Reasons

There are several reasons to take advantage of today’s technology:

·         Performance career - Embryo transfer allows a mare to produce foals without interrupting a performance career. Early season and well-timed mid-season transfers can work around show schedules. Even 2 year olds, who are in full training, can be flushed and produce foals before their show career starts.

·         Multiple foals - For those breeds which allow registration of multiple foals from a given mare in the same year, embryo transfer increases the number of offspring from genetically superior mares. Two to four foals in a year is realistic for most mares. Through producing multiple foals a breeder can maximize the genetic contribution a mare can make to a breed over her lifetime.

·         Inability to carry to term - Older mares have age-related problems that may prevent them from carrying a foal, such as poor uterine environment, cervical tears, soundness problems, etc. Some younger mares may be unable to carry a foal due to injury, physical condition or poor fertility. A mare with a history of repeated abortion may be an ideal candidate for embryo transfer. The healthy environment of a surrogate/recipient mare's uterus can give these foals a proper start.

·         Late Foaling - Embryo transfer enables a late foaling mare to produce yet still be free for an early breeding date the following year.

The end result is the same:

Special foals with not one, but two, very special mothers!