Chapter 2 - Assisted reproductive biotechnologies in the horse

Abstract

Genetic improvement is often determined by the intensity and efficiency of the reproductive process. In livestock, reproductive inefficiency has been identified as one of the leading causes of economic loss worldwide. Although there have been remarkable advances in the field of reproductive biotechnologies in the last decade, animal infertility due to low conception rates and high early embryonic mortality continue to be a major challenge. Reproductive techniques such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer can be considered “classical” techniques and have been extensively reviewed in the past. More advanced reproductive biotechnologies such as oocyte recovery, in vitro maturation, in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, somatic cell nuclear transfer, and in vitro embryo culture are quickly becoming important aspects in the field of reproductive physiology. Consequently, there is a need for the continued improvement of these emerging biotechnologies and a transition from their experimental phase to clinical application. The aim of this chapter is to give an updated outline of assisted reproductive technologies either in research or clinical settings, applied to the equine species.