World first cloned Kunekune hog!

4 years into the project, we are stoked to be able to finally share news of the first cloned Kunekune hog in the world!

January 17th, 2022, my first emails were sent to Diane Broek at Trans Ova Genetics inquiring about their cloning services. January 17th, 2026, here we are, 4:30am at the airport in Minneapolis, Minnesota, picking up the very first cloned Kunekune hog!! What a long 4 years that was, and totally worth the wait.

INTRODUCING... Thumbelina 2.0!

Brian Milbrand (Trans Ova Genetics), and Mitchell Eastwood (PSP) at pickup in Minnesota.

Background on livestock cloning:

Cloning allows progressive producers to replicate their most valuable animals, advancing their goals for healthier, more efficient livestock and higher-quality food products. By preserving superior genetics, cloning helps create a more consistent supply of desirable traits, such as tender, flavorful beef.

Cloning also provides a solution for animals lost early in their breeding careers due to injury or death—ensuring their genetic potential isn’t lost. Additionally, it extends the influence of elite animals by increasing embryo or semen production. For clients with exceptional castrated males (steers, geldings, barrows, wethers), cloning offers the unique opportunity to produce an intact male for breeding.

- Trans Ova Genetics

The MVP sow at PSP, CH ILF Tapeka 56++ - Thumbelina, IKHR 30269, is our herd's trait leader for Kunekune carcass merit that we are seeking to improve within the Kunekune hog breed, and maximizing her impact through cloned counterparts was a no-brainer!

While there are many uses and reasons to use livestock cloning, our motivation behind utilizing the technology at PSP is the opportunity to maximize the number of offspring from our best females. Traditionally, a sow will farrow roughly 2 litters per year. Cloned counterparts enable much greater possibilities.

Stay tuned for progress updates on Thumbelina 2.0!