A mare is used for embryo transfer in order to:

• Prolong her competitive career while producing descendants.
• Increase annual foal production.

The embryo transfer technique requires two mares:

• A "donor" mare for her genetic background.
• A "recipient" mare who does the mothering; gestation, birthing, and raising of the foal.

The two mares must be "synchronous", meaning that their reproductive cycles, through hormone treatment, need to be identical.

One of the clear advantages of embryo transfer is that it allows for a genetically superior mare to continue breeding 4 to 5 years after she is no longer able to carry.

The "donor" mare is inseminated at ovulation. After 7 days, a flushing is performed to collect the embryo (or two in the case of twins). The embryo can be immediately transferred to the "recipient" mare, or it can be cryoconserved for future use. We call on the services and 20-year's experience of Clinique vétérinaire Sagamie for this delicate operation.

During the foaling period, the mares are kept under close observation on a 24-hour basis through a surveillance camera system.