Embryo transfer (ET) refers to the removal of an early embryo (7-8 days old) from the uterus of a valuable donor mare and the transfer of that embryo into the uterus of a recipient mare to complete development, give birth and raise the foal.
ADVANTAGES OF EMBRYO TRANSFER
- Mares in competition can donate embryos and remain in performance
- Mares with reproductive problems can donate embryos to reproductive healthy mares:
- Examples include undiagnosed subfertility; uterine pathologies, older mares (>15 years old) and mares with repeated history of pregnancy loss
- Mares with significant medical or musculoskeletal problems can donate embryos to healthy mares
- Mares that foal late in the season can donate an embryo and still remain open to allow for an early breeding the following year
- Multiple foals per season can be obtained from one donor (with the opportunity to use different stallions). This is regulated by each specific breed association.
- Avoid medical risks associated with pregnancy and parturition for the donor mare
- Embryos can be collected from 2-year-old donors, which are too young to carry a foal to term themselves
RECIPIENT MARES
It represents one of the key aspects on success rates on ET. At least 3 recipient mares should be available for each donor’s reproductive cycle, although it can be done with fewer. If recipient mares are provided by clients, they require a full reproductive examination to be considered suitable. Other requirements include an average age of 4-12 years, good overall health, good temperament and ideally have had at least one previous foal. Lastly, recipient mare size must be similar height and built to the embryo donor due to the limiting factor for fetal growth is the size of the uterus and not the genetic of the embryo donor/stallion. The transfer of an embryo into a smaller mare can result in a smaller foal size.
We have a recipient herd at our reproductive facility at Luskintyre (NERRC) to offer to our clients, making it easier for those that do not have appropriate recipients.
HOW ET IS PERFORMED
- To be able to perform ET, synchronization of the reproductive cycles of both the donor mare and at least 2-3 recipient (surrogate) mares is mandatory. Proper synchronies ensure that the recipient mare’s uterus is at similar stage as the donor to receive the embryo and carry it to term. This step is crucial in obtaining success in ET.
- The donor mare is bred (natural cover, chill or frozen AI) and her reproductive cycle is followed until ovulation is confirmed.
- Uterine flushing is performed to recover embryo: This procedure is performed between 7 and 8 days after ovulation has occurred. A silicone catheter with an inflatable cuff is used to infuse flushing media (a specifically formulated sterile solution) into the uterus and retrieve it into an embryo filter which will keep the embryo while allowing outflow of the fluid. The flushing is repeated 2 or 3 times (with approximately 1 litre of flushing media at a time).
- Search for embryo and prepare for transfer: The embryo filter contents are searched under a special stereomicroscope and the embryo is found, washed at least 3 times with a holding media (a specially formulated sterile solution to remove cells and detritus) and carefully evaluated under the stereomicroscope to determine stage of development and quality. Only good quality embryos are eligible to be transferred to a recipient.
- Embryo is transferred to a recipient: The embryo is loaded in a sterile straw and transcervically transferred into the uterus of a recipient (surrogate) mare to complete development until foaling.
- Pregnancy diagnosis is performed 5 to 7 days after transfer with ultrasonography.
OPTION TO IMMEDIATE TRANSFER OF A RECOVERED EMBRYO
After an embryo is recovered from a donor mare, we offer a long-term storage of an embryo.
Embryos can be frozen (process called vitrification) and stored in liquid nitrogen indefinitely. This option provides a great solution to:
- Lack of embryo recipients
- Inappropriate synchrony between the donor and recipients
- Embryos collected late in the season (due to competition or late foaling) can be transferred early in the following season
- Preserve genetics for future use in case of loss of the mare.
SUCCESS RATES
The main factors involved in successfully transferring and obtaining a pregnancy by ET are:
- Timing of artificial insemination
- Synchrony between donor and recipient
- Fertility of the donor
- Fertility of the stallion: stallion fertility is further influenced by semen dose, quality, and method of preservation
- Skill and experience of the veterinarian
Typically, an 70-80% recovery rate (embryos obtained after uterine flushing) are obtained in a young and healthy donor mare with no history of reproductive problems using semen from a fertile stallion (fresh or chilled semen). About 70-80% of those embryos survive in the recipient mare, given an overall success rate of 60-65% per reproductive cycle. This means that it commonly takes 2 reproductive cycles to obtain a pregnancy, although it directly depends on the above listed factors. A reduced embryo recovery rate occurs when aged mares (greater than 15 years), or those with a history of subfertility are used as donors, or when frozen semen is used.
“One critical factor in any embryo transfer program lies on the skill and experience
of the veterinarian performing the transfer of the embryo.”
Embryo transfer has become a relatively commonplace procedure in the equine industry. It provides a safe and reliable method of assisted reproduction to valuable mares. To ensure a good and successful experience, we offer a professional service led by our experienced equine reproduction specialist Dr. Agustin. If you are considering doing ET in your mare, give us a call on (02) 49276135 to further discuss and get organized for the upcoming breeding season!
