OPU-ICSI is an innovative reproductive technique that offers more advantages than current covering or embryo transfer processes. Thanks to this procedure, the mare owner or stud farm can schedule the birth of the foal according to competition or training calendars.
What Is OPU or Follicular Aspiration?
Follicular aspiration, better known as OPU (Ovum Pick-Up), allows for the direct extraction of oocytes (eggs) from the mare’s ovaries via the transvaginal route, with the help of a guide and ultrasound. The oocytes retrieved through this process mature in the laboratory for approximately 30 hours. Then, each mature oocyte is injected with a single sperm using a special needle and a microscope. This process is called intracytoplasmic sperm injection or ICSI.
The fertilized oocytes undergo a process of embryo culture, mimicking the uterine environment. After 7–10 days, it is possible to check whether the fertilized oocytes have developed into one or more embryos. The resulting embryos can be transferred directly into a synchronized recipient mare or vitrified (frozen) for later transfer, commercialization, export, or as a means of preserving the genetic legacy of the donor mare.
Thanks to the Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) technique and subsequent in-lab fertilization (ICSI), you can obtain more embryos than with traditional extraction methods.
When Is OPU-ICSI Recommended?
Mares can undergo OPU every 20–25 days year-round. This is a major advantage that allows us to significantly increase embryo production from donors, with an expected average of 2 embryos per OPU session.
OPU-ICSI is recommended for: mares with uterine problems (endometritis, tearing, perforations, prolapse, etc.); mares with reproductive tract conformational issues (poor vaginal conformation, fistulas, or lesions of any degree); mares with hormonal imbalances; or fertile mares in active competition for whom you want to preserve their legacy without halting their career. For stallions, this technique is ideal when dealing with poor-quality semen, low availability, low motility, or high-value straws. In short, OPU-ICSI is one of the best options for preserving an animal’s legacy without interrupting its career.
Ovohorse has qualified staff and research laboratories equipped with the latest technology to successfully carry out reproductive techniques and cell line preservation for animal cloning. Our facilities are located in Marbella, where the full procedure can be carried out and where the mare can rest and recover.
If you are a veterinarian and a member of AVEE (Spanish Association of Equine Veterinary Specialists), we invite you to join us this Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 8:30 PM for a webinar featuring our CEO, Enrique Criado, who will give a very insightful talk. More information here.
