Advanced OPU for Mares
Embryo Transfer (ET) is a key step in modern equine reproduction, allowing a carefully selected embryo to be transferred into a synchronised recipient mare. This technique enables valuable donor mares to continue their sporting career or breeding programme without carrying the pregnancy themselves.
At Clinica SA, we perform frozen embryo transfer, supported by a carefully managed recipient mare programme and advanced reproductive monitoring. Every transfer is precisely timed to maximise the chances of successful implantation and pregnancy.
From recipient mare synchronisation to pregnancy confirmation, our experienced veterinary team manages every stage of the process, providing a seamless and reliable solution for breeders seeking the highest standards of equine reproductive care.
Proven Results
81%
Pregnancy Rate at the First Pregnancy Check
At Clinica SA, 81% of recipient mares were confirmed pregnant at the first pregnancy examination, reflecting the expertise of our veterinary team, precise recipient mare management and carefully timed embryo transfer protocols.
Combined with personalised reproductive planning and advanced veterinary care, our goal is to maximise the chance of a successful pregnancy for every breeding programme.
Average results are based on Clinica SA clinical data. Individual outcomes vary depending on the mare, semen quality and reproductive circumstances.
How Does Embryo Transfer Work?
Embryo transfer is a carefully timed procedure that requires precise synchronisation between the embryo and the recipient mare. Our experienced reproduction team manages every stage to maximise the chances of a successful pregnancy.
The risk of identical twins following ICSI is very low, occurring in approximately 1% of embryos. Every pregnancy is carefully monitored by our veterinary team to ensure early detection of any abnormalities and to support a healthy pregnancy.
01 Recipient Mare Selection +
Clinica SA offers a recipient mare rental programme, providing carefully selected and synchronised recipient mares for embryo transfer. Our veterinary team manages every aspect of recipient mare preparation and reproductive monitoring, giving your embryo the best possible start.
02 Cycle Synchronisation +
The reproductive cycle of the recipient mare is closely monitored by ultrasound. Embryo transfer is scheduled approximately four days after ovulation, when the uterus is optimally prepared for implantation.
03 Embryo Transfer +
The embryo is carefully transferred into the recipient mare using a non-surgical technique. During the procedure, the mare receives appropriate medication, including a single dose of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), to support comfort and the transfer process.
04 Pregnancy Monitoring +
The first pregnancy examination is performed 8–10 days after embryo transfer using ultrasound to confirm successful implantation. A second examination between Days 20–28 confirms the presence of a heartbeat and ongoing embryo development.
05 Pregnancy Confirmation +
By approximately Day 45 of gestation, the pregnancy has progressed beyond the earliest and most critical stage, allowing it to be confirmed with greater confidence.
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), a 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.
Pricing +
Our embryo transfer programmes are tailored to your breeding goals and include comprehensive reproductive management by our experienced veterinary team.
Fresh Embryo Transfer
from €250 + VAT
Frozen Embryo Transfer
from €263 + VAT
Recipient mare examinations, medications and additional services are available according to your individual treatment plan.
Need help?
Frequently Asked Questions
Equine embryo transfer is a reproductive technique in which an embryo from a genetically valuable mare is transferred into the uterus of a recipient mare. The recipient mare carries the pregnancy and gives birth to the foal, while the genetic mare can continue her sporting or breeding career.
The mare is bred or undergoes an assisted reproduction procedure, and the resulting embryo is collected from her uterus at the appropriate stage. The embryo is then evaluated and transferred into a recipient mare whose reproductive cycle has been synchronised with the donor mare. The recipient mare carries the pregnancy until birth.
In conventional equine embryo transfer, the embryo is usually collected around 7–8 days after ovulation, when it has developed into a suitable stage for transfer. After evaluation, it can be transferred directly into a synchronised recipient mare or vitrified and stored for later transfer.