Embryonix - Equine Breeding Technologies Australia

Home Meet The Team Client Forms About Us Stallion Directory Mare Directory Contact NEWS

The Future Of Equine Breeding Embryonix
Ph: 1300 488 688

Embryonix - Embryo Transfer

Embryo Transfer

While Embryonix sees the future in freezing equine embryos, we still perform a large number of embryo transfers which have an important place in equine breeding. Similar to the freezing of embryos the following steps are involved:

Insemination of the
Donor Mare:

Depending on which stallion has been selected the mare can be bred either naturally, or with chilled or frozen semen. This procedure is performed as if she was to carry the foal. The timing of the ovulation is monitored closely as this affects when the embryo retrieval is performed.

Embryo Retrieval:

This is performed between Day 7 and 8 depending on several factors such as the age of the mare and the type of semen used. This involves flushing the uterus of the donor mare and examination of the fluid for the presenceof a viable embryo. The fluid used is a bovine fetal serum medium warmed to 37ºC, this medium is infused into the uterus and then run out through a sterile single use micro-filter which collects the embryo. At the end of each flush the fluid retained by the micro-filter is examined under a microscope for the presence of an embryo. This procedure is repeated up to 6 times or until the number of embryos retrieved matches the number of ovulations. Once obtained the embryo is cleaned in a separate bovine fetal serum extract and graded. It is then ready to either be implanted.

Embryo Implantation:

This is performed by a non-surgical technique. A surrogate mare is chosen after she has been ultrasounded and her ovulation followed so she is at the right time to accept the embryo. Using a single use sterile insemination gun the embryo is sterilely placed into the surrogate’s uterus. All surrogates are sedated, given Regumate and an anti-inflammatory to minimize embryo rejection.

Surrogates.

Embryonix uses mainly Standardbred mares under the age of 10. We find they are ideal surrogates as they are generally quiet and great mothers. All mares are carefully selected and well looked after. They are fully vaccinated and wormed and have a dental treatment performed annually. They are fed a combination of pasture and hard feed.

Fee Structure

To simplify our breeding fee structure we charge set fees for embryo transfer. The fee structure includes up to 3 inseminations and retrievals. Once a successful pregnancy is obtained the fee structure is restarted ie the procedure is only repeated 3 times if it is not successful. We believe this will help clients better understand what the total cost will be. All prices do not include agistment for the donor mare. Agistment is included for the surrogate mare up till she is 45 days pregnant.

The reason for the set fee is that Embryonix is now taking on some of the risk to ensure you obtain a pregnancy. These fees include insemination and most drugs associated with this as per Chilled/Frozen set Fees. All embryo retrieval and implantation costs are included.

Also included is the lease of a surrogate mother from 45 days of pregnancy until weaning of the foal.

Foal Guarantee

Embryonix now offers a foal guarantee on embryo transfer which means for a fee we guarantee at positive 45 day pregnancy test, please phone to discuss this.