Frequently Asked Questions
    What is the process to get an embryo?

    For immediate transfer: The donor mare is bred to the stallion of choice. Her cycle is followed closely
    so that we know exactly when she ovulates her follicle. Seven days following her ovulation date we
    will flush the mare for an embryo. If we retrieve an embryo it is transferred directly into the recipient
    mare.
    For frozen embryos: The breeding is the same as above, however, we will flush for an embryo Six
    days after ovulation. If we retrieve an embryo, it is frozen until the owner decides to transfer it into a
    recipient mare. The frozen embryo can be stored for as long as the owner wants. There will be a
    monthly storage fee after one year of collecting the embryo.

    What is the success rate of retrieving an embryo and having the recipient mare be
    pregnant?

    There are many variables that pertain to retrieving an embryo. If the mare is of breeding soundness
    (no infections, cervical tears etc.), and the stallion has good quality semen and is fertile, then the
    average is 50% of the time we get embryos. If you’re using frozen semen the percentage can drop a
    little.
    When we get an embryo, the average pregnancy rate is at a 12-day check: 80% about 72% will go
    home to owners at 45 days. For frozen embryos it is a 66% pregnancy rate.

    What type of mares are good embryo candidates?

    Any mare can be used as a donor for embryos, however, most are mares that are actively
    showing/competing/riding, mares that have breeding soundness issues (cervical tears, can’t
    maintain pregnancy, difficult etc.), and mares that tend to have multiple ovulations (eliminates
    chance of twinning).

    At what age can you start breeding for embryos?

    When the mare is biologically 2 yrs of age (24 months).

    Do I have to bring my mare to you to perform all breeding services?

    No. If you live out of state and/or have a veterinarian who is capable of doing your breeding and can
    monitor your mare’s cycle closely to detect the exact day of ovulation, you can either bring your
    mare to us to flush for the embryo or, in some instances, we can travel to your farm either by car or
    company plane to flush for an embryo. If your veterinarian is capable of flushing an embryo then he
    can send it to us via counter-counter air shipment, and we can transfer it into one of our recipient
    mares.

    Can I use one of my own mares as a recipient mare?

    One of the keys to a successful embryo transfer is the timing of both the donor mare’s ovulation with
    the recipient mare’s ovulation. That is why we keep a herd of about 100 recipient mares. Trying to
    time your mare’s ovulation with the donor mare’s ovulation is almost impossible. The recipient mare
    must also be of complete breeding soundness. Our recipient mares are young, usually maiden
    mares. We have the most success with these chosen mares.

    What if my mare has multiple follicles that ovulate?

    You have a choice. If we transfer all embryos into recipient mares at the time of the flush, you may
    have multiple foals the following year. However, it increases your chances of having at least one foal
    in case one of the embryos doesn’t make it. If you don’t want the chance of multiple foals, then you
    may want to consider flushing at 6 days, freezing the embryos, placing one in a recipient and keep
    the remainder frozen. If you decide to freeze, we need to know ahead of time so that we flush on the
    appropriate day.

    If we get multiple embryos, can I use my donor mare as a recipient?

    We can’t directly transfer an embryo into the mare we just flushed. There usually is a small amount
    of residual fluid in the uterus from flushing the embryo. This doesn’t create the best environment for
    the embryo to survive in. You would want to freeze the embryos, recycle your mare and transfer
    them when she and the recipient are ready.

    How soon can I take my recipient mare after she’s confirmed pregnant?

    She is considered safely in foal at 45 days. During this time, when she is at the clinic, we will perform
    periodic pregnancy checks and she will be on a daily progesterone supplement, Regu-mate. When
    she is confirmed pregnant at 45 days, you may take her home that day.

    If I don’t want to keep my recipient mare, can I bring her back for a refund?

    Yes. We will perform a breeding soundness exam and if we can use her in the embryo program
    again, you will receive a $500 refund.

    Do I have to keep my recipient mare on Regu-mate for the entire pregnancy?

    We highly suggest keeping the recipient mare on Regu-mate until at least 120 days regardless of
    her own progesterone level.

    What is the cost of doing an embryo transfer?

    The cost can vary. If we’re doing all the breeding, it can run approximately $4800-$5100. The main
    cost is leasing the pregnant recipient which is $1500. You also have the option of a transported
    embryo where you have someone else do the breeding and they send the embryo to us or we can
    flush it here. Either way, we would need to know exactly when the mare ovulated. That cost is
    approximately $3000 - $5000 depending on whether we board the mare, breed her and flush her
    here or if you just send us the embryo to transfer.

    *Please e-mail us if you would like any packet information sent to you.