Emma Euthanized

KNOXVILLE, TN (April 22, 2002) — Officials with the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture confirmed today that the Jersey clone Emma was euthanized on Monday, April 15.

The young cow was suffering from severe complications associated with rumenitis, a digestive disorder well known among dairy cattle and other ruminants. The rumen is the first of four parts of the stomach in ruminant animals.

Emma was treated by veterinarians at the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, and her condition had initially improved; however, life-threatening complications developed.

Postmortem examinations indicate that her veterinarians had made a humane decision. Emma could not have survived her condition.

“It is always difficult to lose an animal,” said Dr. Jack Britt, UT vice president for agriculture. “And it is especially regrettable that Emma did not have the opportunity to contribute to our body of knowledge regarding mastitis,” he said.

Researchers had hoped that Emma’s genetic status as a clone would supply data regarding the genetic basis of mastitis resistance among dairy cattle.

Mastitis infections cause billions of dollars annually in lost revenue to the dairy industry due to lost production, investments in animal care, and in milk that has to be discarded.

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Contact:  Dr. Jack Britt, 865-974-7342
                Patricia McDaniels, 865-974-7141

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