Embryo Transfer

Embryo Transfer (ET) is a widely used assisted reproduction technique that has many advantages for the mare and mare owner. The first advantage is that a mare in her prime performance years can still perform at or near the same level, minus about two weeks time for the procedure. Other advantages include mares that conceive but fail to carry to term, older mares, or mares that will be used to have multiple foals in one year, perhaps to different stallions.

Creekside’s Veterinarians have been performing ET’s for many years with good success. ET requires intensive management of the mare and her heat cycles, and the first part of the procedure is similar to the process to breed a mare that will carry her own foal. The difference is on the day the mare ovulates; we mark the date on the calendar and will flush the mare 7 days later.

Flushing the mare consists of placing a catheter in her uterus, running fluid into the uterus, and collecting the fluid as it flows out. This process is repeated three times to insure we have dislodged the embryo from the uterus and collected it in the filter cup. The fluid is then poured into a search dish with grids and placed under a microscope. The search begins grid by grid until we locate, or do not locate an embryo. If we locate an embryo, we will collect it, process, grade and package the embryo for shipment. We have two places to ship embryos to for implanting in the mare, one is local and the other is in Texas. Depending on the final destination the embryo will either be driven, shipped via Fed Ex during the week, or flown if on a weekend (to Texas). If we do not locate an embryo, it’s back to square one.

For the successful ET, the package will arrive and be unpacked, re-graded, and then implanted in a recipient mare. The recipient mare will be checked daily, and we should know if she is safely in foal at appx. Day 15. If the implantation fails, then the cycle is repeated. Patience is usually rewarded in this process but be assured that our staff will work with you to let you know where you stand at all times. Thank you for allowing Creekside to assist you in this exciting technique!