Equine Reproduction & Fertility

This course is suitable for applicants who have significant experience working with equine breeding stock and/or who regularly assist veterinarians to synchronise mares cycles for conceptions, manage foaling mares, oversee breeding programmes and who want a more in-depth understanding of the physiology of reproduction in the horse. Applicants interested in learning about the newest scientific advances in this field that practically benefit breeding efficiencies will also find the course valuable.

On completion of this micro-credential you should be able to: 

• Describe the detailed anatomy and functions of mare and stallion reproductive tracts;
• Explain the endocrine control of reproduction in the stallion and the mare; 
• Discuss factors that influence sperm production, reproductive cycles, ovarian follicular growth and the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in the horse; 
• Evaluate the efficiency and impact of pharmacological manipulation of the mare's reproductive cycle; 
• Discuss how seasonality and photoperiodic management impacts fertility for the mare and stallion and the growth and development of the foal;
• Explain the different management strategies employed for artificial insemination versus natural cover breeding;  
• Evaluate assisted reproductive technologies and their effectiveness;
• Discuss care and management of the neonate in health and disease; 
• Apply knowledge of reproductive physiology to formulate solutions to breeding management problems in horses;
• Critically assess the current state of knowledge in relation to specific equine reproductive topics.

• Mare Reproductive Anatomy
• Folliculogenesis
• Mare Seasonality
• Oestrous Cycle and Ovulation
• Photoperiod Management for Fertility 
• Endocrine Control of Pregnancy
• Endocrine Control of Parturition
• Stallion Reproductive Anatomy
• Spermatogenesis
• Pharmacological Manipulation 
• Neonatology
• Breeding Soundness
• Breeding Management
• Assisted Reproductive Technologies

This micro-credential gives you all the convenience that online, flexible, learning offers, as well as an upskilling opportunity to underpin practical equine breeding know-how with sound scientific principles for improved understanding and better decision-making.

This micro-credential is delivered through the UCD online learning platform (Brightspace) and will consist of lectures/seminars, and review quizzes.

A repository of resources will be available to support your learning, and as a UCD student, you will have full access to the library. 

This is a 10 ECTS micro-credential and involves approximately 200 hours of learner effort.

Applicants should hold a NFQ Level 7 degree or international equivalent, in animal science, equine science, veterinary nursing, biology or another relevant discipline. Applications will also be considered from individuals who do not possess a level 7 qualification but who have significant experience (5+ years) managing equine breeding stock and working alongside veterinarians.

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proof of English proficiency as per UCD's minimum English language requirements.

All applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

• Open book worksheets (2x20%), due week 3 and week 7 and submitted online via Brightspace
• MCQ exam (30%), scheduled online during the March spring break after completion of lectures.
• 3000 word essay (30%), due week 12 and submitted via Brightspace

• Written feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Self-assessment activities (review quizzes)

Please note: Learners can avail of only one form of funding per application. 

Micro-Credentials Learner Fee Subsidy-Human Capital Initiative Pillar 3

The HCI Pillar 3 Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy has been introduced to enable more learners to address critical skills gaps and engage with lifelong learning through micro-credentials. The HCI Pillar 3 Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy is funded by Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. 

HCI Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidies are available on identified micro-credentials only from March 2024 until October 2025. Funded places are limited and course providers will administer the subsidy on a first come first serve basis.

Please see Eligibility Criteria for further information.    

This micro-credential is also a module on the MSc Animal Science Pathway programme.

If you have any questions about this micro-credential, or would like to speak to a UCD staff member, please contact (opens in a new window)microcredentials@ucd.ie.