ASC209 Horse Breeding Technologies (8)

This subject builds on previous studies of equine reproduction and explores the theory and application of assisted equine reproductive technologies. As part of this subject, students develop practical skills in stallion semen collection, evaluation and processing, semen transport, semen freezing and thawing and artificial insemination of mares. Oestrous synchronisation and advanced reproductive technologies such as embryo transfer, oocyte pickup, Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) are also studied. This subject provides students with valuable hands-on skills, while broadening their knowledge of more advanced and emerging technologies in equine reproduction.

Availability

* Offering has a residential school. Please view following information for further details.

Session 2 (60)
On Campus
Wagga Wagga Campus
Online *
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: ASC209. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Enrolment is restricted to students enrolled in the  Bachelor of Equine Science, Bachelor of Equine Science (Business Management), Bachelor of Animal Science, Bachelor of Animal Science (Honours) and Bachelor of Veterinary Technology.

Prerequisites

( ASC106 or ASC206 or ASC148 ) and ( ASC210 or ASC261 )

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to demonstrate and outline the processes of stallion semen collection, evaluation, processing, chilling, freezing, storage and thawing using scientifically developed calculations to maximise sperm longevity and survival.
  • be able to describe procedures for the appropriate management and transport of frozen and chilled stallion semen;
  • be able to outline the management of mares for an artificial insemination program to maximise the pregnancy rate (this includes performing artificial insemination of a mare in an aseptic manner), and devise management plans for given broodmare scenarios;
  • be able to distinguish and describe the various different methods of oestrous synchronisation in mares;
  • be able to differentiate and describe the various advanced reproductive technologies available for use in horses and compare and contrast their use in practice; and
  • be able to assess the legal and ethical aspects of reproductive management of horses.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Stallion semen collection, evaluation and freezing.
  • Managing semen transport.
  • Semen handling for insemination.
  • Mare Artificial Insemination (AI), embryo transfer, other advanced reproductive techniques in horses.
  • Legal and ethical aspects of reproductive management in horses.

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of ASC209 in Session 2 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Practical assessment - stallion semen chilling
20
2
Mid-session examination
25
3
Practical assessment - stallion semen thawing
10
4
End of session examination
45

Residential School

This subject contains a 4 day Compulsory Residential School.

The Residential School will give students training and assessment in skills of equine semen collection, semen assessment, semen processing for chilled shipment, semen freezing, semen thawing and artificial insemination.  Students will be trained in each of these six practical skills then allowed an opportunity to practice the skills under supervision. 

Special Resources

Online students will be required to attend a Residential School which may incur travel and accommodation costs.

Closed-in stout leather shoes or boots must be worn when working with horses. Clean overalls with long sleeves are compulsory for this subject. When working with horses it is a requirement that all students wear an Australian Standards approved hard hat AS 3838. You may also use helmets considered acceptable by Equestrian Australia  these include NZ 3838, ARB HS 2012, ASTM F1163, PAS 015 and VG01.040.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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