Embryo transfers from mares in athletic competition.

The research conducted a study on mares participating in athletic events to determine if they could be used for embryo transfers in a single year. The findings suggested that such mares could be utilized for breeding while still engaging in competitions as the embryo transfers resulted in successful pregnancies.

Objective of the Study

• The primary aim of this research was to investigate if athletic mares could contribute to embryo transfers and stay in competition within one calendar year. The researchers were aiming to recover embryos from four mares that were in active competition and monitor the pregnancy rates of recipient mares.

Methods and Procedure

• Twenty-six embryos were recovered from four competition mares through 38 collection attempts. The embryos were then surgically transferred to 20 recipient mares.
• The recipient mares were categorized based on whether they had received one or two transfers, and pregnancies were confirmed through tests conducted at one week after the transfer.

Results

• Out of the 10 recipient mares that received one transfer, nine were confirmed pregnant one week after the transfer.
• Out of the eight mares that received two transfers, six were confirmed pregnant during the one week post-transfer examinations.
• Of the 15 successfully pregnant mares, three lost their pregnancies by day 150.
• Twelve pregnancies carried to term successfully, indicating that donor mares can remain in athletic competition while providing viable embryos for breeding.

Implications

• This study indicates that mares in athletic competition may be viable candidates for embryo transfer during the competition year. The ability to balance both athletic competition and breeding could open up an avenue for equine breeding practices without compromising the mares’ competition careers.