Scientists from the French National Equestrian School (IFCE) and the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) have announced that, for the first time in Europe, four foals were successfully born as the result of the transfer of genotyped and cryopreserved embryos.

The goal of this work is to better understand embryonic development, control livestock reproduction, and maintain breed genetic diversity. Furthermore, it could be advantageous for the horse industry to be able to determine the traits of a future foal.

The genotyping and cryopreservation took place at the INRA Val de Loire center at Nouzilly. Then, last summer, the embryo transfer took place at the IFCE Haras du Pin Stud Farm, located in the French department of Orne. The partnership between the two institutions has now been cemented by the birth of the healthy foals