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This study was conducted to establish embryo transfer in Turkaman cross - bred mares. The effects of semen collection to insemination interval on embryo recovery and embryo collection to transfer interval on pregnancy rate were also evaluated.
In two subsequent breeding seasons, 12 donor and 23 recipient
mares were used. Seven to eight day E:mbryos were collected
nonsurgically. Donor mares were inseminated naturally or artificially using highly fertile stallions.
From 12 donor mares 30 embryos were recovered by 50 uterine flushings (Recovery Rate = 60%). Twenty seven embryos were transferable and 18 pregnancies were obtained (Pregnancy Rate = 66.6%).
Results showed that storage of the semen for 70 minutes in glucose skim milk extender had good fertility and the interval of 160 minutes from embryo recovery to transfer had no detrimental effect on embryo viability.
This is the first report of successful non surgical mare's embryo
transfer in Iran.