Colorado State University’s Ed Squires, PhD, an honorary Diplomate in the American College of Theriogenology (reproduction), presented several lectures at the 2003 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention. One presentation was on using a new commercially available product called equine follicle-stimulating hormone (eFSH, from Bioniche Animal Health) to have mares superovulate
There are three major reasons to attempt to have a mare “superovulate” or ovulate more than one follicle at a time. First, in embryo transfer programs there is a greater chance of recovering an embryo with superovulation, thus reducing the expense of getting a viable embryo for transplanting. Second, it has been found that superovulation of a mare in transition (early in the year before she i
The technique of using saline-coated silica particles in solution to filter and therefore enhance semen quality in humans has been around for years. Now, it is being tried to improve semen of stallions.
Research has shown that boars can be fed a specific diet to increase fertility, and the same might be true of stallions. Steven Brinsko, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACT, from Texas A&M University, discussed the potential of feeding a nutraceutical to stallions to enhance their fertility during his presentation at the American Association of Equine Practitioners convention.
He said the
A record crowd of nearly 6,200 attended the 49th annual convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) in New Orleans, La. Adding to that total was twice the number of veterinary students who attended the 2002 convention. The convention offered nearly 100 scientific presentations, a hands-on wet lab, and an equine health seminar for horse owners.
The 50th Annua
Leptospirosis, often called just “lepto,” can cause flu-like illness in horses that sometimes results in abortion or uveitis (moon blindness). In Kentucky, there seems to be a cyclic pattern to abortions caused by leptospirosis. In 2001, there were about 40 cases, but over the past two years there were less than 10 each year. Through Jan. 12 of 2004, there have been already 27 cases, accordin
When mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS) struck in 2001, the industry was scared and demanding answers. Nearly 3,000 of that year’s pregnancies were lost, some horses were diagnosed with heart and eye problems, and no one could figure out what was going on. And there were no funds set aside to handle a battle against an unknown equine disease.
Researchers at the University of
A meeting at Keeneland racetrack for a select group from local Thoroughbred breeding farms on Jan. 6 offered a wrap-up of the six experiments done by researchers at the University of Kentucky pertaining to mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS). The synopses of those experiments, as presented by Karen McDowell, PhD (equine reproduction), are as follows:
Experiments 1 and 2,
This diary will be a new undertaking for TheHorse.com, and we hope you’ll share your comments and questions as we guide the educational process of these weanlings. The goal is to work with a curriculum developed by Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist Sue McDonnell, PhD, of the University
“In the final analysis, we do not understand this disease,” said Bruce Webb, PhD, an entomologist at the University of Kentucky who has been a leading researcher into the problem of mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS).
Webb and Karen McDowell, PhD, a reproduction specialist from the Gluck Equine Research Center at the university, presented a synopsis of the MRLS research
It can be as simple as that first outing in the fall, with leaves crunching underfoot and cool breezes blowing life into us and our horses. It can be as exciting as a once-in-a-lifetime trip to herd cattle in Wyoming, a vacation in Germany to learn dressage under the tutelage of a master, or riding on the beach with waves crashing and the smell of freedom blown in the salty air.
We’re all getting a little bit older, but as with fine wine and good horses, that often means things are getting better. The Horse magazine is celebrating its 21st year in 2004 since its inception as Modern Horse Breeding. And you’ll notice a few things different this year. For one, we are sharing our love of our horses in a new column called Horse Fever. We also are
First Three Months
It’s amazing that time flies so fast. This morning there was a heavy frost and the babies–thinking they are going to be in Canada for the winter–have heavy coats that are frost-tipped. They like this cold weather much better than the warm spells where they end up sweating through all that hair.
Conan is healing well. Dr. Carol MacLeod was by th
Mats Troedsson, DVM, Dipl. ACT, University of Florida (with co-author Walter Zent, DVM, of Lexington, Ky.), discussed clinical ultrasound in evaluation of the equine placenta to identify and treat mares with placentitis. He said placentitis is a common cause of abortion in the United States. Most cases are believed to be the result of an ascending infection (starting at the cervix) during lat
First, thanks for all the e-mails of support for this Diary and for the boys. Second, I love my vet! She’s not just a professional, but she cares about the today, and the tomorrow. If I were eligible, I’d nominate her for the AAEP’s My Vet Matters contest that starts in January. Beginning Jan. 1, 2004, horse owners may submit an entry that explains why their veterinarian is exceptional in his
Abby L. Fowden, University of Cambridge, UK, discussed nutritive and endocrine functions of the equine placenta at the first Equine Placenta Workshop held at the Gluck Equine Research Center at the University of Kentucky on Dec. 5-6. She said the functions of the placenta are as a barrier, for transport of nutrients and waste, nutrient production, and hormone production.
Placental
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