At Ovohorse, leaders in equine reproduction and animal cloning, we have gathered the advantages of performing OPU-ICSI compared to other reproduction treatments such as insemination or embryo transfer.
OPU (Ovum Pick Up) is the initial process for collecting the eggs from the donor mare. The eggs are directly extracted from the ovaries of the mare through a transvaginal procedure using a probe and ultrasound (TVA). During the treatment, the mare is fully controlled by the veterinary team, and after the OPU, she is treated with antibiotics and painkillers until recovery. Approximately three days after the OPU, the mare can return to her routine, provided she has no training or competitions. The risks associated with this technique are extremely low, but as with any procedure, complications may arise.
One of the main advantages of the OPU-ICSI technique is that thanks to this follicular aspiration (OPU) and the subsequent fertilization of the egg with the sperm in the laboratory (ICSI), more embryos can be obtained compared to traditional reproduction techniques.
Advantages of OPU-ICSI in Mares
If you have a competition mare, it is important to note that she can undergo ovum aspiration every 20-25 days throughout the year. This advantage allows for a significant increase in embryo production, with an average of 2 embryos per OPU session.
Other advantages include:
- Performing OPU-ICSI year-round
- Performing OPU-ICSI at any phase of the mare’s reproductive cycle
- Performing OPU-ICSI during the first third of gestation
- Performing OPU-ICSI on mares with reproductive issues (uterine problems, tract issues, hormonal imbalances, etc.)
- Embryo production with a single visit to the mare
- The resulting embryos can be vitrified in liquid nitrogen indefinitely
- Vitrified embryos can be exported or sold anywhere in the world
- Embryos can be thawed at the most appropriate time according to the season, breeder’s needs, location, number, or state of the recipient mares
Advantages of OPU-ICSI in Stallions
For high-value stallions or those with a long sporting career, OPU-ICSI is one of the best options if you want to preserve the legacy of the stallion without interrupting his career.
The advantages of performing OPU-ICSI with a stallion’s sample include:
- Only one sperm per egg is required
- With a sample of frozen semen, multiple embryos can be produced
- A single straw can be fractionated and cover several aspirated mares
- OPU-ICSI is the ideal technique for stallions with lower-quality semen, limited availability, low sperm quality, or high-value straws
- Material from poorly frozen or degraded semen can be recovered
Embryo Transfer
The transfer of equine embryos obtained after OPU-ICSI also offers more benefits than other traditional reproduction or transfer techniques. In this case, after performing OPU-ICSI sessions and obtaining the expected number of embryos, the breeder can choose to transfer them immediately or preserve them for future pregnancies. The embryos can be safely stored in liquid nitrogen indefinitely, maintaining all their qualities and quality after production.
