Advanced OPU for Mares
Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) is a minimally invasive procedure used to collect oocytes directly from a donor mare's ovaries. It is the first step in advanced equine assisted reproduction, allowing valuable mares to produce embryos without carrying a pregnancy.
At Scuderia SA, OPU is performed by experienced reproduction specialists using advanced ultrasound-guided technology. The collected oocytes are then transported to our laboratory partner for fertilisation, while your mare remains safely at our clinic in Hungary.
Whether you aim to preserve exceptional genetics, breed from an active sport mare or maximise the reproductive potential of a valuable donor, equine OPU offers a safe, efficient and reliable solution.
Proven Results
2.8
Average Embryos per OPU Procedure
82.2%
OPU Sessions Producing at Least One Embryo
Our OPU programme achieves an average of 2.8 embryos per Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) procedure. Based on our 2025 clinical results, 116 out of 141 OPU sessions produced at least one embryo — meaning there was an 82.2% chance of obtaining at least one embryo from an OPU session based on last year's data.
These results reflect the expertise of our veterinary team and the collaboration with our trusted laboratory partner. Results may vary depending on several factors, including the mare's age, reproductive history, oocyte quality and the semen used. Every breeding programme is individually planned to maximise the chance of success.
Average results are based on Scuderia SA clinical data from 2025. Individual outcomes vary depending on the mare, semen quality and reproductive circumstances.
Discover why Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) has become one of the most advanced and effective reproductive techniques for valuable sport and breeding mares.
Why Choose OPU?
Preserve Valuable Genetics
Collect oocytes from genetically valuable mares and continue breeding without interrupting their athletic career.
Minimally Invasive Procedure
OPU is performed using ultrasound-guided technology under controlled conditions by experienced equine reproduction specialists.
Flexible Breeding Options
Suitable for sport mares, older mares, donor mares and horses with previous breeding challenges.
Is OPU Right for Your Mare?
Who Is OPU Recommended For?
- Competition mares that should continue training and competing while remaining part of a breeding programme.
- Genetically valuable broodmares whose bloodlines are worth preserving for future generations.
- Older mares with reduced fertility but ongoing ovarian activity.
- Mares unable to carry a pregnancy due to uterine conditions or previous reproductive complications.
- Owners planning to use frozen semen from elite or limited-availability stallions.
- Breeders aiming to maximise embryo production within a single breeding season.
- Mares with a demanding competition schedule, where traditional breeding methods are not practical.
Benefits
- Continue Your Mare's Sport Career: Collect oocytes without interrupting your mare's training or competition schedule.
- Preserve Valuable Genetics: Breed from exceptional mares and secure their bloodlines for future generations.
- No Pregnancy Required: Your donor mare does not need to carry a foal, allowing her to remain focused on sport or other activities.
- Access to Elite Stallions: Combine OPU with ICSI to use frozen semen from leading stallions worldwide, including rare or limited semen doses.
- Suitable for Older Mares: OPU can be an effective option for mares with reduced fertility that still have ovarian activity.
- Potential for Multiple Embryos: A single OPU session may result in multiple embryos, increasing the efficiency of your breeding programme.
How Does OPU Work?
From admission to oocyte collection, every step of the OPU procedure is carefully planned to ensure the highest standards of safety, animal welfare and reproductive success.
The procedure is completed within 1 hour. Following the procedure, your mare can return home and resume her normal routine.
01 Pre-Procedure Examination +
Before scheduling OPU, our reproduction specialists perform a thorough examination to ensure your mare is healthy and her reproductive system is suitable for the procedure. OPU is only performed when there is a realistic chance of successful oocyte collection.
02 Preparation +
On the day of the procedure, your mare is comfortably positioned in an examination stock and remains standing throughout the process. She receives sedation, pain relief, antibiotics and medication to relax the intestinal muscles, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience.
03 Oocyte Collection +
Using ultrasound-guided aspiration, each follicle is carefully flushed multiple times with a specialised washing medium to maximise oocyte recovery. The procedure typically takes 20–50 minutes, depending on the number of follicles.
04 Oocyte Processing +
The collected fluid is filtered to recover the oocytes, which are then carefully identified, washed and prepared for transport under controlled conditions.
05 Transport to the Laboratory +
The prepared oocytes are transported to our trusted laboratory partner, Avantea, where they continue to the next stage of the assisted reproduction process.
06 Recovery & Monitoring +
Following the procedure, your mare is transferred to one of our dedicated guest stalls, where she is closely monitored by our veterinary team and continuous camera surveillance. Before returning home, you receive detailed documentation and recommendations for further care.
What does an ideal ovary for OPU look like?
Before OPU, we recommend an ultrasound examination by your veterinarian to assess the mare’s ovaries and follicular activity. Ideally, there should be around 10–15 follicles measuring approximately 0.5–2.5 cm. However, follicle numbers vary between mares, and OPU may still be performed with fewer follicles depending on the individual case.
The image shows an ovary with multiple small follicles, representing a favourable ovarian status for OPU.
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.
OPU Conditions & Recipient Mares +
If you'd like to optimise 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.
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
Need help?
Frequently Asked Questions
The OPU procedure itself typically takes 20–50 minutes, depending on the number of follicles available for aspiration. After the procedure, your mare is closely monitored by our veterinary team until she has fully recovered from sedation.
The number of embryos varies from mare to mare and depends on factors such as age, ovarian activity, oocyte quality and semen quality. At Scuderia SA, our programme currently achieves an average of 2.8 embryos per OPU procedure, although individual results may be higher or lower depending on each mare's unique circumstances.
Yes. OPU is a minimally invasive procedure performed on a standing, sedated mare by experienced equine reproduction specialists. Throughout the procedure, your mare is closely monitored, and following oocyte collection she is observed until she has fully recovered. Most mares return to their normal routine shortly after the procedure.