Virtual Equine Reproductive Management Short Course for 2021

The Texas A&M Equine Reproductive Management Short Course for 2021 is going virtual. Live demonstrations and site visits to equine reproductive facilities in Texas will be the focus of the Jan. 6-8 course.

This course is designed for horse owners and breeding managers who want to learn the most efficient methods for ensuring the success of their breeding programs, said Chelsie Huseman, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horse specialist in the Department of Animal Science, Bryan-College Station.

“We are typically limited to 12-15 people each year to allow the intensive hands-on experience,” Huseman said. “So, we are excited this year to be able to offer the short course virtually and open it up to fulfill the need for equine reproductive management education to those who otherwise would have ended up on our extensive waitlist.”

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The cost is $300 for all three days or $125 per day. Those who sign up for the three-day full registration will be mailed an interactive kit and book valued at $60. To receive the kit prior to the short course, registration before Dec. 15 is highly encouraged. Registration will close Jan. 4.

All short course recordings will be made available to registrants, who will have access to the course and the recordings until Feb. 8.

Course topics by day

Day 1 – Stallion reproductive management. Management techniques including collection of a stallion, behavior management, and semen analysis will be demonstrated. Participants will learn how to perform semen evaluation and prepare it for breeding or shipping. Freezing semen will also be demonstrated.

Day 2 – Mare reproductive management. Excised reproductive tracts will provide specialized understanding to anatomy and application of artificial insemination. Management techniques including palpating, nutritional programs and artificial insemination will be demonstrated. Management and manipulation of the mare’s estrous cycle will be covered extensively.

Day 3 – Virtual tours and additional reproductive management topics to help prepare participants to troubleshoot breeding problems. Management techniques, including on-farm foaling kits, pregnancy checks and artificial lighting systems, will be demonstrated.

For more information, email Huseman at chelsie.huseman@tamu.edu or call 979-845-5264.