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When planning a breeding program for your horses, choosing the right reproductive technique plays a major role. Breeders often rely on two proven methods: the traditional embryo transfer, in which a single embryo passes through a flush to a carrier mare, and the more innovative OPU/ICSI treatment, which produces multiple embryos per cycle through oocyte aspiration (OPU) and laboratory fertilization (ICSI). But what exactly can you expect in terms of results from these techniques? And which method best fits your budget? In this blog, we take a closer look at the expected results and cost of both methods.
Traditional embryo transfer delivers reliable results, making it a widely used method in horse breeding. Approximately one in three embryo flushes produces a viable embryo that can lead to pregnancy in the recipient mare. After transfer, around 80–85% of recipient mares become pregnant, with a success rate of 70–75% confirmed six weeks later. Although this technique often requires three cycles to produce one foal, it remains a popular choice due to its predictability and proven success.
The OPU/ICSI method stands out for its efficiency and promising results. On average, an OPU session retrieves 12 to 15 oocytes, resulting in 2.4 embryos. After transfer, 72–78% of recipient mares become pregnant, with a success rate of 60–66% confirmed six weeks later. This technique typically produces one foal per session, offering an innovative solution for breeders aiming for maximum efficiency.
Your choice between traditional embryo transfer and OPU/ICSI often depends on the cost. Each method has its own pricing structure, determined by the procedures and the number of cycles or sessions needed to produce a foal.
Traditional embryo transfer has lower costs per cycle but often requires multiple attempts (typically three) to achieve success. This entails additional expenses for managing the donor mare, including repeated monitoring, inseminations, and transport to the clinic or boarding for embryo transfer. Moreover, the flushing technique takes several weeks to complete, whereas OPU/ICSI requires just one day to aspirate the oocytes. These factors make OPU/ICSI especially advantageous for sport mares, as it does not interfere with their busy competition schedules. Additionally, OPU/ICSI often provides an economic advantage by saving time and producing multiple embryos per session, ultimately lowering the cost per embryo.
We take a close look at the cost of both techniques.
With traditional embryo transfer, the cost per cycle starts at €3,982, excluding semen. This price covers gynecological monitoring of the cycle, insemination of the donor mare, embryo flushing, and the transfer to a recipient mare. On average, three cycles are needed to produce a single foal, bringing the total cost to at least €5,446 per foal. While traditional embryo transfer is a cost-effective option, its success largely depends on the number of attempts required.
The cost of an OPU/ICSI session starts at €6,445 if you rent a recipient mare through Hof Ter Leeuwe. If you have your own recipient mare, the cost is reduced to a minimum of €3,380. These costs cover all procedures, including the OPU process, laboratory work at Avantea, and the freezing and transfer of the embryo.
OPU/ICSI is highly efficient, with a single session often producing enough embryos for one foal. Additionally, multiple embryos are typically generated per session, significantly lowering the average cost per embryo compared to traditional embryo transfer. The ability to freeze surplus embryos offers added flexibility, allowing for additional transfers at a later date. Using your own mares as recipient mares for ICSI embryos can further reduce costs. A barren mare can be repurposed as a recipient mare, reducing the number of horses you need to maintain. These mares can even be reused while raising a foal, maximizing their utility.
These benefits make OPU/ICSI a popular choice for breeders aiming for efficiency and exceptional results.
Deciding between traditional embryo transfer and OPU/ICSI depends on your budget and breeding goals. At Hof Ter Leeuwe, we combine years of expertise with the latest techniques to help you achieve your breeding ambitions.
If you have questions about the results, costs, or need personalized advice on the best method for your needs, don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we’ll find the solution that best suits your breeding program!