ICSI from Post-Mortem

In the event of a sudden loss or euthanasia of a valuable mare, her genetic legacy can still be preserved. Evogene offers a specialized PostMortem Oocyte Retrieval service followed by Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), giving breeders the opportunity to produce a foal after the mare’s passing. This "genetic salvage" service maximizes the value of treasured bloodlines and offers clients one final chance to carry forward their mare’s lineage.

Evogene’s PostMortem Oocyte Retrieval & ICSI service offers a final opportunity to preserve your mare’s genetics and legacy. Through fast, expert handling—from ovary recovery to laboratory embryo production—we strive to make every opportunity count for breeders in Australia.

Embryos can be created from a mare after she is deceased if the mare’s ovaries are surgically removed promptly after death or euthanasia by a qualified veterinarian and transported to the Evogene laboratory. Early extraction—ideally within 6 to 8 hours—is critical for oocyte viability. At our lab, follicles are carefully scraped or aspirated to retrieve oocytes. The oocytes then undergo that same process as our routine ICSI procedures.

• Timing is critical: delays beyond ~6–8 hours of death significantly reduce success rates.
• Many influencing factors: Mare’s age, cause of death, prior illness, treatments, transport conditions, and stallion semen quality all affect outcomes.
• Variable success rates: Although opportunities exist to produce foals post-mortem, success is not guaranteed and remains influenced by multiple factors.
• Due to the emergency nature, this procedure carries significant costs and effort—best suited for mares whose genetic value (sentimental or commercial) justifies it.
• Ensure that you have semen available for immediate use and are able to provide a breeding contract for your mare.
• Check with your breeding registry to ensure any resulting foal is registrable.
• Transparency: While inspiring, this process at Evogene comes with no guarantees.