Breakthrough in Equine Reproduction: Live Foal Born After Embryo Biopsy, Vitrification and Transfer
Lexington,
Kentucky - February 11, 2010 - Minitube International has achieved a
scientific breakthrough that will allow for genetic testing and
preservation of equine embryos. The world's first foal from a biopsied
and vitrified embryo transferred into a surrogate mare was born on
Wednesday January 27, 2010 at Minitube International Center for
Biotechnology in Mount Horeb, WI. Both the mother "Lola" and foal are
doing well. The birth of "Biopsita" marks a new era in horse breeding,
providing horse breeders with an opportunity to directly test embryos
for genetic traits including gender, coat color, genetic diseases,
etc., and select desirable genetics from stallion and mare
combinations. The study will be presented at the 10th International
Symposium on Equine Reproduction being held in Kentucky this July.
According
to Mats Troedsson, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACT the Director of the Gluck Equine
Research Center at the University of Kentucky and Director of Equine
Research for Minitube International, "Embryo transfer and
cryopreservation have been steadily gaining traction in equine
reproduction as the technology further develops and the equestrian
community adjusts registry requirements. But the ability to genetically
screen an equine embryo before transfer would change horse breeding as
we know it today. The economics would just make sense."
To make
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) or genetic screening of an
equine embryo practical, the embryo needs to be biopsied, vitrified and
later transferred into a recipient. Dr. John Dobrinsky, the Executive
Director of the Minitube International Center for Biotechnology,
credits his team and Minitube's dedication as key to the success. "My
scientific team in the lab and the farm staff are one of the best in
the world," Dr. Dobrinsky stated. "Seeing that foal walking around the
stall is a strong reminder of the scientific advancements that can be
made when you combine a stellar team with a strong support environment
like the one here at Minitube." Dr. Dobrinsky utilized one of
Minitube's recently unveiled commercial products in the study: the
EQUIPRO Vit-KitTM, a complete equine direct transfer vitrification kit
commercially available for equine veterinarians.
Minitube, in
collaboration with the Madison Equine Clinic and Hagyard Equine Medical
Institute, currently offers equine vitrification and embryo transfer
services throughout the United States and will be adding
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) to its available services.
Madison Equine Clinic is a full-service equine veterinary clinic based
in Wisconsin offering clients a complete range of advanced reproductive
services for the stallion, mare and foal from its Mount Horeb location.
Based in Lexington, KY, the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute has
practiced veterinary medicine for more than 133 years and is currently
composed of over 60 experienced veterinarians, with 13 board
certifications in specialty areas of Medicine, Surgery, Critical Care,
and Theriogenology.
Minitube International is a biotechnology
company specializing in advanced reproduction technologies and cell
biology. With partners and clients in the agricultural, veterinary,
medical and research communities, Minitube is active in the fields of
food animal production, companion and sport animal breeding, clinical
research and cellular diagnostics."
