ICSI
Equine embryos can be produced through in vitro fertilization. The most commonly used technique for this purpose is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, or ICSI. In this technique, a single sperm is mechanically injected into the oocyte of the donor mare. The embryos are then generated in vitro until the blastocyst stage (a stage at which they can be transferred or cryopreserved). The approximate time it takes to obtain an embryo at the blastocyst stage from the moment the OPU is performed on the donor mare is between 10 and 12 days.
At Equinova, all embryos will be cryopreserved. When the client decides to transfer the embryo, they can choose to do so with Equinova through our ICSI embryo transfer service, or transfer it on their own. In the latter case, prior coordination with the veterinarian in charge of the transfer will be arranged to ensure the synchronization of the recipient mare and the logistics of shipping. If the client decides to keep them cryopreserved, the embryos will be stored in liquid nitrogen, allowing the transfer to be postponed indefinitely.
We recommend vaccinating your pregnant recipient mare against influenza/tetanus approximately one month before term and against the herpes virus in months five, seven, and nine. Consult your veterinarian.
ADVANTAGES
The donor mare does not interrupt her sporting activities.
1.
More efficient and better use of semen, with higher yield per straw
2.
Greater number of embryos/donor/year
3.
Can be performed year-round without interruptions.
4.
High survival rate of cryopreserved embryos.
5.
Obtaining embryos from mares with subfertility/infertility.
6.
Oocytes can be sent from any point of the country.
7.
