MCCCD Official Course Competencies:

EQS220  20046-99999

Equine Reproduction

1.

Describe the anatomy and physiology of the mare reproductive system as it relates to reproductive cycles and lifespan, and infertility problems. (I)

2.

Analyze broodmare management as related to increased conception rates. (II)

3.

Identify heat detection procedures used during the estrous cycle. (III)

4.

Identify types of pregnancy tests, and describe the care of the pregnant mare and associated conditions. (IV)

5.

Describe the unique requirements and general care of the lactating mare. (V)

6.

Describe the anatomy and physiology of the stallion reproductive system as related to infertility, impotency, and stallion management. (VI)

7.

Compare different breeding methods and procedures, and describe how the need for artificial insemination, embryo transfers, and semen evaluation is assessed. (VII)

8.

Describe fetal development and gestation, to include controlling factors, maternal influence, and tetratology. (VIII)

9.

Describe foaling procedures, and identify abnormal foaling conditions and causes. (IX)

10.

Differentiate between the behavior and treatment of the neonatal and orphan foals, and describe common management practices necessary to ensure a healthy first year of life. (X)

11.

Identify the common causes of equine abortion. (XI)

MCCCD Official Course Outline:

EQS220  20046-99999

Equine Reproduction

I. The Mare

A. Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System

B. Estrous Cycle

C. Reproductive Lifespan

D. Infertility

1. Management

2. Physiology

3. Reproductive Infections

4. Reproductive Abnormalities

II. Broodmare Management

A. Breeding Soundness Exam

B. Managing for Increased Productivity

III. Heat Detection

A. Recognizing Estrous

B. Optimum Time to Breed

C. Records

IV. Pregnancy

A. Different Types of Pregnancy Tests

B. Care of the Pregnant Mare

C. Conditions Associated with Pregnancy

V. Lactation

A. Mammary Glands

B. Care of the Lactating Mare

C. Abnormalities of the Udder

VI. The Stallion

A. Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System

B. Infertility and Impotency

1. Management

2. Genetic aspects

3. Reproductive diseases

4. Semen abnormalities

C. Stallion Management

1. Genetic potential

2. Reproductive exam and general health

3. Handling during breeding

4. Training to breed

5. Artificial breeding aids

6. Stallion vices

7. Efficient use of the stallion

VII. Breeding Methods and Procedures

A. Pasture Breeding

1. Advantages

2. Disadvantages

B. Hand Breeding

1. Facilities

2. Equipment

3. Procedures

4. Advantage

5. Disadvantages

C. Artificial Insemination

1. Facilities

2. Equipment

3. Supplies

4. Semen collection

5. Laboratory techniques

6. Insemination

7. Advantages

8. Disadvantages

D. Embryo Transfer

1. Procedures

2. Applications

E. Semen Evaluation

1. Collection techniques

2. Equipment

3. Handling semen sample

4. Examination procedures

5. Normal semen parameters

VIII. Fetal Development

A. Conception

B. Embryology

1. Early growth

2. Placentation

3. Organ development

C. Controlling Factors

D. Maternal Influence

E. Tetratology

1. Incidence

2. Severity

3. Causes

4. Control

F. Gestation Length

IX. Foaling

A. Facilities

B. Equipment

C. Factors that Control Foaling

D. Signs of Impending Foaling

E. Parturition

F. Induced Labor

G. Care of the Mare after Foaling

H. Abnormal Foaling

1. Dystocia

2. Abnormal conditions

3. Maternal behavioral problems

X. The Foal

A. Neonatal

1. Fetal adjustments at birth

2. Treatment

3. Behavior

4. Noninfectious complications

5. Infectious diseases

B. Orphan Foal - Prematurity

1. Immediate needs

2. Health care

3. Feeding

4. Discipline

C. The First Year

1. Behavior

2. Management

3. Weaning

XI. Causes of Equine Abortion

A. Viral

B. Bacterial

C. Mycotic

D. Twinning

E. Nutritional Factors

F. Toxic Chemicals

G. Lethal Genes