Now that we’re in the middle of breeding season, it’s important to choose the most suitable technique to get the best results from your mares. At Elvo Stables, we offer full support and guidance across the different methods: Artificial Insemination, Embryo Transfer, and OPU/ICSI at Avantea.

Here’s a simple and effective overview to help you understand the differences:

📌 Artificial Insemination (AI)
What it is: The manual introduction of semen (fresh, chilled, or frozen) into the uterus of the mare.

• Proven and accessible technique

• Suitable for all mares

• One mare = one pregnancy

Ideal for: Those looking to produce a foal from a valuable mare with standard timing and easy management.

📌 Embryo Transfer (ET)
What it is: After insemination, the embryo is collected from a donor mare and implanted into a recipient mare.

• The donor can continue her sport career

• Multiple embryos per year from the same mare

• Requires a synchronized recipient

• Needs more management and planning

Ideal for: Mares in sport or older fertile mares not suitable for pregnancy.

📌 OPU/ICSI (Avantea)
What it is: Oocytes are collected from the donor mare via follicular aspiration (OPU). These are fertilized in the lab (ICSI), and the resulting embryos are transferred into recipient mares or frozen.

• Maximum genetic recovery

• Use of semen from subfertile or rare stallions

• Optimizes reproductive potential in older mares or mares with uterine pathologies that prevent in-utero embryo development

• Foals from mares in active sport careers

• Requires a specialized facility

Ideal for: Breeders and owners wanting to maximize their mare’s genetic potential.

Not sure which technique is right for you?
Contact us for personalized advice based on your mare, your goals, and your budget.