ICSI for OPU Partner Clinics

High-performance solution tailored to your goals

Evogene now offers an advanced ICSI service model for equine breeders—through trusted partnerships with veterinary clinics across Australia. With a proven track record in cattle IVF, our lab is proud to extend its scientific expertise into equine reproduction, giving clients access to world-class technology while keeping their mares close to home. This innovative approach allows oocytes to be collected locally at partner clinics—minimising stress for mares and eliminating the need for long-distance transport.

For Horse Owners

Access cutting-edge ICSI technology—without leaving your region.

How It Works:

Oocyte Collection (OPU) 
Your mare stays close to home. Oocytes are collected at a trusted veterinary clinic in our partner network, minimising stress and travel.
Secure Transport to Our Lab 
The oocytes are safely packaged and transported to the Evogene laboratory under carefully controlled conditions.
ICSI Fertilisation 
Oocytes are matured and fertilised using ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), where a single sperm is injected by our expert scientists.
Embryo Culture & Freezing 
Embryos are cultured throughout the week, then frozen and stored for flexible use based on your preferred transfer timing.
Embryo Return 
Frozen embryos are shipped back to your local veterinary clinic for transfer into a recipient mare.

For Veterinary Clinics

Join our collaborative network and offer Equine Advanced Reproductive Services to your client.

How It Works:

OPU Performed On-Site
You collect oocytes from mares in your clinic using your own team or in collaboration with Evogene-trained professionals.
Temperature-Controlled Shipping
We provide guidance for safe, timely shipment of oocytes to the Evogene lab
Expert Fertilisation & Culture
Our lab team performs ICSI and embryo culture under strict quality controlled protocols, using the same standards that have driven our success in cattle IVF.
Embryo Shipment Back to You 
Fresh or frozen embryos are returned to your clinic for transfer into recipient mares.

Interested in becoming a partner clinic? Let’s talk

What happens after oocyte collection at partner clinics?

After the partner clinic performs the OPU and identifies the oocytes, the eggs are carefully packaged and transported to the Evogene laboratory. At our lab, the oocytes are washed and placed in specialised maturation media, preparing them for ICSI.

This process ensures that oocytes collected off-site are handled with the same precision and care as those collected in-house, maintaining their viability and maximising the chances of successful embryo production.

How many of the retrieved oocytes will mature?

On average, 60% of the retrieved oocytes will successfully mature in the specialised media and be suitable for ICSI.

What do I need to know about semen?

At Evogene, the success of ICSI depends on high-quality semen that has been properly prepared. We can work with fresh, chilled, or frozen semen, but it must meet quality standards and, if transported, arrive at the lab within 1–2 days of the OPU procedure.

For frozen semen, a single straw can often be divided into multiple portions, allowing use across several OPU sessions.
It’s also critical to confirm permissions and breeding contracts before using any semen in an ICSI program.

What advantages does ICSI have over conventional Embryo Transfer Procedures?

Advantages:

Multiple embryos can be created from a single OPU session.
ICSI is suitable for older mares or those with reproductive issues that may prevent a mare for fertilising in her own uterus.
OPU procedures are typically a day procedure and can minimize the interruption to a mare’s performance schedule.
ICSI embryo’s are frequently frozen and this enables more strategic timing of suitable recipient mares prior to transfer.
OPU & ICSI procedures can be performed on your mare year-round
ICSI enables a reduced quantity of semen required. Our scientists select only the most motile and viable sperm performing fertilisation in vitro, under strict laboratory control.
ICSI allows successful embryo production from contaminated semen that has a history of failing in conventional artificial insemination.

Disdvantages:

ICSI is a more complex procedure and hence is more costly than conventional embryo transfer.
Conventional embryo transfer has higher pregnancy hold rates and is a simpler procedure for compatible mares.