Equine Embryo and Early Fetus Development in Recipient Mules and Mares

In countries such as Brazil and Argentina where the equine embryo transfer technique has become widespread, shortages in recipient mares are a real problem. Therefore, one alternative might be to use mules as recipients for equine embryos. The aim of this study was to compare the embryonic and early fetal development of horse embryos between recipient mules and mares from day 10 to 60 of pregnancy. Embryo donor mares (n=5) and two groups of recipients (acyclic mules, n=7; cyclic mares, n=10) were used.
Source: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research