Part 2: Embryo recovery and transfer techniques

Part 2 of the 1997 practitioner-based survey and literature review focuses on equine embryo recovery, embryo evaluation, embryo preparation, and embryo transfer techniques. Each of these factors can have an impact on the eventual pregnancy rate achieved. Important conclusions from this section include: the use of subfertile mares and immature cycling mares is associated with decreased embryo recovery rates; the mare has a blunted response to superovulation relative to other species; embryos that have a morphologic grade 3 or higher are associated with lowered conception rates; properly cooled embryos can be shipped for up to 24 hours without compromising their viability; and practitoners that are experienced in nonsurgical embryo transfer can attain pregnancy rates that parallel surgical techniques.