Post-mortem oocyte recovery is a way to preserve the genetics of a mare and produce embryos even after her death. Oocytes (eggs) can be harvested immediately after death or euthanasia and sent to a laboratory for fertilisation.
The process involves transporting the ovaries to our lab for oocyte recovery. In the lab, each follicle (the structure containing the oocyte) in the ovaries is flushed and scraped multiple times to retrieve the oocytes. The retrieved oocytes are then processed and prepared for shipment to a fertilisation lab, similar to ovum-pick up (OPU). To maximise success rates, ovary removal and oocyte collection should be performed within 6h of death or euthanasia.
What can influence the recovery rate and the embryo production?
- Number of follicles present in the ovaries.
- Reason for death
- Intrinsic fertility of the mare and the chosen stallion.
On average, it is expected one pregnancy to be achieved for every 20 oocytes harvested under optimal conditions.
Emergency Euthanasia: Ideally, some advance warning is necessary to prepare for the procedure, when the mare is sick and most likely will need euthanasia. This preparation is often required to meet health testing and logistical requirements for exporting oocytes. In certain emergency cases, the procedure may still be possible, depending on the circumstances.