BREED Diagnostics

BREED Diagnostics World-class researchers in advanced veterinary semen diagnostics and processing

https://youtu.be/xAiN-GTcnggWhat are some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding these advanced reproductive techniqu...
01/07/2026

https://youtu.be/xAiN-GTcngg
What are some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding these advanced reproductive techniques?

In this episode Dr Danton Cervi from Woodgrange Specialist Equine Hospital -The Horse Vet joins us for an insightful conversation about OPU/ICSI, helping to dispel some of the common myths surrounding the OPU procedure and explain what actually happens from a veterinarian's perspective.

It's a fantastic opportunity to learn from someone who performs these procedures regularly. We're incredibly fortunate to work alongside a practitioner like Danton, whose expertise, professionalism, and willingness to educate continue to benefit both clients and the broader equine industry.

Whether you're considering OPU/ICSI or simply want to better understand the process, this episode is worth a watch.

🎥 Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Before an embryo is created through ICSI in the lab, the journey begins with OPU.This is where everything starts and whe...
26/06/2026

Before an embryo is created through ICSI in the lab, the journey begins with OPU.

This is where everything starts and where every single member of the veterinary team plays a critical role.

Veterinarians are the very first people to come into contact with these precious oocytes. A healthy, viable oocyte can be irreversibly damaged by poor handling, making every movement, every decision, and every detail matter. It takes an exceptionally skilled and highly trained team to collect and care for these cells so they arrive in the lab with the very best chance of success.

At Hawkesbury Equine Veterinary Centre, that level of care is never left to chance. From donor preparation to oocyte recovery and handling, Dr Kylie Hardwicke treats every oocyte as if it's already the future foal it has the potential to become.

And sometimes, we get to see the results of that care in spectacular fashion. This little embryo couldn't wait to get going - it started hatching in the lab! Safe to say, this one's a bolter. 🐎✨

Success in assisted reproduction doesn't start under the microscope. It starts with an exceptional veterinary team.

22/06/2026

https://youtu.be/2Qp-Hypkwps
What does a stallion agent actually do, and why is the role becoming increasingly important in today's horse breeding industry?

In this episode, Mo Bahrami sat down with Tish Healey from Healey Quarter Horses to discuss the role of stallion agents, breeding contracts, and the importance of transparency in successful breeding programs.

The conversation also explores the rise of ICSI technology, how it is changing equine reproduction, and why Quarter Horses continue to grow in popularity.

Whether you're a breeder, competitor, horse owner, or simply passionate about the equine industry, this episode provides valuable insights into the business, science, and relationships that underpin modern horse breeding.

A big thank you to Tish for sharing her knowledge and experience.

We hope you enjoy this episode!
Feel free to put forward any questions you may have about assisted reproductive technologies and our experts will answer these in future episodes.

23/05/2026

30 Years on Ice ❄️

Cryopreservation is undeniably one of the most significant assisted reproductive technologies. It revolutionized artificial insemination (AI) and gave us the incredible ability to safeguard elite genetics, allowing breeders to wait until conditions are absolutely perfect.

But sometimes, standard AI isn't an option.

We recently received a single straw of semen from a long-deceased, highly prized stallion. It was frozen over 30 years ago and is one of only two straws remaining in Australia.

When you are down to the absolute last line of genetics, standard artificial insemination is simply too high of a risk—a single straw rarely provides the s***m numbers needed for a successful AI, and if a pregnancy isn’t achieved, those irreplaceable genetics are gone forever.

Instead, our team made a precise cut into the straw, and after three decades "on ice," the s***m were ready to tango! A beautiful embryo was made right here at the Newcastle Equine ICSI lab.

This incredible milestone highlights how advanced lab techniques can rescue and revive legacy genetics that would otherwise be lost to time.

A massive commendation to Dr Fiona Herzog and the exceptional team at Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital for yet another successful OPU! 🐴✨

And they’re off the mark! 🏏✨Following a successful validation process, Dr Danton Cervi, Dr Izzie Bamford, and the team a...
17/04/2026

And they’re off the mark! 🏏✨

Following a successful validation process, Dr Danton Cervi, Dr Izzie Bamford, and the team at Woodgrange Specialist Equine Hospital -The Horse Vet have produced their first commercial embryo for the season — with many more to come!

Ever wondered what happens to embryos once they’ve fully developed at the Newcastle ICSI lab?

They undergo vitrification — a highly delicate process where the expanded embryo is carefully dehydrated, allowing it to be cryopreserved (as shown in the image). This ensures the embryo remains viable for future use.

Can’t transfer an embryo this season? No problem. You can keep your future foal “on ice” until the timing is just right. ❄️🐴

23/01/2026

S***m safe is a very cool semen extender developed by the very clever Lee Morris at EquiBreed ART and Newcastle Uni. We have taken up using this product in select cases and find it super helpful. It has lots of great applications from longer term fresh semen preservation at room temp or with tricky semen, to use following semen centrifugation in mares with problems with uterine health.

Another tool in the tool box, and as always, learning and striving to do the best for our clients and patients! 🤓

Starting 2026 with the best sound there is — a beating heart 💓(courtesy of Dr Kylie Hardwicke)Thanks to the expertise of...
05/01/2026

Starting 2026 with the best sound there is — a beating heart 💓
(courtesy of Dr Kylie Hardwicke)

Thanks to the expertise of our veterinary colleagues and the dedicated team at the Newcastle Equine ICSI Laboratory, ICSI continues to deliver outstanding results, with 80% pregnancy rates following transfer of embryos produced in our lab.

Here’s to collaboration, innovation, and a big year ahead.
Wishing everyone a fantastic 2026!

Address

LS4. 45 The University Of Newcastle
Callaghan, NSW
2308

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