Equine Embryo Sexing and Ultrasonographic Foetal Sexing – Interests and Applicability.

This research article presents a comprehensive review of available techniques for determining the sex of horse embryos and foetuses. These methods are of significant economic interest to breeders and range from non-invasive biotechnological procedures to ultrasound scanning during various stages of development.

Equine Embryo Sexing

• The article first discusses methods related to embryo sexing. Embryo sexing can be a valuable tool for breeders looking to manage the population balance, optimize breeding strategies or fulfil specific requests regarding the sex of the foals.
• Techniques for embryo sexing can be divided into non-invasive and invasive procedures. Non-invasive procedures rely on monitoring of X-linked enzymes prior to X chromosome inactivation or identifying sex-specific antigens.
• Invasive methods, on the other hand, involves the analysis of cytogenetic materials and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, where specific DNA segments of the embryo are amplified and analyzed.

Equine Foetal Sexing

• Foetal sexing, the second main category in the article, can be performed at different developmental stages of the foetus ranging from early to late.
• This method involves the use of ultrasound scanning, which can be carried out either transrectally or transabdominally. Frequently, breeders deploy this method when horse pregnancies reach the stage where the ultrasound can distinctly detect anatomical features signifying the sex of the foetus.
• The article also considers advancements in ultrasound technology, addressing the use of 3D-mode and Doppler-mode scanners, which offer better image detailing and enhance the accuracy of sex determination.

Interest and Applicability

• The drastic progress and diversity of such techniques have shown significant potential in catering for the needs of the horse breeding industry.
• The review concludes by evaluating the interests and applicability of these sex determination techniques. Factors taken into account may include the complexity of the techniques, their costs, and the accuracy of the results they provide.