Three years and 20 failed attempts later, the world's first test tube buffalo calf has been born on a dusty farm in Limpopo, a breakthrough in the fight to preserve endangered animals.

“This breakthrough is of great significance as it is the first of its kind in the world and holds great promise for the continued survival of endangered species,” said Morné de la Rey, MD of Embryo Plus.

Pumelelo was born on the Lekkerleef Buffalo Ranch of Frans Stapelberg, near Marble Hall, Limpopo.

De la Rey said the process was not easy, but the success of the procedure would lay the foundation for the prospective breeding of endangered species.

“Extensive preliminary research was necessary to mature and fertilise the eggs, and to incubate the embryos to an advanced stage of development, as all species have different requirements for growth and utilise different nutrients during the laboratory phase of the largely uncharted path of IVF/IVP in African game species,” De la Rey said. – Source: www.news24.com