Update on Equine Embryo Biopsy and Vitrification

Methods to successfully biopsy and vitrify equine embryos have been under development for many years. Both techniques have been generally successful in small embryos (morulae and early blastocysts 300 μm). Successful biopsy of expanded equine blastocysts via micropipette, with subsequent normal pregnancy rates, was first reported in 2010. Since then, several other laboratories have reported similar normal pregnancy rates after biopsy via micromanipulation. Attention must be paid to obtain efficient genetic diagnosis from embryo biopsy samples, due to the small number of cells obtained. Direct PCR may be performed if only one gene is being evaluated, such as for embryo sexing, but the methods so far reported have variable efficiency and accuracy. Preliminary findings suggest that it may be possible to perform some genetic testing using only the blastocoele fluid ...