1. What media should veterinarians use for embryo recovery?

“The options for embryo recovery fluid can be overwhelming,” Ferris said, referring to what the veterinarian uses to retrieve the embryo from the uterus. Clinicians at CSU typically use a complete flush media (a ready-to-use solution that doesn’t require additions of serums or antibiotics), whereas in many other countries practitioners use Ringer’s lactate solution or Hartmann’s solution, which veterinarians in the United States also use during uterine lavage.

During the 2016 breeding season Ferris and his team alternated using complete flush media (78 embryo recovery attempts) or Hartmann’s solution (77 embryo recovery attempts) on every other mare. They recovered embryos in 46.2% of attempts with complete flush media and 57.1% of attempts with Hartmann’s solution