Preparation
Both donor and recipient mares are examined thoroughly to ensure reproductive health.

The donor and recipient mares are examined transrectally daily by our veterinarians to determine the exact time of ovulation. The donor mare is then inseminated as close to the time of ovulation as possible.

Six to eight days after ovulation and insemination, recovery of the embryo takes place.

Recovery
The donor mare is placed in a stock and the genital and buttock areas are cleansed with a surgical scrub.

A catheter is inserted approximately five centimeters into the uterus. A liter of pre-warmed saline is infused and expelled gently by gravity, flushing the entire uterus. Infusion is repeated with two to three more liters, and both times the expulsion is aided by manual massage of the uterus. The recovered fluid is contained in a filter cup.

A special microscope is used to locate the embryo in the filter cup. A pipette is then used to move the embryo to a prepared culture medium, where it is maintained at room temperature until transfer (usually 30 minutes).

Transfer
The embryo is placed carefully in the recipient mare's uterus using a sterile pipette. The recipient mare remains under watchful care at our farm during the most critical period. She is tested to confirm pregnancy at 15 days and again at 20, 35, 50, and 60 days. The recipient mare is then transported to your farm for the remainder of the pregnancy.