Background

Under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 only a veterinary surgeon could carry out acts of veterinary surgery including AI in the UK. In 1996 the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) carried out a review and concluded that a number of acts of veterinary surgery could be delegated to lay technicians with appropriate training and supervision. In July 2004, AI deregulation occurred. As a result the

College of Agriculture Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) has been approved by both DEFRA and RCVS to offer Artificial Insemination for Equine Technicians courses.

Aim

To train personnel within the equine industry in Northern Ireland to be competent in the skills associated with the artificial insemination of equines.

Entry requirements

Applicants must be 16 years or older and be experienced Stud Managers or Brood Mare owners.

Course structure

This course lasts 2 days. The morning sessions of both days consist of theory and the practical elements are covered in the afternoon.

Course content

This course covers various aspects of Equine Reproduction in relation to AI. Topics include: Anatomy and Physiology of the equine reproductive tract, heat detection methods, semen collection, preparation and insemination of mares.

Assessments

Students must pass both a written and a practical exam, which is held on day 2.

Cost

This course is free to equine breeders whose business is located within Northern Ireland. However a refundable deposit of £30 is required to book a place on this course. Applicants from Great Britain or Republic of Ireland must pay the full course fee of £120 in order to book a place on the course, which is non-refundable. All cheques/ bank drafts should be made payable to CAFRE.

Next course dates

Course 1: Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 January 2009

Course 2: Tuesday 3 and  Wednesday 4 February 2009 TBC

Course 3: Tuesday 17 and  Wednesday 18 February 2009 TBC

Venue

Ballinteggart Stud, Portadown, Co Armagh

Equine Short Course Application form (PDF file - 97.5KB)