What is the Embryo Transfer process?
Equine embryos migrate into the uterus on day 5 ½ to 6 post ovulation. The optimal time for embryo recovery is day 7 or 8 post ovulation (day 6 recovery is performed for embryos that will be vitrified). Trans-cervical uterine lavage of the donor mare is performed and the fluid is removed and passed through a specialized filter. The filter cup is analyzed for embryo(s) under a stereo-microscope. Any recovered embryo is washed in cleansing solutions and is subsequently analyzed and graded for quality under the microscope. Healthy embryos are individually collected into specialized holding straws to await packaging for transport or transfer into a recipient mare. Trans-cervical uterine deposition of the embryo is performed into a suitable recipient mare. This process is repeated for every viable embryo recovered from the flush potentially resulting in more than one pregnancy per cycle. The recipient mare is examined via trans-rectal ultrasound at 12 days of embryo age for uterine evaluati
