…
Let’s talk about ICSI…
wzequine March 27, 2025 0 comments

Let’s talk about ICSI…

Understanding the ICSI Process in Horses: Success Rates, Costs, and Risks

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) has revolutionized equine reproduction, offering breeders a precise and effective method for producing embryos from genetically valuable stallions and mares. This advanced reproductive technology is particularly beneficial for mares with fertility challenges or those in rigorous competition schedules. But how does the process work, and what are the success rates, costs, and potential risks?

What is ICSI?

ICSI involves retrieving oocytes (egg cells) from a donor mare’s ovaries through follicular aspiration. These oocytes are then matured in a laboratory setting before a single sperm cell is directly injected into the cytoplasm of each mature egg. Successfully fertilized oocytes develop into blastocysts, which can either be transferred fresh into a recipient mare or frozen for later use.

Success Rates: From Blastocysts to Viable Pregnancies

While ICSI boasts high fertilization rates, the journey from blastocyst to a viable pregnancy presents variability. Generally, around 30-50% of matured oocytes successfully develop into blastocysts. However, not all blastocysts will establish pregnancy after transfer.

On average:

  • Blastocyst development rate: 30-50% of injected oocytes
  • Pregnancy establishment rate after transfer: 60-80% per embryo
  • Live foal rate: Approximately 50-70% of transferred embryos result in a full-term foal

These percentages can vary based on mare and stallion fertility, embryo quality, and recipient mare health.

Costs of ICSI and Recipient Mare Lease

ICSI is an investment, but for many breeders, the ability to produce multiple embryos from a single aspiration makes it worthwhile.

  • Oocyte aspiration cost: Typically ranges from $1,000 – $3,000 per procedure, depending on the clinic and location.
  • Recipient mare lease: Usually around $5,000 per pregnancy, depending on the Recip Farm fees.
  • Laboratory ICSI process: Costs can range from $2,000 to $3,500, including sperm injection and embryo culture.
  • Total estimated cost per successful pregnancy: $8,000 to $12,000, though this can fluctuate based on additional procedures like embryo freezing or shipping.

Risks Involved with Oocyte Aspiration and Ovarian Health

While ICSI is generally safe, there are risks associated with oocyte aspiration:

  1. Ovarian Trauma: Repeated aspirations can cause scarring or damage to the ovaries, potentially affecting future fertility.
  2. Oocyte Depletion: Since oocytes are collected from small follicles before natural ovulation, excessive aspirations may reduce the mare’s overall reproductive lifespan.
  3. Infection or Hemorrhage: Though rare, the aspiration procedure carries a small risk of internal bleeding or infection at the needle entry site.
  4. Variable Response: Some mares yield more oocytes than others, impacting the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the procedure.

Final Thoughts

ICSI is a groundbreaking option for breeders aiming to maximize reproductive opportunities with genetically elite horses. While success rates are promising, it remains a costly endeavor with some inherent risks. Careful planning, consultation with a reproductive specialist, and selecting high-quality recipient mares can help optimize results.

For those considering ICSI, balancing the potential for multiple foals with the associated costs and risks will determine whether this technology aligns with breeding goals. As research continues to refine techniques, the future of ICSI in equine reproduction looks bright.

Further Reading and References

For more in-depth information on ICSI in horses, consider exploring these resources:

These resources provide valuable insights into the latest research, techniques, and advancements in ICSI and equine reproduction.

 

Search

Top