Embryo Transfer

Embryo transfer is becoming more and more popular for obtaining foals. Embryo transfer involves recovering embryos from pregnant (donor) mare and placing them in a recipient mare that, in turn, carries the foal to term.

The customary procedure for performing embryo transfer begins with synchronization of ovulation between a donor mare and the recipient mare, followed by insemination of the donor mare. The uterus of the donor mare is usually flushed 7 or 8 days after ovulation, and the retrieved embryo is transferred into the uterus of a recipient mare. Modern techniques afford us the benefit of completing the embryo retrieval and embryo insemination non-surgically thereby minimizing risk and discomfort to both the donor and recipient mare.

One expects only one embryo recovered per flush as superovulation is not markedly successful in horses. Superovulation is the hormonal manipulation in effort to cause multiple ovulations with the intention of obtaining multiple embryos per flush. Under ideal conditions, one can expect an embryo recovery rate of 50% to 70% and an embryo-transfer success rate of 50% to 70% resulting in an overall pregnancy rate of 25% to 50% per cycle.

Owners of superior mares are now beginning to offer embryos from these superior mares for sale to the public. This provides horse owners the opportunity to acquire superior mare genetics that would normally be unavailable to them. The buyer of a particular mare's embryo has the added benefit of using the stallion of their choice via fresh shipped semen or frozen semen.

Thanks to recent advances, embryos can now be cooled and shipped over-night to recipient mare facilities near the buyer. For example if an embryo is purchased from a mare in Texas by a buyer in California the embryo can be shipped to California for insemination. The buyer can then use the services of the veterinarian whom they have a relationship with and the buyer can be actively involved in management and birth of their genetically superior foal.

In summary purchasing embryos from genetically superior mares can be a safe and effective method to improve one's herd genetics.

For more information contact us at (903) 873-8750 or info@makeafoal.com we would be happy to discuss your embryo transfer needs.