ANSC30340 Equine Reproduction and Breeding Management

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module is core for Animal Science - Equine students and focuses in detail on the physiology and endocrinology of reproduction and breeding management within the Thoroughbred and Sport Horse industries. The module encompasses lectures on equine seasonality, the hormones of reproduction, ovarian and testicular function, sperm and oocyte development, establishment and maintenance of pregnancy and parturition, neonatal care, and breeding soundness examinations. Emphasis will be placed on the current state of research knowledge in these areas and identification of areas where advances in reproductive knowledge of the equine species need to be made. Topics covered will include current advances in equine reproductive technologies and pharmacological manipulation of the mares reproductive cycle. A written essay involving a review of current scientific literature concerning a relevant aspect of equine reproduction will form part of the assessment criteria for this module. Student module feedback led to the incorporation of two class quizzes during the term as part of the module assessment. For 2021, continuous assessment will comprise submission of two worksheets covering course content during term.
This module is a 7 week module and will be assessed during term time in 2021. A final MCQ Exam will take place during during week 7 in 2021.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
Explain the endocrine control of reproduction in the stallion and the mare;
Discuss factors that influence sperm production, reproductive cycles, ovarian follicular growth and the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in the horse;
Evaluate the efficiency and impact of pharmacological manipulation of the mare's reproductive cycle;
Explain the different management strategies employed for artificial insemination versus natural cover breedings; Discuss care and management of the neonate;
Apply knowledge of reproductive physiology to formulate solutions to breeding management problems in horses;
Critcally assess the current state of knowledge in relation to specific equine reproductive topics

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

30
Practical

2
Field Trip/External Visits

4
Autonomous Student Learning

70
Total

106
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The approaches to teaching and learning for this module include lectures, critical writing, self-assessment quizzes and class discussions. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

It is highly recommended that students registering for this course have previously taken a basic animal reproduction module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: 2 hour end of trimester examination 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

30
Continuous Assessment: Submission of worksheet covering content from weeks 1-3. Week 3 n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

25
Continuous Assessment: Submission of worksheet covering content from weeks 4-6 Week 6 n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

25
Portfolio: Four class participation activities to enhance learning on specific topics will be completed in class throughout the semester and handed up. Each will be worth 5% of the overall grade Varies over the Trimester n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

20
Class Test: Weekly Kahoot MCQ quizzes as formative assessment. These will be held live online to aid revision throughout the module. Throughout the Trimester n/a Other No

0

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Individual feedback on worksheet questions provided via Brightspace. Formative quizzes are held online most weeks to review content. Review sessions are held intermittently throughout term to identify any areas requiring further attention.

Name Role
Professor Lisa Katz Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Niamh Lewis Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Julie Storme Lecturer / Co-Lecturer