A Focus on Reproduction
Monday, December 17, 2018

In February 2019 we're running CPD focused on the essential reproduction skills every equine vet needs to know about. We've recently caught up with course organiser, John Spencer to find out more... 

Can you tell us a bit more about your plans for the three courses?

The three days of reproduction based CPD is aimed at new or recent graduates together with those who wish to gain an introduction into stud work and the challenges and routine work faced by vets during the stud season. 

The first day will cover the assessment of the peri-parturient mare and will help delegates be aware and deal with complications before, during and after foaling in the mare and foal. The second day is a mare reproductive day focusing on the management of breeding mares during the stud season from pre-breeding checks to organising breeding programs either by natural covering or AI including interpretation of routine ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries together with pregnancy diagnosis. The third day is a continuation of the existing BEVA AI essential skills workshop which provides theory and practical teaching on collection and assessment of semen through to practical AI techniques using fresh, chilled and frozen semen. 

All three days have hands on practical sessions and the aim of the three days is to enable vets to be prepared for their first stud season.


The courses are running from the 5 to the 7 February 2019, what is the benefit of running these courses across three consecutive days?

This enables delegates to attend the courses as either individual days or as a three day course which would provide a comprehensive introduction to dealing with mares and foals in their first stud season.

The courses are designed for those new to equine practice, why do you think reproduction is an essential skill newly qualified vets need to be confident in?

Equine reproduction is an important part of equine practice. It appears in practice that the numbers of vets interested in this important area of equine practice is reducing and therefore developing skills and confidence in equine reproduction will help equine vets provide a comprehensive service to their clients.

What one piece of advice would you give an equine vet working in reproduction for the first time? 

Make sure you are prepared by carrying appropriate equipment and drugs in your car to deal with likely situations which may arise with mare and foals and remember it is important to have the support of practitioners experienced in equine reproduction, whether that being people within your practice or from outside, who can advise and help during stressful situations. This course together with providing theoretical and practical teaching provides opportunity for delegates to meet experienced stud practitioners from across the country who can provide support in the future.


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