Recovery of Equine Oocytes in Ambulatory Practice and Potential Complications.
Authors: Rodriguez Jacobo, Maserati Marc, Robilotta Thiago, Augusto Geovani, Alonso Maria Augusta, Redoan Mariana, Tibary Ahmed, Fleury Perla
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Transvaginal follicle aspiration (TVA) has long been confined to specialist reproductive laboratories, but this 2021 study tested whether the technique could be successfully implemented in ambulatory field settings by practitioners without prior TVA experience. Over six days, 22 equine veterinarians (each with 5–20 years' experience in reproductive medicine but no previous TVA training) aspirated 296 follicles from 66 clinically healthy mares, recovering 145 oocytes suitable for embryo production. Remarkably, the procedure generated no short- or long-term complications in any mare, and 85% (56/66) of the mares conceived within three months post-procedure, demonstrating that TVA is not detrimental to normal reproductive function. These findings significantly broaden the accessibility of oocyte recovery for breeding programmes, suggesting that properly trained practitioners can safely offer this technology outside traditional laboratory environments—a development with considerable implications for maximising reproductive output in performance and breeding mares whilst minimising travel and logistical burden on studs and breeding operations.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •TVA can be reliably performed in ambulatory/field settings by trained equine practitioners without specialized laboratory infrastructure, expanding access to oocyte recovery for breeding programs
- •The procedure carries no observable health risks to mares when performed by properly trained veterinarians, supporting its use as a safe clinical tool
- •High pregnancy rates (85%) post-TVA suggest the procedure does not compromise reproductive function or mare fertility in the short term
Key Findings
- •145 oocytes were successfully recovered from 296 aspirated follicles across 66 mares using transvaginal aspiration in field conditions
- •No short- or long-term systemic or local complications were observed in any mare following the procedure
- •56 out of 66 mares (84.8%) became pregnant within 3 months following transvaginal follicular aspiration
- •Recently trained practitioners (5-20 years equine/bovine experience, but no prior TVA experience) successfully performed the procedure with proper training