Successful Horse Embryo Transfer!

Summary

The video follows a farm's embryo transfer process, focusing on the careful procedures involved with two mares, Beyonce and Gracie. After breeding Beyonce, the goal is to retrieve an embryo to transfer into Gracie. The journey includes traveling to the vet, handling the mares with care, and performing the delicate transfer. Despite some nervous moments and challenges, the process ultimately aims to ensure the successful pregnancy of Gracie. The video also covers a behind-the-scenes look at artificial insemination and horse breeding procedures, along with discussions about horse care and future plans.

Takeaways

• 😀 The main focus is on the embryo transfer procedure for two mares, Beyonce and Gracie, involving veterinary visits and careful handling.
• 😀 The journey includes managing the logistics of transporting the horses, including navigating rough roads and ensuring their comfort.
• 😀 Beyonce has an existing foot injury, which requires extra caution during transportation to prevent further harm.
• 😀 Gracie and Petey are positioned on the trailer first because of the order in which the mares need to be seen at the vet.
• 😀 The embryo transfer procedure involves flushing the embryo from Beyonce and implanting it into Gracie, with hopes of a successful pregnancy.
• 😀 The script emphasizes the careful handling of the horses to prevent any stress or injury, including using sedatives and anti-inflammatory medications when needed.
• 😀 The script highlights the use of artificial insemination techniques, including the collection of semen from stallions with a dummy and teasing mares.
• 😀 The health and wellbeing of the horses are closely monitored, including checking for ovulation, signs of infection, and the condition of the uterus and cervix.
• 😀 Banamine and Regimate are prescribed to manage inflammation and maintain progesterone levels, respectively, to ensure the success of the embryo transfer.
• 😀 The video conveys the challenges and emotional investment of the breeding process, including the disappointment of Beyonce not being pregnant and the hope for a successful transfer to Gracie.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the embryo transfer process described in the script?

The purpose is to transfer an embryo from Beyonce (a mare) into Gracie (another mare) to potentially achieve pregnancy and have a foal.

Why is Beyonce's foot a concern during the trip to the vet?

Beyonce's foot is a concern because it is injured, and the rough roads on the way to the vet could cause her to stumble or worsen the injury, requiring extra care during the trip.

What is the significance of the 'dummy' mentioned in the script?

The 'dummy' is used to collect semen from a stallion for artificial insemination. The stallion mounts the dummy, which simulates the behavior of mating, allowing semen to be collected for insemination purposes.

What happens during the embryo flush process?

During the embryo flush, the vet retrieves the embryo from Beyonce's uterus, checks for its health under a microscope, and, if viable, prepares to transfer it into Gracie's uterus.

What are some of the health checks performed on Beyonce before the embryo transfer?

The vet checks Beyonce's ovary, uterus, and cervix to ensure there are no issues that could interfere with the transfer, such as fluid or signs of inflammation.

What does the vet mean by wanting Beyonce's cervix to be 'tight'?

The vet wants Beyonce's cervix to be tight to reduce the risk of the embryo slipping out of the uterus. A loose cervix could cause the embryo to be expelled, reducing the chances of successful pregnancy.

Why is Gracie being used as the recipient for the embryo transfer?

Gracie is being used as the recipient because she is in good health and ready to carry the embryo. The hope is that she will successfully carry the embryo to term, resulting in a foal.

What are the medications given to Gracie after the embryo transfer?

Gracie is given Banamine, an anti-inflammatory medication, and Regimate, a drug that helps maintain progesterone levels to support the pregnancy.

What is the potential issue with Gracie's skin that the vet addresses?

Gracie previously experienced hives, which can be an inflammatory reaction to the embryo transfer process. The vet suggests using Banamine to prevent inflammation and support Gracie’s comfort.

Why does the script mention using a designer Derby hat in relation to horse shows?

The mention of a designer Derby hat is a humorous side conversation about the cost of show clothes, particularly for a specific class in AQHA where participants are required to wear a large hat while driving a cart in a horse show.