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ANSC40360

Academic Year 2024/2025

Equine Reproduction&Fertility (ANSC40360)

Subject:
Animal Science
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Agriculture & Food Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Barbara Murphy
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
Online
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module is for students taking the MSc in Animal Science. It is designed for graduates with limited previous equine reproductive physiology learning who want a solid grounding in the fundamentals of equine reproductive physiology, fertility and breeding management and to develop their knowledge and understanding of current advances in assisted reproductive technologies in the equine species. This module will also be offered as a Level 8 Microcredential that is relevant to suitably qualified individuals working within the equine breeding industry and involved with managing mares and/or stallions. The online lectures and materials will give students an in-depth understanding of the reproductive physiology of mares and stallions, and their management for optimum fertility, improved welfare and increased sustainability in horse production, underpinned by the latest advances in scientific research.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
Describe the detailed anatomy and functions 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 breeding;
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;
Critically assess the current state of knowledge in relation to specific equine reproductive topics.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

40

Autonomous Student Learning

130

Lectures

30

Total

200


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This 12-week module will be delivered through the UCD VLE system and will consist of:
• Pre-recorded lectures provided in weeks 1-7
• Asynchronous discussion threads throughout
• Autonomous student study in weeks 8-12

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this 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 from weeks 1-3 is provided to students in Week 1 for submission at the end of Week 3. This is an open book assignment. Week 3 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
20
No
Assignment(Including Essay): A worksheet covering content from weeks 4-7 is provided to students in Week 4 for submission at the end of Week 7. This is an open book assignment. Week 7 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
20
No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Online MCQ exam covering all lecture content. Closed book. Week 8 Standard conversion grade scale 40% Yes
30
Yes
Assignment(Including Essay): Comprehensive literature review essay covering relevant equine reproduction topic of students’ choice. Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
30
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

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

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Individual feedback via written annotations on assignment submissions. Formative review quizzes are held online during weeks 1-7 to review content and answer questions. Use of grading rubric for essay.