Embryo transplant, also known as embryo transfer, is one of the vital parts of in vitro fertilization or IVF. In embryo transfer, one or multiple embryos are injected inside the uterus of a female – human or animal – in the hope of making the female carrier pregnant. If you are interested in using this technique for breeding horses, you should definitely invest in a zoom stereo microscope for embryo transplant.

What to Look for in a Zoom Stereo Microscope for Embryo Transplant

Magnification and Eyepieces – You need not invest in a powerful microscope because magnification at 40x is already adequate for viewing the equine embryo. At most, you should look for a microscope that’s capable of using 100x magnification. Also, look for a microscope providing wide field eyepiece sets.

Viewing – Your zoom stereo microscope for embryo transplant should produce three-dimensional images and depth perception. Zoom options should also be provided.

Illumination – Many horse breeders fail to consider this very important feature when shopping for a zoom stereo microscope for embryo transplant. You should always look for a microscope with two light sources: one that provides transmitted illumination while the other would provide incident illumination. Both should have variable intensities.

Avoid purchasing a microscope that uses fluorescent lights. Although they don’t easily heat up, they are not good to use in the embryo transplant process because it doesn’t show colors properly. Instead, look for microscopes using halogen bulbs. But the problems don’t end there. Halogen bulbs easily heat up and this could affect the performance of your microscope if it’s attached below the stage plate of your microscope. To avoid this problem, look for a zoom stereo microscope that has the halogen bulbs mounted at the back of the microscope base and light transfer is attained with the use of a mirror. Heat is therefore channeled to other direction and prevented from coming into contact with the highly temperature-sensitive horse embryo.

Photography Port – Not all zoom stereo microscopes for embryo transplants come with photography ports, but this doesn’t mean you don’t need them at all. You do, and it’s better if your photography port is trinocular. Photography ports would ensure that your resident veterinarian will able to study the images of the equine embryo before and during transfer. This is especially important if you’re transferring the equine embryo from a great distance. The trip to where your mare is located could affect the conditions of your embryo.

With a photography port, you’ll be able to take your own pictures of the specimen with your computer or any other device, record a video of what you’re seeing under your microscope and attach your microscope to other photographic equipment.

Microscope Head – Look for something that can rotate by 360 degrees or you won’t be able to view your specimen at all angles. The microscope head should also be adjustable according to the optimal distance between your eyes and specific vision conditions.

Working Distance and Focus – Knobs should be large enough and easily accessible so you won’t have to take your eyes off the images while refocusing your microscope or changing magnification. A second can sometimes be all it takes to completely lose your concentration on your work.

There should also be rack and pinion steel gears and expansive focusing adjustment range provided.

Dimensions – Always look for a zoom stereo microscope with a large base. A larger base is equated with greater stability, preventing you from easily knocking it off in accident. Check its height – are you comfortable with it? How about its weight? This could be an important factor if you’re doing a lot of field work.

Accessories and Other Miscellaneous Details – Look for a microscope that can accommodate all kinds of accessories. At the very least, it should be able to work with other sets of bottom lenses to increase or decrease working distance and magnification. It must also have an USB port for easier connectivity. What kind of voltage is it using? Are there adapters available for voltage conversion?

Also, what about an aluminum case for your zoom stereo microscope? Careful and proper storage is necessary so it’s better if your microscope comes with an aluminum case besides the usually free dust cover.

After Sales Support – Microscope purchases always come with warranties but differ in duration. What are the conditions specified in your contract to allow free service and repair? Is there a customer service hotline or email address you can contact? What’s the average response time?

A zoom stereo microscope for embryo transplant is not as expensive as other microscopes but take your time all the same when shopping for one.