Horse breeding has made enormous technological progress in recent years. Innovative techniques such as ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) and OPU (Ovum Pick-Up) offer possibilities that were previously unthinkable. But with all these developments an important question arises: how far can we go in manipulating nature?
As breeders we want healthy, strong foals with the best genetics. But at the same time we have to ask ourselves: what does this technology mean for the welfare of the mare? Is her comfort, health and natural instinct still sufficiently taken into account?
The Dark Side of ICSI and OPU
At first glance, ICSI/OPU seems like a great solution: genetically valuable mares can produce multiple offspring per year without becoming pregnant themselves. But if we look deeper, we see another side of the story.
These techniques circumvent natural selection. Instead of nature determining which stallion and mare together produce the strongest foal, the choice is made entirely by humans. This can lead to an impoverishment of the gene pool, because popular top mares in combination with a limited number of top stallions produce a disproportionate number of offspring. Moreover, there are serious ethical objections when it comes to the impact on the mare herself.
How Much Pain is Acceptable?
Let's take a moment to consider the procedure itself . OPU involves removing eggs from the mare's ovaries using a needle, often several times a year. Despite anesthesia, this remains an invasive and painful procedure. Some mares experience pain, fever, or even serious complications such as bleeding, infection, or peritonitis after the procedure. In extreme cases, the procedure can even be fatal.
Compare this to what women experience when undergoing fertility treatment. Many women describe egg harvesting as painful and stressful – and yet they are aware of it and make the choice themselves. Our horses don’t get this choice. Should we decide this for them?
In the 2022-2023 OPU-ICSI agreement of the well known Joris de Brabander, complications such as rectal tears, bleeding, peritonitis, abscesses, temporary paralysis of the hindquarters and even death are explicitly mentioned as possible consequences of the treatment. In addition, it is emphasized that OPU can be repeated every 21 to 28 days , which means that a mare can undergo this burdensome procedure throughout the year.
Is this still ethical?
An Ethical Framework: Should ICSI Only Be Performed When the Mare Dies?
From an animal welfare perspective, a strict restriction on the use of ICSI/OPU would be justified. For example, only if a mare has died or is no longer able to bear a foal for medical reasons. In this way, we protect healthy mares from excessive and potentially harmful interventions, while still preserving the genetic value of exceptional horses.
The commercial aspect also plays a role. Embryos of top mares are sold and auctioned for enormous amounts. This raises the question: do we still assume what is good for the animal, or do we let ourselves be guided too much by financial interests?
What Do You Think?
Horse breeding is at a crossroad. On the one hand, we have the technology to optimize genetic selection, on the other hand, we have the responsibility to act ethically. Where do we draw the line? Should we impose stricter restrictions on the use of ICSI and OPU? Or do we believe that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks?
I'm curious to hear your thoughts. What do you think of this?
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