A pioneering equine breeding project in Turkey has achieved a significant milestone with the successful transfer of embryos from high-yielding mares to surrogate mothers, marking a potential revolution in horse breeding techniques.
In a remarkable achievement for the field of equine breeding, a team led by Mehmet Can Gündüz from Balıkesir University has successfully completed an embryo transfer project. The project, which took place in the Arnavutköy district of Istanbul, involved transferring embryos from high-yielding Friesian and American Painthorse breeds to carefully selected surrogate mares. This milestone marks a significant step forward in horse breeding techniques, with the potential to dramatically increase the number of foals produced by valuable mares.
The process, meticulously conducted in a controlled laboratory environment, involved several critical stages. Initially, embryos were collected from donor mares that were selected based on specific genetic and health criteria. These embryos were then frozen to preserve their viability before being carefully transferred to surrogate mares. This method allows for the strategic use of embryos from high-value mares, ensuring that their superior genetic traits can be propagated more efficiently.
A key success story from this project is the case of Ezo, an American Painthorse mare who served as a surrogate mother. Ezo carried the foal named Balat for 11 months, culminating in a successful birth just two and a half months ago. The gestation period of horses typically lasts 11 months, during which a mare can produce only one offspring annually. However, with this innovative method, it is now possible to obtain multiple foals from a single mare, significantly enhancing the breeding process.
Mehmet Can Gündüz, the project’s lead, emphasised the importance of selecting the right surrogates to ensure the success of the embryo transfer. “We select donor mares based on certain criteria, identify suitable surrogates, and ensure a healthy pregnancy and breastfeeding period,” Gündüz explained. This careful selection and monitoring process is crucial to ensuring that both the surrogate and the foal remain healthy throughout the gestation and nursing periods.
The choice of Ezo as a surrogate was particularly noteworthy. Ezo was chosen due to her strong resemblance to Balat’s genetic mother, Angora, and her unique history adds an inspiring dimension to the project. Once a sports horse, Ezo had to be retired 15 years ago due to a leg injury. Following her successful treatment, she has now become an indispensable part of this groundbreaking breeding programme. As İbrahim Kurban, another scientist involved in the project, stated, “Ezo’s story is remarkable. She was once a sports horse but was retired due to a leg injury 15 years ago. After successful treatment, she has become an essential part of our breeding programme.”
The implications of this project are profound. The team believes that this technique could revolutionise horse breeding, allowing for the preservation and enhancement of valuable equine bloodlines. Gündüz remarked on the broader impact of their work, noting that “with this study, we aim to improve breeding by using the embryos from high-value mares. Ezo’s case proves that even horses with previous injuries can significantly contribute to breeding programmes.”
This project not only showcases the potential of advanced reproductive techniques in animal husbandry but also highlights the possibilities for rehabilitated horses to play a crucial role in future breeding endeavours. As the team continues their work, the success of Ezo and Balat serves as a promising indicator of what the future may hold for the world of equine breeding.
