Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 2EZ, England
Tel: 01948 664966 Fax: 01948 663836 Email: edwardmatson@twemlows.co.uk




NEWSLETTER
WINTER 2007

 

The first event of 2007 of any note was the arrival of Michaela Kölling MRCVS from Newmarket on 1st February; it was as if Twemlows Hall had been hit by a whirlwind as changes were made - single timber fenced paddocks, a large new stable block, a dedicated embryo laboratory and another set of “clean” stocks that can be “heated” (German ladies feel the cold!) were all purpose built. But our  tight budget meant her three years of living with neatly clipped hedges and lawns like golf greens became a thing of the past! 

We have had a very successful season both with the embryo transfer and artificial insemination. Many of Michaela’s previous clients followed her here for ET showing great faith and loyalty in her which made the transition much easier; we had many Arabians and top class performance horses from every discipline. We had mares aged from 2 to 23 years. We used semen from 35 different stallions from across Europe; fresh (35%), chilled (39%) and frozen (26%). 92 flushes resulted in 55 embryos, giving an embryo recovery rate of 60%.  Of the 55 embryos 65% resulted in a pregnancy in the recipient mare. 

AI increases in popularity in the sport horse and we had many really lovely mares here; we used 153 stallions, about half using fresh semen, one quarter chilled and a quarter frozen.   

Embryo transfer is the 21st Century breeding technology that enables owners to breed from their genetically superior competition mares without interrupting their careers, often producing multiple foals. ET may also be used for mares that are incapable of carrying their own pregnancy or to shorten the generation interval by breeding from 2 and 3 year old fillies. It is a non-surgical procedure, with the donor mare often staying in full work; the flush and transfer is performed in less than an hour.  If you wish, mares can be walked in for every procedure or they can be left with us from arrival for the first scan until the flush takes place.

2007 was a tough year for everyone at Twemlows Hall, made worse by the wettest stud season since records began, but our hardworking, dedicated and supportive team with a great sense of humour saw us through. A very big thank you to all our owners for their support and we look forward to seeing you again next year.

 

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Press Release - Issued: 24 January 2007

Twemlows Hall Stud appoints Embryo Transfer specialist

Twemlows Hall Stud Farm is to specialise in embryo transfer (ET) and has appointed the respected equine reproduction vet Michaela Kölling VetMed MRCVS to head up its new ET unit. Michaela will work out of a specially built ET laboratory at the Stud’s substantial Shropshire premises and will be responsible for all veterinary work in connection with artificial insemination (AI), ET and fertility investigations.

Michaela, who is originally from Northern Germany, has specialised in equine reproduction for the past three years and has enjoyed considerable success in her role as clinical veterinary researcher at the Equine Fertility Unit (EFU) at Newmarket. Her key areas of expertise include embryo flushing and transfer, freezing and vitrification of embryos, non-surgical ET and the preparation and synchronisation of donor and recipient mares. During 2006 the team at EFU were responsible for 47 embryo transfers and have maintained an average conception rate of 76% over the past three years.

Michaela said: "I'm thrilled to be heading up the new ET service at Twemlows Hall. The Stud has a reputation for excellent conception rates and extremely high standards of professionalism. The demand for ET is continuing to grow in hand with the increasing demand for cost-effective and efficient AI services. My appointment is very timely for the business and presents me with a challenging and potentially very rewarding opportunity."

Edward Matson , joint stud owner and manager continued: "The development of a dedicated ET unit and the appointment of Michaela as our in-house vet is a natural progression for Twemlows Hall. Demand for our services is increasing dramatically so on-site veterinary expertise, particularly from someone of Michaela’s calibre and experience is a tremendous asset to the Stud."

For further information please contact Edward or Richard Matson, Twemlows Hall Stud Farm, AI and ET Centre, telephone: +44(0) 1948 664966, email: edwardmatson@twemlows.co.uk or visit the website at www.twemlows.co.uk.