Genetic Preservation - The breeders' insurance  

A genetic preservation is the first step in making a clone, or genetic twin, of an animal. A simple ear punch is usually all that is required to make a genetic preservation of an animal. The tissue from the animal is then cultured for several weeks to produce literally millions of cells which are then frozen in liquid nitrogen to create a tissue bank.
 

When a superior bull or cow is injured or lost, not only is money lost, but the future influence that individual can have comes to a halt. Sometimes, it can even be a generation later before the animal’s true superiority can be appreciated.  A genetic preservation serves as an insurance policy for breeders and owners of valuable cattle by enabling them to extend and develop a specific bloodline, even when untimely losses or reproductive inabilities occur.

The DNA, cryogenically preserved from this ear punch, can permanently store the genetics of the donor animal, providing a genetic blueprint to recreate the cow, bull, heifer - or even a steer - at any time in the future.