LEXINGTON, Ky., (Dec. 21, 2007) The University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture has named an internationally-recognized scientist with more than 24 years of research and clinical experience in equine reproduction as its new chair of the Department of Veterinary Science, a position which also serves as director for the prestigious Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center.

Mats Troedsson, who currently serves as a professor and services chief in theriogenology (reproduction) at the University of Florida, will begin June 2008. As chair of the Department of Veterinary Science, Troedsson will lead the Gluck Equine Research Center, the Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center and the Equine Parentage Testing and Research Laboratory.

“I am delighted that we have successfully recruited a world-class scientist of Dr. Troedsson’s caliber to lead the GluckCenter. I am confident that Gluck will reach new heights of achievement in equine sciences under his direction,” said College of Agriculture Dean Scott Smith.

UK College of Agriculture Associate Dean for Research Nancy Cox echoed those sentiments.

“Dr. Troedsson’s selection was the result of a thorough, international search that engaged a variety of stakeholders from the equine community. He will bring a strong commitment to furthering both the economic significance and the well-being of the horse in this region and beyond,” she said.

After earning his degree in veterinary medicine from the Royal Veterinary College in Stockholm, Sweden in 1975, Troedsson spent 10 years in private veterinary practice. He then earned a doctorate from the University of California, Davis, in reproductive immunology. Following his time in California, he served as a faculty member and director of the Minnesota Equine Research Center and director of its large animal hospital before joining the University of Florida in 2002. Troedsson also is a diplomate for the American College of Theriogenologists and the European College of Animal Reproduction.

“I'm looking forward to working with, and being a part of, excellent teams of faculty and staff within the Department of Veterinary Science. I have spent much time in Lexington in the past, and I'm looking forward to working and living in this beautiful part of the world,” said Troedsson. “Gluck's EquineResearchCenter is one of the premier equine research institutions in the world. I believe the Department of Veterinary Science and Gluck's EquineResearchCenter at the University of Kentucky can offer a stimulating environment in which I can pursue my professional goals and my vision for the future of equine research and education.”

According to Walter Zent, a practicing equine veterinarian in Lexington and current chair of the Gluck Equine Research Foundation, Troedsson is highly regarded worldwide for his research in equine reproduction and his selection will provide enormous benefit to UK and Kentucky’s horse industry.

David Switzer, executive director of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders (KTOB) and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, agreed.

“The Kentucky Thoroughbred owners and breeders welcome Dr. Mats Troedsson as the new director of the Maxwell E. GluckEquineResearchCenter and chair of veterinary science,” Switzer said. “The addition of Dr. Troedsson will add another dimension to the already internationally-recognized infectious disease center by adding his expertise in equine theriogenology. His knowledge and research in reproductive physiology and pathology will be a welcome addition. Where else than the ‘Horse Capital of the World’ could you have a better research laboratory for reproductive issues?”

Troedsson said some of his goals include seeking input from the equine industry and the veterinary community to identify short- and long-term research needs, and to effectively disseminate knowledge generated from research at Gluck's Equine Research Center to the industry; to further involve the veterinary community in research and other activities at the University of Kentucky; and to work with the directors of the Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center and the Equine Parentage Testing and Research Laboratory to support their excellent services to the equine communit.

The Gluck Equine Research Center (http://www.ca.uky.edu/gluck/index.htm) is one of the preeminent equine research centers in the world, and is home to International Reference (OIE) laboratories in equine influenza, equine viral arteritis and equine rhinopneumonitis. The Gluck Center has facilities located at four Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station research farms, and one primary research facility on the University of Kentucky campus. The LivestockDiseaseDiagnosticCenter (LDDC, http://ces.ca.uky.edu/lddc/) is a full-service, multi-species veterinary diagnostic laboratory. The LDDC’s caseload is predominantly equine and provides a world-class diagnostic service for this species. The Equine Parentage Testing and Research Laboratory (http://www.ca.uky.edu/gluck/EPTRL.asp) performs genetic and parentage testing services.

Author: Holly Wiemers

Contact: Nancy Cox, 859-257-3333; Holly Wiemers, 859-257-2226