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ANSC30340

Academic Year 2024/2025

Equine Reproduction and Breeding Management (ANSC30340)

Subject:
Animal Science
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Agriculture & Food Science
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Barbara Murphy
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

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.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
Describe the anatomy and function of mare and stallion reproductive tracts;
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;
Discuss how seasonality and photoperiodic management impacts fertility for the mare and stallion and the growth and development of the foal;
Explain the different management strategies employed for artificial insemination versus natural cover breedings;
Evaluate assisted reproductive technologies and their effectiveness;
Discuss care and management of the neonate in health and disease;
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 Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): A worksheet covering content in weeks 1-3 is provided to students in Week 1 for submission end of Week 3. This is an open book assignment. Week 3 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
25
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): A worksheet covering content in weeks 4-6 is provided to students in Week 4 for submission end of Week 6. This is an open book assignment Week 6 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
25
 No
Exam (In-person): Final exam is a multiple choice questionnaire. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
50
 No
Participation in Learning Activities: Weekly online class quizzes are provided to assess learning as a formative assessment strategy. Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5 Other No
0
 No

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

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Individual feedback via written annotation on assignment submissions. Group feedback on worksheet questions provided in class. Formative review quizzes are held online most weeks to review content and answer questions. 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

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Mon 10:00 - 11:50
Spring Field Trip Offering 1 Week(s) - 25, 26 Mon 13:00 - 18:00
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Tues 09:00 - 09:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26 Tues 15:00 - 16:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Wed 10:00 - 10:50
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