Dolly, the most famous sheep in the world, could become a mother in the next few weeks.

The genetically-engineered sheep has been mated, although it is not yet known if she is pregnant. If she is, she will lamb by late spring.

Scientists at the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh, who cloned Dolly, are monitoring her condition.

A spokesman said: "She is being bred and it's very likely that she will become pregnant as her reproductive system is in full working order.

"She is almost a miracle as she seems to be the perfect sheep. However we don't know what is going to happen and we won't be carrying out any pregnancy tests. We are just going let nature take its course."

If Dolly is pregnant, she and her lambs, along with Megan and Morag and Polly, the Institute's other genetically-engineered sheep, will go on public display in a new centre.

Dolly's appearance early last year prompted fears about the cloning of humans, a possibility which is coming closer as Chicago physicist Richard Seed this week disclosed plans to use the same technique to launch a cloning clinic to help childless couples.
 

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