Module Information

Module Identifier
RD11320
Module Title
Breeding and Stud Management
Academic Year
2024/2025
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Assignment.  60%
Semester Exam 1.5 Hours   40%
Supplementary Assessment Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module.  60%
Supplementary Exam 1.5 Hours   Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module.  40%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Describe the structure, function and control of the equine male and female reproductive systems

2. Evaluate the management systems used for the care of breeding stock, foals and youngstock

3. Evaluate and discuss the uses and development of equine reproductive technology

Brief description

This module will address the physiology and function of the male and female reproductive systems and their control, and then apply this knowledge to the practical management of horses at stud. The management of mares prior to and during pregnancy, as well as during lactation with a foal at foot will be considered. Stallion and youngstock management will also be covered.

Content

The aims of this module are :

  • To investigate the structure, function and control of the mare and stallion reproductive systems
  • To study the anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and lactation in the mare
  • To study the management systems used for the care of breeding stock including foals and youngstock
  • Evaluate the uses and development of equine reproductive technology
It will achieve this by considering the following areas :

  • Anatomy and endocrine control of the mare and stallion reproductive systems
  • Manipulation of reproduction
  • Preparation for covering and mating management
  • Anatomy and endocrine control of pregnancy
  • Management of the pregnant mare, pregnancy diagnosis
  • Parturition and foaling abnormalities
  • Management of the foal
  • Anatomy and endocrine control of lactation
  • Reproductive technology: artificial insemination, embryo transfer etc

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number
Communication Students will be required to present their Stud Farm Diary coursework in an imaginative and informative manner. The student's ability to communicate his/her ideas and information in writing and illustrative form will be directly assessed and feedback given.
Improving own Learning and Performance
Information Technology Students will be required to submit the written supporting text using a word processing package which will help develop their IT skills. This is not an integral assessed part of the module but will help develop their word processing skills which will be formally assessed in other modules.
Personal Development and Career planning
Problem solving Students will be required to consult a range of information sources in order to solve the problem/scenario set out for them in the assignment. They will be required to think creatively and imaginatively in order to present a rational plan to manage breeding stock over an extended period of time. Their ability to identify and solve a problem will therefore be assessed and feedback given.
Research skills
Subject Specific Skills Theoretical management of stock on a stud farm will be assessed in the assignment and exam with feedback given in the assignment.
Team work

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4