Assisted reproduction techniques in horses

Abstract

Considerable developments in assisted reproduction technology (ART) in the equine breeding industry have occurred in recent years which have overcome infertility challenges in both mares and stallions. These technologies have also aided the production of numerous foals from one mare each year which is beneficial in production of high genetic value sport horses. Ovum pick up (OPU) is available in clinical settings around the world allowing retrieval of up to 10-15 oocytes per transvaginal aspiration (TVA). Immature oocytes are matured in vitro and fertilised using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), on average 1.7-2 embryos can be produced per TVA session.