The University of Kentucky Equine Initiative will host a UK Equine Showcase Jan. 20 and the 3rd Annual Kentucky Breeders' Short Course Jan. 21 at the UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Lexington.

The UK Equine Showcase is a program highlighting the latest UK equine research focused on the young horse. The program will run from 1 to 5 p.m. with a reception following.

The 3rd Annual Kentucky Breeders' Short Course is an in-depth equine reproductive program from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 21 with lunch provided.

Both programs are open to veterinarians, owners and managers of all horse breeds or anyone with an interest in learning more about equine reproduction and topics concerning the young horse. Continuing education credit for veterinarians and veterinary technicians is pending approval by the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners.

"The UK Equine Showcase is a great opportunity for those in the industry to learn about the latest equine research that is ongoing at the University of Kentucky. The annual Kentucky Breeders' Short Course will focus on equine reproductive efficiency," said Ed Squires, director of the UK Equine Initiative and executive director of the Gluck Equine Research Foundation. "UK is fortunate to have many experts in equine science who can serve as speakers."

Topics and speakers for the UK Equine Showcase include:

• Common infectious diseases of the young horse; David Horohov
• Cartilage development and maturation; James MacLeod
• Building muscle in young horses; Kristine Urschel
• Nutritional needs of the young horse; Laurie Lawrence
• Vaccination strategies and immunity in young horses; Amanda Adams
• Deworming strategies for the young horse; Martin Nielsen
• Pricing of young horses in the Thoroughbred industry; Jill Stowe

Topics and speakers for the Kentucky Breeders' Short Course include:

• Pregnancy rates when breeding with natural mating or fresh, cooled or frozen semen; Ed Squires
• Causes of fertilization failures; Barry Ball
• Pregnancy losses during early gestation; Barry Ball
• Pregnancy losses during late pregnancy and diagnosis of placentitis; Barry Ball
• Factors affecting the incidence of dystocia; Ed Squires
• Performance of foals from high-risk pregnancies; Sydney Hughes
• Endometrial biopsy as an indicator of uterine artery rupture; Neil Williams
• Effect of tall fescue on pregnant mares and how to contain fescue; Karen McDowell, William Witt and Ray Smith
• Proper nutrition for rebreeding mares; Laurie Lawrence
• Practical biosecurity for horse farms; Roberta Dwyer

To register, visit http://www.ca.uky.edu/gluck/NewsShortCourse2012.asp. Early bird registration (by Jan. 9) for the UK Equine Showcase is $45, or $35 when two or more people from the same organization register at the same time. The price is the same for the Kentucky Breeders' Short Course. Attendees can attend both days for $75. After Jan. 9, prices increase. Students are eligible to have their costs waived, but student designated space is limited and on a first-requested, first-served basis. Students interested in attending should email Jenny Blandford at jenny.blandford@uky.edu.

The VDL is located at 1490 Bull Lea Rd in Lexington. Click here to download a flyer.

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Writer: Jenny Blandford

UK College of Agriculture, through its land-grant mission, reaches across the commonwealth with teaching, research and extension to enhance the lives of Kentuckians.