Clinical Observations After Prebreeding Intrauterine Plasma Infusion in 18 Mares Inseminated With Thawed Frozen Semen.
Authors: Pasch Lauren, Schmidt Andrew, King William
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Intrauterine Plasma Infusion Before Frozen Semen Insemination Frozen semen breeding triggers a measurable intrauterine inflammatory response in mares, which may compromise embryo establishment—a particular concern when previous insemination cycles have failed to result in pregnancy. Pasch, Schmidt and King investigated whether prebreeding infusion of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) diluted with platelet-poor plasma could mitigate this response in 18 clinically normal mares that had failed to conceive during their first breeding cycle with frozen semen from the same stallion. The authors infused prepared PRP intrauterine 12–48 hours before artificial insemination whilst maintaining routine breeding protocols, representing a pragmatic extension of PRP use beyond its established role in managing persistent mating-induced endometritis. Although presented as an observational case series rather than a controlled trial, the findings offer preliminary clinical insight into whether haemostatic and immunomodulatory properties of concentrated platelets might optimise the uterine environment for frozen semen viability in subfertile populations. For practitioners managing mares with a history of conception failure using frozen semen, this work suggests a potential adjunctive therapy, though larger prospective studies would be needed to establish efficacy and define which mare populations—if any—derive genuine reproductive benefit from the intervention.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •PRP and plasma infusion before frozen semen insemination may offer a clinical option for mares failing to conceive on first breeding cycle with frozen semen
- •The procedure involves autologous blood processing and intrauterine infusion 12-48 hours before insemination, fitting into standard breeding management protocols
- •This represents preliminary evidence; controlled trials are needed to establish efficacy before widespread adoption in breeding programs
Key Findings
- •Eighteen mares that failed to conceive with frozen semen were treated with intrauterine PRP and plasma infusion 12-48 hours before re-breeding to the same stallion
- •This case series represents an initial clinical investigation into the effects of prebreeding intrauterine PRP and plasma infusion in normal mares inseminated with thawed frozen semen
- •The study extended PRP application beyond persistent mating-induced endometritis to normal breeding populations using frozen semen