 |
||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
University of Kentucky Offers Array of Equine ProgramsBy Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 22, 2012
The University of Kentucky's Ag Equine Programs, formerly known as the U.K. Equine Initiative, is a resource for the Kentucky horse industry as well as the international horse industry. The programs include a four-year undergraduate degree in equine science and management; an internship program; a diverse portfolio of equine research, teaching and service programs; outreach features such as the Horse Pasture Evaluation Program; and partnerships with other equine organizations and state institutions of higher education. Current enrollment is around 220 students, with 39 graduates and 94 students having completed required internships in the last seven years.
New research has been undertaken in areas ranging from equine health to economics. Equine-specific field days, an equine research showcase, a series of short courses, several equine career fairs, and a lecture series featuring leaders in the equine industry have been held, and an online monthly newsletter about UK equine research reaches more than 45,000 monthly subscribers.
One of the most recent developments is the remodeling of a reproduction facilities center at the Maine Chance Equine Campus. The center has two state-of-the-art barns with laboratories equipped to handle semen, embryos, and reproductive tissues. Research will focus on clinical equine reproductive health and fertility issues to include causes, diagnosis and treatment of embryonic and fetal loss in mares; early embryonic development; uterine infection; nutritional effects on reproduction; stallion behavior; diagnosis and treatment of fertility problems in stallions; fescue toxicosis; pregnancy losses; high-risk pregnancies; and methods to enhance fertility of mares and stallions.
Kimberly S. Brown, global marketing manager for Kentucky Equine Research, serves on the advisory committee for the U.K. Ag Equine Programs.
