Equine Reproduction Course

Lesson 1 • Stallion Reproductive Tract Overview

Examines testes, epididymis, accessory glands, and penis with physiological roles. Provides structural context for semen production and collection procedures.

Lesson 2 • Mare Reproductive Tract Overview

Covers ovaries, oviducts, uterus, cervix, and vulva with functional roles. Establishes anatomical baseline for all subsequent mare examination techniques.

Lesson 3 • Neuroendocrine Control of Reproduction

Details the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and key reproductive hormones. Links hormonal signalling to observable reproductive events in both sexes.

Lesson 1 • Rectal Palpation and Transrectal Ultrasonography

Teaches manual and ultrasound-based uterine and ovarian evaluation techniques. Core diagnostic skill for cycle monitoring and pathology detection.

Lesson 2 • Hormone Assays for Cycle Tracking

Covers progesterone, oestrogen, and LH assay methods and interpretation. Supplements ultrasound findings with quantitative hormonal data.

Lesson 3 • Behavioural Oestrus Detection Methods

Describes teasing protocols and behavioural scoring to identify receptive mares. Integrates behavioural data with physical examination findings.

Lesson 4 • Phases of the Equine Oestrous Cycle

Defines oestrus, dioestrus, and transitional phases with hormonal and behavioural markers. Connects cycle phases to follicular and luteal dynamics.

Lesson 1 • Artificial Lighting Programmes

Describes light supplementation protocols to advance the breeding season in mares. Integrates photoperiod manipulation with hormonal treatment strategies.

Lesson 2 • Progesterone Supplementation Protocols

Details exogenous progesterone and progestin use for cycle suppression and pregnancy support. Connects pharmacology to clinical indications such as early embryonic loss prevention.

Lesson 3 • Synchronisation Protocols for Group Breeding

Combines luteolysis, ovulation induction, and progesterone priming into cohesive synchronisation programmes. Prepares students to design and execute group breeding schedules.

Lesson 4 • Ovulation Induction Agents

Covers hCG, deslorelin, and GnRH analogues used to trigger ovulation reliably. Establishes dosing rationale and timing relative to follicle size.

Lesson 1 • Semen Collection Techniques

Covers artificial vagina types, phantom mare use, and collection hygiene standards. Establishes safe, repeatable collection as the prerequisite for accurate evaluation.

Lesson 2 • Breeding Soundness Evaluation Standards

Applies minimum threshold criteria to classify stallions as satisfactory, questionable, or unsatisfactory. Integrates physical exam, libido assessment, and semen data.

Lesson 3 • Advanced Sperm Function Testing

Introduces CASA, flow cytometry, and oxidative stress assays for deeper fertility prediction. Supplements routine analysis when standard parameters are inconclusive.

Lesson 4 • Gross and Microscopic Semen Analysis

Teaches volume, concentration, motility, and morphology assessment using standard methods. Core laboratory skills applied in every breeding soundness evaluation.

Lesson 1 • Fresh and Chilled Semen Insemination

Teaches transcervical insemination technique and timing for fresh and cooled semen. Establishes the standard AI procedure as the foundation for advanced methods.

Lesson 2 • AI Programme Record-Keeping and Outcomes

Establishes data collection standards for insemination dates, semen lots, and pregnancy outcomes. Systematic records enable programme evaluation and continuous improvement.

Lesson 3 • Semen Extenders and Preparation

Covers extender composition, dilution ratios, and quality checks before insemination. Proper preparation directly determines sperm viability at the time of deposition.

Lesson 4 • Deep-Horn Insemination Techniques

Covers endoscope-guided and non-endoscopic deep-horn AI for low-dose frozen semen. Enables effective use of limited or poor-quality frozen semen doses.

Lesson 1 • Early Embryonic Loss Recognition and Management

Identifies ultrasound and hormonal signs of embryonic loss and outlines intervention options. Timely detection allows cycle resetting and rebreed opportunity within the season.

Lesson 2 • Early Pregnancy Detection by Ultrasonography

Teaches vesicle identification, measurement, and embryo proper visualisation from day 10–25. Ultrasound is the primary and most reliable early pregnancy diagnostic tool.

Lesson 3 • Hormonal Pregnancy Confirmation Methods

Describes eCG, progesterone, and oestrone sulphate assays for pregnancy confirmation. Supplements ultrasound in field settings where imaging is unavailable.

Lesson 4 • Twin Detection and Reduction

Covers twin vesicle identification, fixation timing, and manual reduction techniques. Twin pregnancies carry high risk of abortion and require prompt intervention.

Lesson 1 • Embryo Evaluation and Grading

Teaches morphological grading of recovered embryos using standardised scoring systems. Grade directly predicts transfer success and guides discard versus transfer decisions.

Lesson 2 • Embryo Transfer Fundamentals

Covers donor and recipient selection, synchronisation, and non-surgical embryo collection. ET allows high-value mares to produce multiple offspring per season.

Lesson 3 • Embryo Transfer and Cryopreservation

Details non-surgical transfer technique, holding media, and embryo freezing protocols. Cryopreservation extends the utility of recovered embryos beyond immediate transfer.

Lesson 4 • Oocyte Collection and Maturation

Covers transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration and in vitro oocyte maturation. Enables reproduction from mares unable to carry embryos or respond to superovulation.

Lesson 1 • Stallion Subfertility and Infertility

Diagnoses testicular degeneration, epididymal blockage, and libido disorders with management options. Distinguishes reversible from permanent causes to guide owner counselling.

Lesson 2 • Infectious Reproductive Diseases

Covers equine viral arteritis, CEM, and herpesvirus impacts on reproduction with biosecurity measures. Infectious disease control is essential to herd-level reproductive success.

Lesson 3 • Uterine Pathology in Mares

Covers endometritis, endometrosis, and uterine cysts with diagnostic and treatment approaches. Uterine health is the single greatest determinant of mare fertility.

Lesson 4 • Cervical and Vulvar Disorders

Addresses cervical lacerations, adhesions, and poor vulvar conformation affecting fertility. Surgical correction and management strategies are outlined for each condition.