At Ovohorse, leaders in equine reproduction and animal cloning, we have compiled the advantages of performing OPU-ICSI compared to other reproductive treatments such as insemination or embryo transfer.
OPU (follicular aspiration) is the initial step for collecting oocytes from the donor mare. The oocytes are extracted directly from the mare’s ovaries via transvaginal aspiration using a guide and an ultrasound scanner (TVA). During the procedure, the mare is fully monitored by the veterinary team and, following the OPU, she is treated with antibiotics and analgesics until recovery. Approximately three days after the OPU, the mare can return to her normal routine, provided she is not undergoing any training or competition. The risks associated with this technique are extremely low, but as with any procedure, complications can occur.
One of the main advantages of OPU-ICSI is that thanks to this follicular aspiration technique (OPU) and the subsequent fertilization of the oocyte and sperm in the lab (ICSI), more embryos can be obtained compared to traditional reproduction techniques.
Advantages of OPU-ICSI in mares
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If you have a competition mare, it’s important to note that she can undergo oocyte aspiration every 20–25 days throughout the year. This advantage allows us to significantly increase embryo production, expecting an average of 2 embryos per OPU session.
Other advantages include:
- Performing OPU-ICSI all year round
- Carrying out OPU-ICSI at any stage of the mare’s reproductive cycle
- Performing OPU-ICSI during the first third of gestation
- Performing OPU-ICSI on mares with reproductive issues (uterine, tract-related, 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 suitable time according to the season, breeder’s needs, location, number, or condition of recipient mares
Advantages of OPU-ICSI in stallions
For high-value stallions or those with a long sports career, OPU-ICSI is one of the best options if you want to preserve the stallion’s legacy without interrupting his career.
The advantages of performing OPU-ICSI with a stallion’s sample include:
- Only one sperm cell is needed per oocyte
- Several embryos can be produced from a single frozen semen sample
- A single straw can be divided and used for several aspirated mares
- OPU-ICSI is the ideal technique for stallions with lower-quality sperm, limited availability, reduced sperm viability, or highly valuable straws
- Material can be recovered from poorly frozen straws or those that have lost quality over time
Embryo transfer
The transfer of equine embryos obtained through OPU-ICSI also offers more benefits than other traditional reproduction or transfer techniques. In this case, after completing OPU-ICSI sessions and obtaining the desired 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 the quality and characteristics they had at the time of production.
