EGFP expression in goat mammary epithelial cells

Primary culture of goat mammary gland cells was achieved by outgrowth of migrating cells from fragments of tissue. The fibroblast and epithelial cells were purified according to their different sensitivity to trypsin and the characteristics of goat mammary epithelial cells were observed under a light microscope. The results showed that the purified goat mammary epithelial cells retained normal characteristics until the 15th passage. The purified mammary epithelial cells propagated and formed a dome-like structure that resembled a nipple and was called a ‘milk orb’. The mammary epithelial cells could produce and secrete milk. There were different cell types: the majority were short shuttle-like or polygons, resembling a beehive; while some were large, flat and round; and others were elongated. The enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene was transferred successfully into the goat mammary epithelial cells using electrotransfection, and its expression was observed under a fluoroscope.