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Not every mare or stallion is suited for traditional breeding methods. Do you have a mare with fertility problems? Do you want offspring from a recently deceased stallion? Or are sporting commitments interfering with motherhood? When traditional breeding no longer seems viable, ICSI treatment may still offer a solution. But what exactly are the advantages of this technique? What factors influence the procedure's success? And above all: what are the success rates? At Hof ter Leeuwe in Zoutleeuw, we are happy to help. Read all about it in our latest blog.
ICSI is not your typical reproductive technique. It is an innovative solution for breeders looking to maximize the genetic potential of their horses. The OPU-ICSI treatment provides unique advantages where traditional methods fall short. At Hof ter Leeuwe, we apply this advanced technique to take your breeding results to the next level. So, what makes ICSI treatment so special?
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While ICSI treatment in horses offers many benefits, the procedure's success depends on several factors. The health and condition of the donor mare play the most crucial role. Mares that successfully produce an embryo during their first OPU-ICSI session have over a 70% chance of repeating this success in subsequent sessions. Conversely, mares that fail to produce an embryo on the first attempt tend to maintain lower success rates. Therefore, the donor mare must be in excellent condition, as stress, pain, or an unhealthy weight can reduce success rates.
The stallion also plays a role, although it is secondary to the mare’s influence. One significant advantage of ICSI is that we can use sperm of inferior quality, as we carefully select the best sperm before injection, significantly increasing the chances of producing a healthy embryo.
Here are some concrete figures on the success of ICSI treatment in horses. In a typical OPU session, we collect an average of 12 to 15 oocytes, from which we usually produce 2 to 3 embryos per session, a significantly higher success rate than traditional methods. The likelihood of successful gestation is also high: after 14 days, 75 to 85% of gestating mares remain pregnant, and after 45 days, this percentage stays between 70 to 75%. At our facility in Zoutleeuw, we continually strive to improve these success rates to achieve the best possible results.
The success of ICSI treatment depends on the expertise of the team. At Hof ter Leeuwe, we specialize in this complex technique, which requires extreme precision. As one of the first clinics in Belgium to introduce this method, we have accumulated years of experience. Our dedicated team of four veterinarians work seamlessly together, with someone always on standby to provide immediate support. The well-being of the mare is our top priority: we create a stress-free environment and ensure that every procedure is performed efficiently and comfortably. This combination of experience, care, and personal attention sets us apart.
Would you like to learn more about the possibilities of ICSI treatment in horses? We are ready to guide you through every step of the process. Please contact contact us.