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University of wisconsin-madison

Embryo Recovery

Embryos are recovered nonsurgically via the cervix. Recovery is most sucessful on day 7 when the embryo is smaller and can be recovered intact but can also be accomplished on day 8. After day 8, the embryo is too large to recover intact.

Mare description Recovery
Normal mare 50-80%
Foaling mare
 53%
older maiden
 61%

2 yr old mare

 36%
Barren mare (over 18 yr) 30% (20%)
Mares collected on the farm have a lower recovery rate (27%) than those collected at an ET center.

 

    Recovery Procedure

  1. The uterine flushing catheter is inserted through the cervix and the inflatable cuff filled with air.
  2. 1000 ml of phosphate buffered saline, 1% fetal calf serum, penicillin-streptomycin at 30-37°C is introduced into the uterus
  3. The fluid is collected and filtered.
  4. The uterus is flushed twice more.
 diagram of embryo recovery
  1. The embryo is located with the dissecting microscope and washed 3 times
  2. The embryo is loaded into 0.5 ml straws

 

day 7 embryo

7 day embryo

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Embryo Transfer, Fetal Sexing and Sperm Sexing

Embryo Transfer

Fetal Sexing

Sperm Sexing

Review Quiz