The objective of this study was to monitor health conditions of four genetically identical somatic cells cloned Labrador retriever puppies by estimation of body weight and analysis of hematologic and serologic characteristics. Naturally ovulated oocytes and donor cells were used for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Donor cells and enucleated oocytes were followed by electric fusion, chemical activation and surgical embryo transfer into the oviducts of surrogate females. Two recipients became pregnant; two maintained pregnancy to term, and four live puppies were delivered by Caesarean section. The cloned Labrador retrievers were genetically identical to the nuclear donor dog. The body weight of clone-1, -2, -3, and -4 was increased from 0.66, 0.40, 0.39, and 0.37 kg at birth to 6.2, 6.6, 6.2, and 6.0 kg at 8 weeks of age, respectively. Although clone-4 had lower numbers of RBC than reference range, the most of RBC and WBC related heamatologic results of cloned puppies were not different when compared to reference range. In serological analysis, Glucose, ALP and inorganic phosphate level of four cloned puppies was significantly higher than the reference ranges. However, there was no significant difference among four cloned dogs. This study suggests that cloned puppies derived from SCNT did not have remarkable health problems, at least in the growth pattern and hematological and serological parameters.

Keywords: cloned puppy, somatic cell nuclear transfer, hematological characteristics