Béligneux Le Haras · Châtenay Center
Egg Retrieval & ICSI
A comprehensive program, from the first follicular monitoring to embryo freezing, to develop a plan tailored to your mare and your choice of stallion.
InspectionsSeptember 17
United Touch SOctober 5
With a BLH stallionOne-way shipping covered*
More than 1,100 blood draws performed Dedicated veterinary team A single point of contact
Upcoming Schedule
Three Key Points to Remember
September 2026
Start of follow-up ultrasounds
First follicular scan to confirm the mare’s cycle.
October 2026
United Touch S Session
Plan ahead for the mare’s evaluation and the stallion’s reservation.
One-way transportation covered
From Normandy to Rhône-Alpes
For any use of a BLH stallion, with pickup available along the agreed-upon route.
Transport will be arranged after confirmation of the pickup location, schedule, available spaces and the mare’s health records.
Why Châtenay–BLH?
A team and an organization that make a difference
From egg retrieval to the release of the oocytes, every step is carefully planned to ensure the quality of the oocytes and the mare’s comfort.
Highest rate of embryos per OPU* in France
An average of 2.67 frozen embryos per egg retrieval, observed across 243 egg retrievals during the 2025–2026 season.
A highly experienced team
Veterinarians, technicians, and animal care specialists work together at a single location, having performed more than 1,100 blood draws.
The French center closest to the laboratory
The oocytes are prepared in Châtenay and then delivered to the laboratory by a dedicated driver under optimized storage conditions.
Take it step by step, without rushing
Spending more time on each insemination allows you to tailor your technique to the mare and prioritize precision and gentleness.
* BLH's positioning is based on its internal comparative results for the 2025–2026 season. As with any biological procedure, individual results cannot be guaranteed.
Châtenay Reproductive Center
Is your mare a candidate?
Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis
Age alone is not enough. The team evaluates the mare’s condition, her follicular reserve, her breeding history, the choice of semen, and your schedule.
- Sport mare whose training program must be maintained
- Young mare with high genetic potential
- Proven or older broodmare
- Subfertile mare or one with a complex history
- Project requiring rare semen or semen available in limited quantities
The Process
Four stages, continuous care
Each decision is confirmed with you based on the observed ovarian response.
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01
Evaluate
Medical history, follow-up ultrasound, breeding plan, and health records.
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02
Preparation
Arrival in Châtenay, examination of the mare, and preparation for the sample collection.
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03
Sampling
The blood draw was performed under sedation by the veterinary team, followed by clinical monitoring.
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04
Fertilization & Preservation
Preparation of oocytes, ICSI in the laboratory, culture, and subsequent freezing of the resulting embryos.
Clear Results
The figures are put into context
Data published by BLH. The number of oocytes and embryos varies depending on the mare, the semen, and biological conditions. Individual results cannot be guaranteed.
View the center
The process in pictures
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Method
Understanding Egg Retrieval and ICSI
The step-by-step process, from preparing the mare to embryo collection.
Budget
An estimate of the costs of IUI and ICSI
The main expenses to consider when creating a clear budget before committing to the process.
Location
The Châtenay–BLH Reproductive Center
Located in Châtenay, in the Ain department, in the heart of the Auvergne–Rhône-Alpes region, between Lyon and Geneva. The center brings together mare monitoring, oocyte retrieval, and oocyte preparation all on a single site.
- Municipality
- 01320 Châtenay
- Department
- Ain · 01
- Region
- Auvergne–Rhône-Alpes
Mares from Normandy: One-way transportation is covered for any use of a BLH stallion, with the option to pick up the mare along the agreed-upon route to Rhône-Alpes.
Arranging for My Mare's ArrivalAvailable Breeding Combinations
28 stallions listed in ICSI
The selection below links to the official BLH profiles. The availability, rates, and booking conditions listed on each profile are final.
Session of October 5, 2026
United Touch S
For this session, the follow-up ultrasound should be scheduled starting September 17.
View the complete list of stallions 28 entries
28 stallions displayed
Direct Access
Contractual Documents
Review the terms and conditions, included services, liabilities, and financial terms before committing.
Preliminary Assessment
Let’s take stock of your mare
Just a few details are all it takes to set up a helpful initial discussion with the Châtenay team. Your message will open in WhatsApp: you can review it before sending it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before Scheduling a Puncture
How can I tell if my mare is a good candidate?
A screening ultrasound, her age, her health status, her follicular reserve, and her medical history allow the team to assess the suitability of the protocol.
Is the number of embryos guaranteed?
No. The answer depends, among other things, on the mare, the retrieved oocytes, and the semen. BLH reports average results, but each attempt is a biological process and unique to each case.
How is transportation from Normandy arranged?
When using a BLH stallion, transportation from Normandy may be covered, with pickup en route to Rhône-Alpes following logistical and health approval.
What happens to the embryos that are obtained?
After culture, embryos that meet the criteria are frozen. Their transfer to a surrogate mare is then scheduled according to your plan and the applicable contracts.
Ultrasound Exams Starting September 17
Start preparing now for the October 5 session
Submit your mare’s profile to check the schedule and availability of United Touch S.
