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BREED Diagnostics

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Australia
Callaghan, NSW
BREED Diagnostics

World-class researchers in advanced veterinary semen diagnostics and processing

23/05/2026

30 Years on Ice ❄️

Cryopreservation is undeniably one of the most significant assisted reproductive technologies. It revolutionized artificial insemination (AI) and gave us the incredible ability to safeguard elite genetics, allowing breeders to wait until conditions are absolutely perfect.

But sometimes, standard AI isn't an option.

We recently received a single straw of semen from a long-deceased, highly prized stallion. It was frozen over 30 years ago and is one of only two straws remaining in Australia.

When you are down to the absolute last line of genetics, standard artificial insemination is simply too high of a risk—a single straw rarely provides the s***m numbers needed for a successful AI, and if a pregnancy isn’t achieved, those irreplaceable genetics are gone forever.

Instead, our team made a precise cut into the straw, and after three decades "on ice," the s***m were ready to tango! A beautiful embryo was made right here at the Newcastle Equine ICSI lab.

This incredible milestone highlights how advanced lab techniques can rescue and revive legacy genetics that would otherwise be lost to time.

A massive commendation to Dr Fiona Herzog and the exceptional team at Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital for yet another successful OPU! 🐴✨

17/04/2026

And they’re off the mark! 🏏✨

Following a successful validation process, Dr Danton Cervi, Dr Izzie Bamford, and the team at Woodgrange Specialist Equine Hospital -The Horse Vet have produced their first commercial embryo for the season — with many more to come!

Ever wondered what happens to embryos once they’ve fully developed at the Newcastle ICSI lab?

They undergo vitrification — a highly delicate process where the expanded embryo is carefully dehydrated, allowing it to be cryopreserved (as shown in the image). This ensures the embryo remains viable for future use.

Can’t transfer an embryo this season? No problem. You can keep your future foal “on ice” until the timing is just right. ❄️🐴

24/03/2026

Big things happening in the world of equine reproduction! 🐎✨

A huge shoutout to Dr Izzie Bamford, Dr Danton Cervi and the incredible team at Woodgrange Specialist Equine Hospital -The Horse Vet for trusting us with their OPU/ICSI validation journey. Safe to say—they’ve absolutely hit the ground running, producing some stunning embryos already! 🔬🐴

Here in Newcastle, we’re proud to be exploring new horizons and driving the future of equine breeding across Australia 🇦🇺

And of course, none of this happens in isolation—massive thanks to the brilliant minds who’ve helped shape this space along the way: Zamira Bakarich Sarah Lambourne Jennifer Clulow Aleona Swegen Alecia Sheridan Róisín Griffin Ashlee Medica, and many more.

Onwards and upwards 🚀

14/03/2026

What if you’re struggling to get an embryo from a standard ET program?
What if it’s a difficult case — underlying medical conditions, or a mare that’s just a little later in life?

Sometimes it just takes the right expertise.

Give Dr Fiona Herzog a call at Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital. One of Australia’s leading theriogenologists and someone who knows how to work through the challenging cases.

Our first cycle of the year with Fiona, and our first embryo — with many more to come!

23/01/2026

S***m safe is a very cool semen extender developed by the very clever Lee Morris at EquiBreed ART and Newcastle Uni. We have taken up using this product in select cases and find it super helpful. It has lots of great applications from longer term fresh semen preservation at room temp or with tricky semen, to use following semen centrifugation in mares with problems with uterine health.

Another tool in the tool box, and as always, learning and striving to do the best for our clients and patients! 🤓

05/01/2026

Starting 2026 with the best sound there is — a beating heart 💓
(courtesy of Dr Kylie Hardwicke)

Thanks to the expertise of our veterinary colleagues and the dedicated team at the Newcastle Equine ICSI Laboratory, ICSI continues to deliver outstanding results, with 80% pregnancy rates following transfer of embryos produced in our lab.

Here’s to collaboration, innovation, and a big year ahead.
Wishing everyone a fantastic 2026!

28/12/2025

✨ The benefits of ICSI you may not have realised… ✨

At the Newcastle Equine ICSI Lab, all ICSI embryos are vitrified — frozen in time and ready for transfer when it suits you.

Why is this so important?
Because how often do you find yourself with a great embryo… but no suitable recipient mare in the paddock?

