Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

The intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure involves micro-injection of a single sperm cell into the cytoplasm of a mature oocyte, which physically causes fertilization. Because ICSI utilizes a single sperm cell for each oocyte, this procedure holds tremendous potential for the production of foals using semen from stallions with low numbers of sperm or poor sperm quality.

Under experimental conditions when performing this procedure on young fertile mares, the success rate of the ooctye transfer procedure is approximately 70 to 80% per transfer. However, when this procedure is performed on aged, chronically subfertile mares, the success rate of the oocyte transfer procedure is about 40% per transfer.

ICSI provides alternatives for reproductive management of mares and stallions that have not been able to produce offspring using more conventional procedures. For further information, please contact Dr. Elaine Carnevale (970) 491-8626.

Learn more about intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): Click here.