AS 375: Equine Reproductive Management - 2020

An Introductory Course in Equine Management for Spring 2020

Animal Science, Dairy Science, Biology and Pre-Vet Students and others interested in a hands-on biology course (2 credits) managing horses to maximize reproductive efficiency.

Are you interested in horses, need some large animal experience for Vet School, want a chance to work hands-on with a large domestic species, or need 2 more credits in the spring semester, then consider Equine Reproductive Management. This is a class that focuses on how you need to manage horses to maximize reproductive efficiency. Learn how to collect semen from a stallion, process that semen for artificial insemination, breed mares with artificial insemination using semen you collected, understand the detection of pregnancy, management of the pregnant mare, participate in foaling (only video in 2020) and the management of the newborn foal (only discussed 2020). Lectures consist of an on-line text written by the instructor. In class time is for discussion and actual labs working with the horses. We will utilize up to 7 mares and 1 stallion owned by the Department of Animal Sciences for the class. There are no perquisites for this class but AS434 - Reproductive Physiology is suggested, however is not in any way required. We particularly encourage students with no horse experience to consider this course.

Syllabus (UW required version)

Lecture: There is weekly on line material that is to be completed in the week prior to class. The class meets in room AS128 Animal Science from 3:00 - 5:00 PM on Monday. Each week, there will be a discussion, classroom lab or work in the barn with horses. Schedules for the class are posted within the canvas site for this course.

Lab: This occurs during the lecture period listed above. There will be additional times you need to come in during the week to do some activity with the horses. For example, there will be a requirement to estrus check mares so we can observe the transition to cyclicity in the mares. This will be done in groups of students. After mid March, you will be assigned a group and a mare that you need to get pregnant before the end of class. For the estrus detection and breeding requirment, all work is outside of the class period.

Text: The class web site.

Objective: The principal objectives of the course are to provide students with strategies to optimize reproductive efficiency in the mare and stallion. A combination of web delivered lectures and hands-on laboratories will be utilized to cover breeding management of the mare and stallion, semen collection and evaluation, artificial insemination, pregnancy detection, care of the pregnant mare, parturition, care of the new born foal and infectious diseases affecting reproductive efficiency. The secondary objective of the course is to provide students with a hands-on experience with equine management. This will be accomplished through the laboratories.

Lab Fee: The Department of Animal Science charges a laboratory fee of $50 to purchase the equipment and supplies needed to present this class. Fees are used only to support this class. Please note that there is no text to be purchased for the class, it is the only website documents.

Potential Danger and Injury: Horses by their nature and size can be dangerous to humans. In particular we will be working with stallions in a breeding situation, performing breeding soundess exams on both stallions and mares, inseminating mares and you will be giving injections to mares. In any of these activities you can be kicked, bitten, stepped on or pushed over by a horse. The instructor and TA(s) will be present at dangerous times to make sure you are safely working with the horses. You will also be trained in safe handling of horses for the activities we are performing. However, if you become injured, medical expenses are the responsibility of the student via insurance that you must carry as a UW student. Some activities are done outside of the class period and you will be working with fellow students without the instructor or TA present so pay attention and be careful. The goal of working outside of class with the horses is for you to gain confidence in your abilities.

Our horses are not pets but livestock animals. Always keep this in mind even though you may think of them as pets at times.

Schedule: Further details of the course schedule can be viewed by UW-Madison registered students within the Canvas site.

Grading: The grade structure of the class will be determined on the basis of 2 exams (exam 1 before spring break, exam 2 at the end of class), the breeding experience, a self reflecton on the breeding experience, and participation.

Grading structure will be based on the % of total possible points in the class and the final grade assigned as follows:

A > 90%

AB > 85%

B > 80%

BC > 70%

C > 60%

D > 50%