Following a successful OPU performed by our colleague Dr Kylie Hardwicke at Hawkesbury Equine Veterinary Centre, embryos were produced and cryopreserved at our Newcastle lab. As the breeding season ramped up, recipient availability became scarce — a familiar challenge for many.

No problem. The vitrified embryo was safely transported to our colleague Dr Doug Edlington, who just happened to have the perfect recipient mare available. The result?
✅ Successful embryo warming
✅ Successful transfer
✅ Successful pregnancy

Let’s follow the journey:
OPU at Hawkesbury Equine Veterinary Centre → ICSI, embryo production & cryopreservation in Newcastle → Embryo warming and transfer at Dr Ed’s Equine Veterinary Services.

That’s the power of OPU/ICSI and vitrification — flexibility, collaboration, and outstanding outcomes for modern breeding programs. 🐎✨

23/12/2025

🎄 Christmas has come early at Hawkesbury Equine Veterinary Centre with another ICSI pregnancy 🎄

We want to take a moment to shine a very well-deserved spotlight on Dr Kylie Hardwicke from Hawkesbury Equine Veterinary Centre ⭐️

Kylie is an absolute pleasure to work with and a true leader in equine reproduction. Her dedication to her clients is second to none, and she works tirelessly to achieve the very best outcomes—no matter how complex the case.

Advanced techniques like equine ICSI are only possible with experts like Kylie. She works closely with the team at the Newcastle Equine ICSI Laboratory, not only to deliver outstanding results, but also to meticulously troubleshoot and problem-solve when things don’t go exactly to plan. That level of commitment makes all the difference.

Whether it’s semen collection, artificial insemination, or ICSI, we are here to help you achieve your reproductive goals—made possible by collaborating with exceptional professionals like Kylie.

Thank you, Kylie, for your expertise, your dedication, and your unwavering commitment to advancing equine reproduction 🎁🐎

01/12/2025

✨ What happens when you combine Australia’s greatest campdraft stallion with one of the country’s most elite cutting mares? A new benchmark in performance horse genetics. ✨

Owned by Tom and Primrose Cavanagh, the exceptional Stevie’s Choice is already a standout in the cutting arena — and now she’s paving the way for something truly extraordinary.

After a highly successful OPU performed by Dr Doug Edlington, her oocytes were fertilised with s***m from the legendary Hazelwood Conman. This powerhouse genetic cross represents one of the most exciting embryo prospects in the performance horse world.

At the University of Newcastle ICSI Laboratory, we are proud to play a key role in making these elite combinations possible. 🔬🐴
We love collaborating with visionary breeders like Tom and Primrose, and dedicated clinicians like Dr Edlington, to deliver cutting-edge reproductive solutions and help produce the next generation of champions.

🌟 Watch this space — the future of performance horse breeding just got even brighter. 🌟

20/10/2025

✨ More success requires Moore Metal! ✨

Bred right here in Australia 🇦🇺 by our very own Rob and Jacqui Jones, Moore Metal is a stallion with a story — and if you know his history, you’ll understand why he’s truly special. 💫

At BREED Diagnostics we’re proud to work with dedicated stallion owners like Rob and Jacqui, who are constantly striving for genetic excellence.
Rob and Jacqui use our advanced diagnostic services to ensure only the highest quality semen is shipped — stallion owners who truly care and want to ensure your success. 🧬🐴

👏 Support local Australian breeders and take a closer look at Moore Metal. And yes, he is available for ICSI here in Newcastle😉

For more information about this outstanding stallion, contact Rob Jones today!

16/10/2025

🐴💥 These Quarter Horses are "cutting" the queue! 💥🐴

Third Edge semen has officially arrived at the Newcastle University ICSI Lab!

He’s hit the scene and he means business — bringing serious edge to your breeding program. ⚡

If you’d like to use Third Edge semen for your next ICSI cycle, contact one of Australia's leading agents, the wonderful Tish Healy of Healey Quarter Horses and arrange your booking with the lab. 📩

Address

LS4. 45 The University Of Newcastle
Callaghan, NSW
2308

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5am
Tuesday	9am - 5am
Wednesday	9am - 5am
Thursday	9am - 5am
Friday	9am - 5am

Telephone

+61425351835

Website

http://www.breeddiagnostics.com.au/

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