OPU (OVUM PICK UP)
ABOUT THE SERVICE
We offer the most modern and secure reproduction technology of Ovum Pick Up (OPU) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). Our facility provides a safe haven for advancing equine reproductive technologies, while ensuring the highest standards of care for your horses. Explore the forefront of innovation with our OPU and ICSI services.
SPORT MARES, NO PREGNANCY PREFERRED
MARES FROM WHICH WE AIM TO HAVE MULTIPLE OFFSPRING
MARES WITH REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS & AGE-RELATED ISSUES
MARES WITH A HISTORY OF RECURRENT ABORTIONS
At our clinic, we specialize in the OPU procedure designed for mares regardless of sport and breed, but especially showjumping. The process typically takes about 2-3 hours, allowing for a straightforward and manageable timeline. After the procedure, mares can be safely transported back home, and within a few days, they can resume their regular training.
Our focus is on providing a practical and efficient approach to equine care, ensuring a smooth recovery and return to normal routines for our patients. The embryos produced are frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen. Since according to current scientific knowledge, they can be stored in this matter for unlimited time,implantation of the embryos can happen anytime, even years later. OPU is performed at CLINICA SA every week in Tök for most of the year.
ARRIVAL CONDITIONS
We can welcome horses to our equine reproductive facility if we receive the horses:
│ with a valid equine passport of the animal
│ less than one year old NEGATIVE infectious anaemia (EIA) and glanders test results
│ less than 6-months-old equine influenza and tetanus virus vaccine.
In order to send the retrieved oocytes for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), TRACES document is required, the conditions for which are:*
│ 2 negative CEM results, with a minimum of 7 days elapsed between the two samples, results valid for 1 year /OR 1 negative CEM PCR result/,
│ negative result of infectious anaemia (EIA) test within 90 days.
*These requirements can also be fulfilled by our team at CLINICA SA.
We are able to receive mares Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Outside of these hours, as well as on weekends and holidays, we can receive mares by appointment only, with an additional fee of 50 euros.
HOW DOES OPU WORK?
The procedure itself is performed on a standing, sedated horse in an inspection stock. At our clinic, the OPU procedure is conducted exclusively when we are confident in the mare’s health and reproductive organ system’s satisfactory condition and we see at least a fair chance of embryo production.
Prior to the procedure, the mare is administered painkillers, antibiotics, and medications to induce relaxation of intestinal muscles. During Ovum Pick Up, the follicles are aspirated and filled with a special washing media. The procedure is repeated 8-10 times for each follicle. When all available follicles have been aspirated, the liquid is filtered. This filtrate contains the oocytes. After the filtrate has been screened, the oocytes are washed and prepared for transport. Depending on the number of follicles, the procedure takes 20-50 minutes.
The OPU procedure is performed on a sedated, standing horse in an inspection stock after ensuring the mare’s health and reproductive system are satisfactory. Painkillers, antibiotics, and muscle relaxants are administered before follicles are aspirated and filled with special washing media. Each follicle is aspirated 8-10 times before the liquid is filtered to collect oocytes. The timing is crucial, favoring smaller follicles for higher egg production. Post-procedure, mares are closely monitored in dedicated guest stalls with continuous observation via on-site personnel and cameras.
Our priority is ensuring a comfortable experience for the mare, with thorough documentation provided for further care.
OPU CONDITIONS & RECIPIENT MARES
If you’d like to optimize efficiency, you should prepare the following in the comfort of your own residency: one week before the planned OPU date, an ultrasound examination of the mare is recommended to ensure that the minimum number and size of follicles (at least 10-15 in total, minimum 1 cm in diameter) are available.
Should you not possess your own recipient mare, the option to rent one carrier from our facility is offered, subject to our mares’ availability.
SUCCESS RATE OF OPU
In the case of OPU procedure, 40-70% of the retrieved follicles can produce viable eggs. On average from one OPU session there is a 60% chance to have a healthy embryo. Several factors, such as the number of follicles and therefore the number of eggs retrieved, the age and health of the mare, the quality of the eggs and the sperm, all influence the outcome. After embryo transfer, there is a 70% chance that it will result in a successful pregnancy.
RISKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The risks associated with OPU are very low, but as with any procedure, complications can occur. Possible risks include, among others, rupture of the rectum, bleeding into the abdomen, ovarian infection/abscess formation and peritonitis. These complications are extremely rare, but in the worst cases can be life-threatening. Moreover, it is essential to note that sedation (anesthesia), commonly employed in various procedures, may potentially lead to colic. Understanding and managing this risk is integral to our commitment to the overall well-being and safety of the mares undergoing procedures at our facility.
Some mares may experience mild discomfort and fever the days following OPU procedure. Most mares tolerate the OPU well and can be easily put back to work after about 3-4 days. Notably, it is advisable to monitor their rectal temperature daily during the initial three days as a precautionary measure. This approach aligns with our dedication to the comprehensive care and monitoring of mares under our supervision.
