BREAKING NEWS:Clones, AI and LawsuitsThe case has been brought against AQHA by Texas breeder Jason Abraham and his companies "Abraham and Veneklasen Joint Venture" and "Abraham Equine Inc.". The argument they are presenting is that by refusing to register cloned Quarter Horses - despite the DNA clearly demonstrating that they are indeed genetically Quarter Horses - the AQHA is violating the Sherman Antitrust Act as well as the Texas Business and Commerce Code. Since 2008, the AQHA have formed committees to consider rule changes to allow cloning, as well as the stud book committee itself considering those changes. The Association has consistently denied any rule change that would permit the registration of cloned Quarter Horses. It will be interesting to see what the outcome of the case means to the FEI, as reining - which predominantly involves Quarter Horses - is now included as an FEI sport. It has always been the position of Equine-Reproduction.com LLC that breeds and registries should register cloned animals by issuing the same registration number as the donor animal, plus a suffix (e.g. 123456a would be the first clone of animal 123456; 123456b the second and so on). The cloned animals would also be required to be microchipped, and any record-related work (e.g. competition or breeding) be confirmed as to which animal was involved at the time of the action by reading the microchip. Regardless of the "ethical" arguments - and those opposing cloning often tend to be somewhat ethereal and not scientifically-based - a failure to register clones by a breed or registry is potentially encouraging fraud on the part of it's membership - and that is always a bad policy for a breed organisation! This problem in particular surrounds the cloned stallion, as a foal produced from semen from a cloned stallion will carry the exact same DNA as if the foal was produced from semen from the original (the donor) stallion. The potential for abuse if a stallion dies or goes sterile is obvious. On another lawsuit front involving assisted reproductive technology, the decision in McHugh v. Australian Jockey Club Ltd. should be imminent, the closing arguments having been made in December last year. This case involves the Thoroughbred industry's insistence that no A.I. be permitted to produce a Thoroughbred horse. The arguments opposing the use of AI are typically specious and the welfare of a Thoroughbred stallion that is required to service as many as 300 mares by live cover each year has to be questioned. The international implications of a finding in favour of McHugh in this case are significant. Stay tuned as we will report the progress and decisions on both cases as we hear them! 5/04/2011
OTHER NEWS:CEM Outbreaks in England and IrelandThere are currently two ongoing outbreaks of CEM (Contagious Equine Metritis) within the UK and Ireland. The first - initially identified on 28/03/2012 - involves a mare in Berkley and a stallion in North Nibley (both Gloucestershire). The animals are undergoing treatment and tracebacks are being sought. The second outbreak (identified 26/04/2012) is in Doughiska, Galway, Ireland, where 2 stallions have so far tested positive for CEMO and multiple mares that have been bred to them are being checked.For more information about CEM, please review this article on our site. 5/01/2011
Pat Burns PhD It was with the deepest regret that Equine-Reproduction.com LLC recently learned of the death of equine reproduction physiologist and researcher, Pat Burns PhD.Pat graduated from Michigan State University and went on to obtain his Master's and PhD from the University of Kentucky. A researcher in biorelease drug technology, he operated Burns Biosolutions Inc. and Biorelease Technologies, producing several carrying agents that were important for the time-release of a variety of reproductive drugs, including Deslorelin and Oxytocin. The recently FDA-approved Deslorelin product "Sucromate Equine" was one of many products that was developed - at least in it's early stages - by Pat. Dr. Burns was also closely affiliated with the compounding pharmacy BET Pharm (Lexington, KY) where his biorelease agents are frequently used. Well respected in the equine reproductive scientific community, Pat Burns was author or co-author of a huge number of scientific papers and book chapters. Frequently attending and presenting at Scientific meetings worldwide, he was a perfect fount of equine reproductive knowledge, with an ever-active mind exploring new concepts and technologies in the field. One example of what is now a standard of the industry that Pat worked on in it's early years is Computer-Assisted-Semen-Analysis ("CASA") - and even though that work was performed years ago, only last year Pat was still exploring new CASA possibilities. Pat who died in January, is survived by his wife of 32 years Suzanne and three daughters, as well as siblings and nephews and nieces. He will be missed by many. 3/8/2011
Equine-Reproduction.com LLC Pleased to Assist in the Promotion of the Leg-Up Equestrian Assistance Program, Inc.As previously announced, Avalon Equine and Equine-Reproduction.com LLC are working together to promote another fund-raising raffle to aid equestrians or equestrian organizations who have experienced difficulties or setbacks. The next recipient is to be Colorado State University's Equine Reproduction Laboratory, which suffered a destructive fire earlier this year. In order to achieve a more efficient fund raising and promotional program, a separate not-for-profit entity has been created and named the Leg-Up Equestrian Assistance Program, Inc. ("LEAP").
