Animal Science 4387

Equine Breeding Management

General Course Information

AS 4387 (Fall Semester)
Instructor: Marci Crosby
3 Units

Class meets Monday 3:00-4:50pm, Wednesday 4:00-5:50pm, and Friday 3:00-4:50pm

This class focuses on practical applications of reproductive management techniques and breeding in the horse. Topics include stallion collection and evaluation, artificial insemination, interpreting ultrasounds, teasing, parturition, and foal care. Students in this class are depended upon for monitoring MU’s breeding herd, as such they are responsible for “foal watch” as broodmares near parturition. Your responsibilities will include monitoring broodmares as they before, during, and after parturition as well as assessing and monitoring the newborn foals. You will then be responsible for collecting the stallion and breeding the mares so that they are back in foal for the next year. This is a “hands-on” learning class with great responsibility extended to each student enrolled. You will also leave a legacy by choosing the barn name of their foals (instructor approved)!!

Prerequisites: AS 2175, AS 4314 and Instructors Consent

Learning Objectives and Student Goals

To identify major anatomical features of the mare and stallion reproductive tract and relate the structure to its function.
To describe the major reproductive and endocrine pathways in the mare and stallion.
To understand the estrous cycle and its components, and how this relates to estrous manipulation.
To incorporate an understanding of reproductive physiology and behavior to develop management techniques for a successful breeding operation.
To develop the necessary skills to properly tease mares, collect a stallion, process semen, and artificially inseminate mares.
To identify and monitor signs of impending parturition in the mare and successful care for mare and foal during the post-partum period.
To demonstrate ability to safely handle a variety of horses.