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.

OPU procedure offers tailored solutions for various equine reproductive scenarios:

• mares in sport where the owner prefers to avoid pregnancy

• mares from which more foals or embryos are desired

• mares with reproductive problems, including ovarian, tubal, and uterine pathologies linked to old age

• 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

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.

It is crucial to perform the OPU at the right time in a mare’s cycle. The egg is firmly attached to the cells of the follicle wall. Smaller follicles are favoured because they are more likely to produce eggs. The more eggs there are, the greater the chance that one or more embryos will be produced.

Following the procedure, we diligently monitor all mares until they return to their normal habits. Our stables offer dedicated guest horse stalls, allowing convenient accommodation for mares. Our continuous observation is facilitated by both on-site personnel and a comprehensive camera system, providing uninterrupted surveillance to ensure the well-being of the mares throughout their recovery.

We make it a priority to ensure that the mare does not have a bad experience during the procedure without unnecessary discomfort. We take great care to ensure that everything is done in a relaxed environment to achieve the best possible results.

Every discharged mare receives a thorough document outlining necessary information for further required treatment and care.

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.

OPU CONDITIONS

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.

RECIPIENT MARES

Should you not possess your own recipient mare, the option to rent one carrier from our facility is offered, subject to our mares’ availability.