Equine Reproduction Classes
Equine Ultrasound Combination Class (3 Days)
This comprehensive 3-day course is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of ultrasound technology, emphasizing the accurate interpretation of ultrasound images, tracking the reproductive tract of mares, and identifying critical structures such as embryos, follicles, edema, and potential fluid accumulation within the uterus.
The course will also cover the application of cooled and frozen-thawed semen in mare breeding, equipping participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills required for uterine flushing, deep horn insemination, and utilizing ultrasonography to assess follicular development and pregnancy status.
Additionally, the course will address reproductive management techniques, ensuring participants gain a well-rounded understanding of best practices in mare breeding.
The lecture sessions will provide an overview of the necessary equipment and supplies to effectively establish and manage a breeding program.
Equine Embryo Transfer (1 Day)
This course provides participants with comprehensive, hands-on instruction in the techniques and skills required for equine embryo transfer. Each participant will actively perform an embryo flush, locate and process an embryo, and carry out a non-surgical transfer procedure. Additionally, participants will gain experience in preparing embryos for cooled shipment.
Students will work with actual preserved embryos used for educational purposes, ensuring they develop a clear understanding of the appearance and texture of real embryos—no simulated materials will be used to avoid any potential confusion.
Prerequisite: Completion of the Ultrasound Combination Course is required prior to enrollment in this class.
Equine Stallion Collection /Evaluation/ Freezing Stallion Semen (2 Days)
This course offers students valuable hands-on experience in stallion handling and management, including setting up a breeding laboratory and breeding area. Students will learn the preparation of the equine artificial vagina (AV), compare various AV types, and gain proficiency in semen evaluation, including sperm counting, motility and morphology assessment, and the use of laboratory equipment. Additionally, students will explore animal behavioral science as it relates to phantom training.
The class also emphasizes the development of practical skills in the freezing and utilization of stallion semen. Participants will evaluate and centrifuge semen, perform multiple test freezes using different protocols, and conduct post-freezing assessments. A portion of the lecture will focus on the process of becoming a USDA-approved facility for the export of frozen semen, as well as the procedures involved in freezing semen for international export.