Equine-Reproduction.com LLC to Present at the Colloquium for Equine ReproductionWe are pleased to announce that Equine-Reproduction.com LLC's Jos Mottershead will be one of the presenters at the Colloquium for Equine Reproduction to be held at Hereford racecourse in the United Kingdom on October 29th, 2011. Jos will be presenting on subject matter related to the stallion. Other scheduled presenters include Dr Jenny Ousey (Assessment of Fetal Health in the Pregnant Mare); Dr Julia Kydd (Formation of the equine placenta and the immune response); Mr John Spencer (Potential research to support mare practice); Mrs Emma Tomlinson (Potential research to support embryo transfer practice)*. More information can be obtained from the above link or by reviewing this flyer.The aim of the Colloquium - the second to be held - is to create a centre of gravity for a diverse range of mammalian/equine reproduction academics, horse breeders (from both large and small commercial stud farms), veterinarians and students to create a synergistic network of contacts and collaborators and to facilitate structured discussion. Last year's Colloquium hosted by Aberystwyth University was deemed to be a success with over 100 delegates from around the world attending. *All subject matter and speakers subject to change. 9/29/2011
Equine-Reproduction.com LLC Expands Operations to Europe with Acquisition of Equine Reproduction Ltd. in the UKEquine-Reproduction.com LLC is pleased to announce the acquisition of the English-based business Equine Reproduction Ltd. Previously managed by Jamie Anderson, who will remain in the position, Equine Reproduction Ltd has rapidly grown in the last four years to become one of England's leading equine semen freezing operations. In 2010, Equine Reproduction Ltd exported the most number of semen doses of any UK-based semen processing company.Equine-Reproduction.com LLC is an American-based company offering a broad range of equine reproduction related services including semen freezing and embryo transfer. It is known world-wide for it's informational web site and in several countries including the UK, for it's informative shortcourses about equine reproduction. The combined businesses - which will operate in Europe under the Equine-Reproduction.com LLC banner - will initially be offering mobile semen freezing services and equine reproduction management advice and training, as well as educational services in the form of the shortcourses, the next one of which will be scheduled early in 2012. President of Equine-Reproduction.com LLC, Jos Mottershead - who was born and brought up in England - said: "We have long been desirous of expanding into the European market, having been able to just touch the surface with offering Defra-approved AI training courses in the UK. The acquisition of Equine Reproduction Ltd. seemed a logical next step towards increasing the availability of our services world-wide. We are thrilled that this has come together and look forward to being able to assist British and European breeders more extensively. From a personal perspective, it is also of course a delight to be able to bring our business to my homeland". 9/15/2011
Equine-Reproduction.com LLC Announces Fund Raising Raffle to Benefit CSU's Fire-Ravaged ERL Following in the footsteps of last year's successful raffle of the warmblood foal Adieu d'Avalon to benefit injured Olympiad Courtney King Dye, Equine-Reproduction.com LLC is pleased to announce that it will be working with Avalon Equine to promote the raffle of another warmblood foal bred by Avalon Equine, with the proceeds this year going to the Equine Reproduction Laboratory (ERL) at Colorado State University, which recently experienced a disastrous fire that gutted the building and destroyed years of research and equipment.More details of the raffle will follow shortly! 7/29/2011
World-renowned Equine Reproduction Research Laboratory at CSU Destroyed by FireThe Equine Reproduction Laboratory at the Foothills Campus of Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins was destroyed by fire early Tuesday morning. One report estimated damage at twelve million dollars, however CSU officials have not indicated the value of the loss. Fortunately no humans or horses were injured, however the potential loss of data and ongoing research equipment cannot possibly have a dollar value placed upon it. The Equine Reproduction Research Facility at CSU has been a world-leader in research for many years, having been responsible for the development of many ground-breaking procedures in embryo transfer and semen freezing in more recent years, and basic equine AI and semen collection and handling techniques during the dawn of artificial insemination in the equine. CSU spokeswoman Dell Rae Moellenbert said that it was not clear what the long-term impact would be on the facility, but that in the short term, day-to-day work at the laboratory would be relocated. It is not known how much data or research may have been lost.7/26/2011
New Case of CEM Identified in Arizona, USAIdentification of a new case of Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) was announced today by the Arizona Department of Agriculture. It is reported that a 4 year-old Arabian stallion located in Maricopa County AZ was being tested for international semen transport when it was identified as carrying the CEM causative agent Taylorella equigenitalis. Five other contact horses are currently being tested and are under quarantine, although farm records suggests that animals in three different States are likely to be involved in immediate contact traceback testing.7/26/2011
