From clinic to lab: Sperm parameters for equine in vitro embryo production.
Authors: Martin-Pelaez Soledad, Orsolini Morgan, Verstraete Margo, de la Fuente Alejandro, Takahashi Kazuki, Meyers Stuart, Dini Pouya
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Sperm Parameters for Equine In Vitro Embryo Production Equine in vitro embryo production (IVP) has emerged as an essential reproductive tool for preserving genetics from subfertile stallions, those suffering sudden death or emergency euthanasia, or animals with severely limited semen availability—situations where conventional breeding is simply not viable. Martin-Pelaez and colleagues conducted a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature examining the stallion and sperm characteristics that directly influence IVP success, bridging the gap between clinical stallion evaluation and laboratory embryo production protocols. Their synthesis reveals that sperm selection methodology—whether for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF)—fundamentally determines fertilisation rates and subsequent embryo developmental competence, with the quality of morphologically intact sperm being particularly critical for optimal outcomes. The review emphasises that practitioners must consider three interconnected elements: careful stallion selection and assessment, appropriate sperm processing and preparation techniques, and evidence-based sperm selection strategies that align with laboratory requirements. For farriers, veterinarians, physiotherapists and stud managers, this work underscores the importance of understanding IVP's technical demands at the point of semen collection and preparation, enabling more informed decisions about which animals are candidates for assisted reproduction and how best to optimise sample quality before laboratory processing.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Veterinarians and stallion owners must understand sperm quality parameters and processing requirements to provide suitable samples for IVP procedures, bridging clinical evaluation with laboratory standards
- •Selection of intact, high-quality sperm directly impacts fertilization success and embryo development, making proper evaluation and processing protocols essential for valuable breeding animals
- •IVP offers a practical solution for preserving genetics from subfertile, deceased, or emergency-euthanized stallions, but requires coordination between clinical practitioners and reproductive laboratories
Key Findings
- •In vitro embryo production (IVP) has become increasingly viable for genetically and economically valuable horses with subfertility or limited sperm availability
- •Selection of intact sperm for ICSI or conventional IVF is critical for achieving optimal fertilization and embryo development outcomes
- •Success rates for equine IVP have steadily improved, driving global demand for IVP-suitable sperm and clinical-laboratory coordination
- •Careful consideration of animal selection, sperm processing, and sperm selection techniques is essential to link clinical practice with laboratory requirements