ASC210 Equine Reproduction (8)

This subject builds on content studied in biology and provides the opportunity to study the functional anatomy and physiology of the equine reproductive systems. Topics covered include anatomy of the mare and stallion reproductive tract, endocrine control of reproduction, seasonality, mare oestrous cycles, gametogenesis, physiology of the equine pregnancy and parturition, as well as basic genetic inheritance. On successfully completing this subject students will possess an understanding of the science behind the management decisions required when breeding horses and raising foals.

Availability

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

Session 1 (30)
On Campus
Wagga Wagga Campus
Online *
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: ASC210. 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

This subject is restricted to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Equine Science (with specialisation) and Bachelor of Equine Science (Business Management).

Prerequisites

( ASC106 or ASC148 ) and ASC171

Incompatible Subjects

ASC261

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to identify and describe the reproductive anatomy of the mare and stallion and discuss its function;
  • be able to describe the endocrine mechanisms that regulate equine reproduction and explain the physiological and behavioural changes that occur during the oestrous cycle and with changing seasons;
  • be able to describe the processes of gametogenesis and fertilisation in the horse;
  • be able to list and explain the major events of foetal development, placentation and parturition in the horse;
  • be able to explain the basic mechanisms of inheritance; and
  • be able to describe common genetic disorders of horses and carry out basic calculations to predict the possible outcomes for coat colour and genetic disorders for given examples.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • The structure and function of the male and female equine reproductive systems.
  • Endocrine control of reproduction in the stallion.
  • Endocrine, physiological and behavioural events of the oestrus cycle in the mare.
  • Factors affecting puberty, anoestrus and seasonality in the equine.
  • Gametogenesis in the male and female horse.
  • Sperm production and output, parameters of the equine semen.
  • Process of gamete transportation and fertilisation.
  • Maternal recognition of pregnancy, placentation and foetal development, parturition and lactation in the mare.
  • Basic mechanisms of inheritance including structure, role and behaviour of chromosomes and genes, mendelian inheritance, common phenotypes that are determined or influenced by one or a few genes in horses, including coat colour and disorders with a genetic basis.

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of ASC210 in Session 1 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
Equine genetics - academic poster
25
2
Equine reproduction scenarios part a
30
3
Equine reproduction scenarios part b
45

Residential School

This subject contains a 3 day Compulsory Residential School.

The Residential School for this subject will allow students who are studying online to both directly experience and implement aspects of equine reproduction.  This will allow students to put the theory gained online into practice under industry conditions.  The three day residential school will comprise a mixture of workshops, yard/stable/paddock and laboratory based activities that will complement the theoretical materials delivered on line throughout this subject. Such practical experiences will include reproductive anatomy of the stallion and the mare, dissection of pregnant reproductive tracts, semen evaluation, identification of ova and scanning mares using ultrasound.

Special Resources

Long trousers and boots (work or riding) and Lab coast and glasses 

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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