shed. Well... now that's pointing out the obvious. You have concerns over this. Valid. But - this horse also has a pedigree of VERY proven performance horses I believe. MANY stallions that are standing are unproven in the breeding shed until 3 or even 4 seasons have passed (often many more). So, their fees are offered at a lowered premium to get foals on the ground.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#The premature aging. Was a cellular function. Didn't mean that she became a little old sheep dragging her legs around. Yes, it occured. The mitochondrial DNA contained within the harvested/donor egg controlled her cellular division rates to quite an extent. Yes, Dolly died of old age at approximately 1/2 of her expected lifespan. I *think* the people behind this have learned these things too and have probably compensated for them. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Just a wild theory of mine!#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#For a breeding stallion, with sperm previously unavailable , you can BET he'll be bred to the teeth (as often as he'll co-operate and donate) and frozen!#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#This isn't about getting a performance horse back into the ring/trail or track to replace a now dead hero. This is about the opportunity to pass along genetics of animals that were castrated before becoming champions. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Would they have become those champions if they had never been cut? Who knows? #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#That, to me, comes down to the debate of temperament (here is your nature vs. nurture argument) - and anyone breeding to them should bear it in mind. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#IF it goes that far.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#
Due to interpretational difficulties inherent in written communications, I respectfully suggest you refer to your coach for the answer; Imitation is still the sincerest form of flattery. Thank you, it's quite a lovely feeling to be so appreciated.