EVA Outbreak in FranceTwo farms in south-eastern France have been involved in an outbreak of Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA), a disease not seen in that country since 2007. The affected farms breed Lusitano horses near Marseille and Montpellier. A stallion, several mares and a deceased neonate were identified as carrying the virus in late June. Currently it appears that the outbreak is limited, although other contact horses originating from the farms are being tested. The initial source of the virus has not been identified.7/12/2011
OIE Reports Epidemiological Investigation of US CEM Outbreak "Closed"The World Organisation for Animal Health ("OIE") recently issued the following summary of the investigation into the two outbreaks of Contagious Equine Metritis and although a conclusive source has not been identified in the case of the larger (2008) outbreak, considers the investigation closed. With a lack of a confirmed source, and such a significant number of affected animals, it is unlikely that "CEM Free" status is to be reinstated (which would allow dropping of import restrictions by countries such as Canada) in the near future. The most likely source of the outbreak was identified as a stallion imported from Denmark in late 2000, but that is not absolutely confirmed.All epidemiologically linked horses have been identified and all testing and treatment protocols have been conducted in accordance with Federal, International, and expert guidance and requirements. Summary of the CEM events: Kentucky and Wisconsin Event Epidemiology Summary:
The comprehensive epidemiological investigations of the Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) events in the United States are closed. 1/7/2011
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and enter your foal's gestational duration! Non-Reproduction Equine Headline News from: TheHorse.com News Prevalence of Post-Anesthesia Cardiac Arrhythmias in Horses 15 May 2012 Researchers recently studied post-surgical cardiac arrhythmia, which is common in horses immediately following general anesthesia. Results found the condition is possibly linked to anesthesia, surgery, and recovery.... SAU Horse Theft, Killing Case to Proceed in Oklahoma 15 May 2012 An Oklahoma judge has ruled that the case against a woman accused of stealing five horses belonging to the rodeo team at Southern Arkansas University (SAU) last year will go forward. ... How Congress Impacts Horse Showing 15 May 2012 A notable example of federal policy directly impacting horse shows is the amount of funding the USDA receives to prepare for and respond to contagious equine disease outbreaks.... Florida Man Charged in Horse Shootings 15 May 2012 Sheriff's Department personnel discovered two horses that appeared to have been shot in the head. Richard Owen was subsequently arrested and charged with animal cruelty and carrying a concealed firearm.... Equine Identification: Free Webinar 14 May 2012 Join TheHorse.com and presenter Monty McInturff, DVM, for a free webinar detailing why equine identification is vital to horse owners, government officials, breed registries, and veterinarians.... 23 Cases of Atypical Myopathy Diagnosed in Spring 2012 14 May 2012 A notice from the Atypical Myopathy Alert Group indicates 18 cases have been identified in France, four in Great Britain, and one in New Zealand.... TRF Directors Seek Dismissal of Lawsuit 14 May 2012 In their filing, the TRF directors say the charges made in the May 3 lawsuit are without merit, and that the attorney general had access to information from the horse retirement program showing that the claims were without merit.... Show Jumping Great Sapphire Retired 14 May 2012 Sapphire, the 17-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare who carried McLain Ward (USA) to two Olympic Gold medals, has been retired from competition. ... |
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In our ongoing efforts to assist breeders with directing access to good quality and well priced equine reproduction equipment, we are able to offer a listing of reconditioned equine reproduction ultrasounds for sale at affordable prices direct from Universal Ultrasound.
Equine reproduction topics covered in our articles section on this site include artificial insemination (A.I.); information about, and the use of frozen semen; stallion handling articles, including "phantom mare" training, and other semen collection methods; the collecting and processing of cooled transported semen; different equipment and supplies needed for semen collection and processing, and artificial insemination; managing the mare for breeding (including hormonal manipulation and the use of other drugs such as Oxytocin); and some articles relative to foals and foaling.
It's our aim to bring you not only a wide selection of articles about both basic and advanced equine reproduction topics; but also a variety of links to sites containing more information about horse breeding. There is a book sale section where we list and review books on equine reproduction that are offered for sale there in association with Amazon.com. We also invite you to review our equine reproduction short course details, as well as stallion semen freezing and other services that Equine-Reproduction.com is pleased to be able to offer the horse-breeding public. Our bulletin board is an active community with a large membership that discusses and provides information on a wide variety of equine reproduction topics.
If you have a question about anything you see on our site, or about any other equine reproduction matters, or if you have a subject that you feel would be a good topic for an article to be written about, please contact us! Feedback is important to us to make this a useful site for all. If you would like to add a link to this site from your own, please feel free to do so. To assist you in this, we have some pre-formatted links available for you to copy here.
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