Embryo Transfer

Embryo transfer programs involve the collection of an embryo from a donor mare and transfer of that embryo into a suitable recipient mare. The first step of an embryo transfer program is to synchronise the reproductive cycles of the donor and recipient mares. It is critical that the recipient mare is at the same stage in her cycle as the donor mare to ensure that the recipient mare’s uterus is ready to accept and nurture the transferred embryo. The donor mare is bred normally using fresh, chilled or frozen semen. Seven or eight days after she ovulates the embryo is flushed from her uterus and transferred into a recipient mare.
Proper selection and management of recipient mares may be the most important factor affecting success of the program. It is preferable that at least two recipients are available for each donor mare, ideally maiden mares or young mares that have a history of producing foals.