05/01/2026
What affects embryo recovery rates?
If you’ve been around breeding programs for a while, you already know—there’s no single variable that determines success. It’s the combination of factors working together (or against you).
Age plays a significant role. As mares get older, we often see a decline in oocyte quality—even when everything else looks ideal.
Uterine health is just as critical. A clean, well-managed uterus gives us the best chance at both fertilization and recovery. Even subtle inflammation or changes in the uterine environment can impact results.
And then there’s timing—arguably one of the most controllable (and most important) pieces. From ovulation management to when we flush, precision matters. Small deviations can mean the difference between recovering an embryo… or not.
At the end of the day, embryo recovery isn’t about luck—it’s about stacking the odds in your favor through careful management and attention to detail at every step.
If you have questions about your mare or your program, we’re always here to talk through it.