Description:
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to help horse owners, breeding managers and veterinarians enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their breeding programs. Through a combination of classroom lectures and hands-on laboratories, participants will gain competence in stallion and mare anatomy and physiology, hormonal regulation of the estrous cycle, nutritional management for reproductive efficiency, equine semen collection and evaluation, artificial insemination, and semen handling and transport techniques. Semen transport topics include semen preservation techniques, proper selection and use of semen extenders, selection and use of shipping containers, practical applications of frozen semen, and contracts and shipping guidelines. All participants will have opportunities to collect and evaluate semen, package semen for cooled shipment, and artificially inseminate mares under the close observation of our experienced faculty and staff. A comprehensive manual will be provided and participants will receive a certificate verifying participation. The majority of the wet laboratories will be held in an indoor, non-heated breeding facility. However, participants are encouraged to dress for possible inclement weather. Laboratory equipment and breeding supplies will be provided. No spectators, friends, or pets will be allowed to attend any portion of the course (no exceptions). FEES: The fee for registered participants (limited to 24 people / session) is $450. Registration forms must be postmarked by November 11, 2010 with full payment. Registrants in excess of 24 per session will be placed on a waiting list and will be given first priority for the next course. Checks will be returned to those not admitted to the course in a given year. No refunds permitted if you are admitted to the course. The fee for students attending North Carolina colleges ONLY is $300 if postmarked on or before November 11, 2010. All entries postmarked after November 11, 2010 will be assessed a $100 late fee. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Mike Yoder, 919-515-5784, email: mike_yoder@ncsu.edu; or visit www.cals.ncsu.edu/horse-husbandry and click on "Equine Short Courses."