Additional services
Avantea provides a range of complementary services to support breeders
and owners in managing equine reproduction alongside the OPU-ICSI technique.
From embryo and semen banking to genetic screening and recipient mare leasing, our services are designed to optimize reproduction and provide maximum flexibility in embryo management.
The seed bank
Avantea manages the largest equine semen bank in Europe for ICSI procedures.
We cooperate with stud centres and private owners for the storage of semen.
What does the Avantea
seed bank offer?
- Secure storage of semen straws exclusively for ICSI procedures.
- A wide selection of stallions, made possible through the trust of numerous breeders and stud centers.*
- Management and traceability of stored semen to ensure transparent and regulated use.
*Avantea is not involved in the purchase of the seed nor does it collect commissions on its use. The owner of the stallion pays a monthly fee for storing the semen in our laboratories, while arrangements for the use of the semen are managed directly between
the owner of the donor and the owner/agent of the stud. Our role is strictly technical: we leverage our expertise to assist clients in optimizing the use of semen stored in our laboratories.
Embryo sexing
Avantea provides equine embryo sexing for OPU-ICSI embryos prior to transfer or freezing, with 97% accuracy.
How does equine embryo sexing work?
- During embryo growth in the incubator some embryonic cells spontaneously separate and can be recovered without compromising the viability and further development of the embryo.
- Molecular analysis of the DNA of these cells identifies the sex chromosome by determining whether the embryo is male or female.
- Sexed embryos can be either frozen or transferred to a recipient mare in the same manner as unsexed embryos.
Genetic screening of embryos
Using molecular analysis, Avantea offers advanced genetic screening to detect specific genetic disorders.
What information does
genetic screening provide?
Identification of genetic disorders incompatible with foal survival, such as Fragile Foal Syndrome and Glycogen Branching Enzyme Deficiency (GBED).
Equine embryo bank
After freezing, ICSI embryos can be securely stored in the Avantea embryo bank until the owner chooses to transfer or sell them.
What does the embryo bank offer?
- Secure storage of frozen embryos for an unlimited period, with a monthly storage fee.
- International transport service with dry-shipper containers for the shipment of frozen embryos throughout Europe, USA and Brazil.
- The option to sell stored embryos, with ownership transfers managed directly by Avantea’s administration, without intermediaries.
Recipient mare lease
Avantea maintains a herd of approximately 500 recipient mares available for ICSI embryo transfer. Each recipient mare is carefully monitored to maximize pregnancy rates and reproductive success.
How does the rental service work?
- The client may use an Avantea recipient mare for embryo transfer.
- After confirmation of pregnancy, the receiving mare can be withdrawn by the client.
- The mare must be returned after foal weaning. Alternatively, the client may request to purchase the mare at an agreed price.
Assisted reproduction of horses and animals
The reference centre in Europe for equine assisted reproduction.
