Production of cloned pigs by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has unlimited value for developing critical biotechnology such as xenotransplantation. Various efforts have been made to establish this technology, and several litters of live piglets have been produced after transfer of SCNT embryos. However, the efficiency is very low compared to piglet production by artificial insemination or natural mating. So far, most studies have been limited to in vitro production of SCNT embryos. This study was conducted to standardize a surrogate recipient (gilts) for transfer of SCNT embryos to improve pregnancy rate. Potential surrogate gilts over 7 months of age were checked for their estrous status by observing external signs; vaginal fluid, vulva redness, vulva swelling, and standing response to back pressure. Viscosity of vaginal fluid was evaluated and classified as none (0), medium (1), and strong (2). Vulva redness and swelling was respectively assessed by none or shrink (0), medium (1), strong (2). Back pressure was estimated by an immediate move (0), standing less than 10 sec (1), and standing over 10 see (2). And then ovulation status of each surrogate was classified as pre-ovulation (PO-17 surrogates), just prior to ovulation (JPO-20 surrogates), in ovulation (IO-12 surrogates), just after ovulation (JAO-14 surrogates) and after ovulation (AO-24 surrogates) at the time of surgery for embryo transfer (ET). Real-time ultrasonographic scanners have been used for pregnancy diagnosis by observing amniotic vesicles. The first pregnancy diagnosis was done on Day 30 after ET and then repeated 2-week interval. In the results, SCNT embryos transferred into JPO surrogates gave better pregnancy rates (45%) than others (4% to 11%) on Day 30 after ET. These result indicates that surrogate gilts in a status just prior to ovulation can offer optimal condition to establish pregnancy by transfer of SCNT pig embryos.