LEXINGTON, Ky., (Oct. 23, 2014) – University of Kentucky Ag Equine Programs will host the UK Equine Showcase and the 6th Annual Kentucky Breeders’ Short Course Jan. 23-24, both at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton, 2601 Richmond Road, in Lexington.

The UK Equine Showcase, now in its fourth year, will highlight the university’s current equine programs and relevant industry findings. It will run from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 23, with a light reception following.

The 6th Annual Kentucky Breeders’ Short Course is an in-depth program on equine reproduction and horse management issues from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 24, with lunch provided.

“We are pleased to again offer these educational events, which have grown in popularity over the past several years,” said Jill Stowe, event co-chair and director of UK Ag Equine Programs, part of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “The showcase and short course really highlight the breadth and depth of expertise found at UK.”

“The UK Equine Showcase is a great opportunity for those in the industry to learn about the latest equine research and education efforts at UK. The annual Kentucky Breeders’ Short Course will focus on equine reproductive efficiency and horse management issues,” said Ed Squires, faculty member in UK’s Gluck Equine Research Center and event co-chair.

Topics for the UK Equine Showcase include:

• Update on the illicit use of cobalt in racehorses
• Moxidectin poisoning
• Parasites and growth rates in foals
• The ergot alkaloid enigma: Understanding stability of ergovaline in tall fescue
• The molecular composition of Sarcocystis neurona and its application for controlling equine protozoal myeloencephalitis
• An update on equine proliferative enteropathy and Lawsonia intracellularis
• Physiology effects of aging – Focus on the horse: Let’s talk about inflammation, vaccination and deworming
• Amino acid requirements in horses: In search of new knowledge
• Emerging equine diseases

Topics for the Kentucky Breeders’ Short Course include:

• Old and new approaches for lighting mares
• Deworming strategies for broodmares and foals
• Plasma for foals: Is it all the same?
• Angular limb deformities in foals
• Omega 3 fatty acids in mares and stallions
• The genetic tool box: Beyond answering the question, “Who’s your (horse’s) daddy?”
• What goes wrong in the geriatric mare?
• Vaccination strategies for EVA and managing the EVA carrier stallion
• Improving the survival of stallion sperm
• Placentitis update

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 horse management. Continuing education credit for veterinarians and veterinary technicians is pending approval by the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners.

UK is also accepting sponsor participation in the event. Display opportunities are available to participating organizations. Please email equine@uky.edu for details.

To register for the event, visit https://2015ukshowcaseshortcourse.eventbrite.com. Early bird registration rates last until Jan. 5. UK Equine Showcase early bird rates are $50 per person, or $40 each when two or more people from the same organization register at the same time. Early registration rates for the Kentucky Breeders’ Short Course are $100 per person, or $90 each when two or more people register at the same time. Attendees can enroll in both the showcase and the short course for $125 per person, or $115 each when two or more people from the same organization register. Registration will close Jan. 16. College students are eligible for a reduced rate to the showcase and short course, but student designated space is limited and on a first-requested, first-served basis. Students or UK faculty interested in attending either or both days should email jenny.evans@uky.edu. More about this event and other information about UK Ag Equine Programs can be found at http://www.ca.uky.edu/equine.

Author: Holly Wiemers

Contact: Jill Stowe, 859-257-2226; Ed Squires, 859-218-1176