Overcoming seasonality: the strategic value of OPU-ICSI in equine breeding

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18/03/2025

In equine breeding, seasonality has always been a critical factor influencing reproduction and mating management. Mares’ reproductive cycles follow a natural pattern dictated by seasonal changes and daylight availability, restricting the period during which pregnancies can be achieved through traditional methods such as flushing. However, advancements in reproductive biotechnologies now provide a groundbreaking alternative to overcome these limitations: the OPU-ICSI technique (Ovum Pick-Up – Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection).

OPU-ICSI: Year-Round Reproduction

One of the primary advantages of OPU-ICSI is its ability to be performed at any time of the year, regardless of the mare’s natural reproductive season. This is possible because oocytes are directly collected from the donor mare’s ovaries via OPU, eliminating the need to wait for the natural cycle. After fertilisation in the laboratory through ICSI, the resulting embryos can be frozen and transferred when conditions are most favourable. This ensures optimal reproductive planning, independent of natural constraints.

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The Value of Planning and Recipient Mare Availability

A key factor for the success of assisted reproduction is the availability of recipient mares. Avantea, Europe’s leader in equine reproductive biotechnology, maintains a herd of over 500 recipient mares ready to receive embryos at the most suitable moment. This means that breeders can not only obtain high-quality embryos at any time but also rely on a large pool of recipient mares, eliminating the need to depend solely on their own facilities.

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The Future of Equine Breeding

Reproductive innovation is reshaping the paradigms of equine breeding. The ability to bypass seasonal limitations and plan reproduction with greater flexibility offers breeders an unprecedented competitive advantage. With Avantea’s expertise and infrastructure, OPU-ICSI is not just an advanced technology but an essential tool for maximising reproductive success all year round.