Advanced ICSI
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is one of the most advanced fertilisation techniques in equine reproduction. During the procedure, a single sperm cell is injected directly into a mature oocyte, making it possible to produce embryos even when only limited or highly valuable frozen semen is available.
At Scuderia SA, all collected oocytes are transported to our trusted laboratory partner, Avantea, where fertilisation, embryo culture and cryopreservation are performed by experienced embryologists using state-of-the-art laboratory technology.
By combining equine ICSI with OPU, breeders can maximise the genetic potential of valuable mares and elite stallions while benefiting from one of the most advanced assisted reproduction programmes available.
ICSI has transformed modern equine breeding, making it possible to produce embryos from valuable mares and limited semen doses with exceptional precision. It offers breeders greater flexibility and access to genetics that would otherwise be difficult to utilise.
Why Choose ICSI?
Ideal for Limited Semen
Only a single sperm cell is required to fertilise each mature oocyte, making ICSI an excellent choice when semen is rare or available in limited quantities.
Access to Elite Stallions
Use frozen semen from leading international stallions, including exclusive bloodlines that may no longer be available through conventional insemination.
Higher Efficiency
ICSI allows each mature oocyte to be fertilised individually, maximising the potential of every collected oocyte.
How Does ICSI Work?
Following oocyte collection, every step of the ICSI process is carried out under strictly controlled laboratory conditions to maximise fertilisation and embryo development.
From oocyte collection to the return of fully documented embryos from Avantea to our clinic, the process takes approximately 1 month.
01 Oocyte Collection +
The process begins with mature oocytes collected during the OPU procedure at our clinic. After collection, the oocytes are carefully washed, assessed and prepared for transport.
02 Transport to the Laboratory +
The prepared oocytes are transported under controlled conditions to our trusted laboratory partner, Avantea, one of the world's leading equine assisted reproduction laboratories.
03 Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) +
Using advanced micromanipulation technology, a single carefully selected sperm cell is injected directly into each mature oocyte. This precise technique makes efficient use of valuable or limited frozen semen and helps overcome many stallion fertility challenges.
04 Embryo Culture +
Following successful fertilisation, the embryos are cultured in specialised laboratory conditions for 7–10 days. During this period, experienced embryologists closely monitor their development and quality.
05 Cryopreservation +
Healthy embryos are cryopreserved using advanced freezing techniques and stored safely in liquid nitrogen until they are ready for transport and embryo transfer.
06 Ready for Embryo Transfer +
The frozen embryos are returned to Hungary and prepared for transfer into synchronised recipient mares at the optimal stage of their reproductive cycle.
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.
ICSI Conditions +
If you decide to bring your own approved stallion's semen for ICSI, please note that only semen with an official certificate (TRACES) can be used for the programme. This applies exclusively to clients who choose to provide their own semen.
If you select semen from the stallions listed on our website, you do not need to take these steps — we handle all documentation and logistics on your behalf.
Pricing +
Our pricing is transparent and tailored to your chosen treatment programme. Browse our detailed price list or contact our team for a personalised quotation.
Starting from
€2,728 + VAT
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Frequently Asked Questions
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is an advanced equine reproductive technique in which a single sperm cell is injected directly into a mature oocyte collected from the mare. After fertilisation, the resulting embryo is cultured in the laboratory before being transferred into a recipient mare or vitrified for future use.
ICSI allows breeders to create embryos using a very small amount of semen, making it particularly valuable when using frozen, limited or expensive semen from a highly sought-after stallion. It also allows multiple embryos to be produced from one mare during a breeding season without requiring conventional insemination for every cycle.
After OPU (ovum pick-up), the collected oocytes are matured and fertilised using ICSI in the laboratory. Embryos are typically cultured for around 7–8 days before they reach the stage suitable for transfer or vitrification. The exact timing and outcome can vary depending on the oocyte and embryo development.