Embryo transfer in horses : method, possibilities and limitations

Abstract

There are a lot of challenges with embryo transfer in horses. The difficulties with synchronising mares, the lack of superovulation and the fact that freezing equine embryos is not working very well, are all limiting factors. Regardless of this, there are several big scale embryo transfer programs in the world with high success rate. Breeding two talented and healthy parents will increase the chances of a talented and healthy foal. Embryo transfer makes this possible without interfering too much with the biological parents’ sports careers. Breeding healthy horses is something most people want, but trying embryo transfer is expensive, especially in small-scale programs. Also, lack of knowledge makes people reluctant to try. I think the development will be slow, but that embryo transfer in horses will become more common. Especially after more research is done, making it more efficient and economical. To start up an embryo transfer program in Norway is definitely possible, and I think there is a market for it. The biggest limitation would be the keeping of a recipient herd, since keeping a horse in Norway is very expensive. Also, lack of experience from Norwegian veterinarians on this field could cause poor results in the beginning. With enough money invested, I think Norway can have a good embryo transfer program up and running in a few years.