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Thursday, August 20, 2026
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5:15–5:30 p.m.
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Opening address
Presented by Karen Wolfsdorf, DVM, DACT (2026 Local Organizing Committee chair)
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5:30–7:00 p.m.
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Session I: Genomics and Genetics
Moderator: Katrin Hinrichs
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5:30–6:00 p.m.
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Keynote lecture
Genetic diversity in domestic horses: Temporal patterns, the influence of assisted reproductive technologies, and implications for the American Quarter Horse
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Presented by Rebecca Bellone, PhD (University of California, Davis, USA)
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6:00–6:15 p.m.
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Short oral presentation
Development of non-invasive sexing of equine embryos from spent media
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Presented by Lee Morris, BVSc, DVSc, DACT (EquiBreed ART Ltd., New Zealand)
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6:15–6:30 p.m.
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Short oral presentation
Evaluating the robustness of 5× sequencing for aneuploidy screening in equine embryo biopsies
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Presented by Tine De Coster, PhD (Ghent University, Belgium)
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6:30–6:45 p.m.
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Short oral presentation
Effects of uterine environment on pluripotency of in vitro -produced equine blastocysts
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Presented by Alanoud Alshami, DVM, MS (University of California, Davis, USA)
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6:45–7:00 p.m.
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Short oral presentation
Germinal vesicle to metaphase II: Transcriptomic dynamics of single -equine oocytes following holding and in vitro maturation
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Presented by Sabrina Bellaver Cousseau, Med Vet., PhD (North Carolina State University, USA)
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7:00–9:00 p.m.
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Welcome reception
Kick off the symposium in style with colleagues and friends from around the world. Separate ticket purchase required for accompanying guests!
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Friday, August 21, 2026
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8:00–8:15 a.m.
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Short dedication in memory of Dr. Eric Palmer
Presented by Doug Antczak, VMD, PhD (Cornell University, USA)
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8:15–11:00 a.m.
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Session II: Follicle Development
Moderator: Tom Stout
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8:15–8:45 a.m.
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Keynote lecture
Comparison of COST for conventional embryo transfer versus intracytoplasmic sperm injection
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Presented by Ed Squires, PhD (International Society for Equine Reproduction, USA)
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8:45–9:00 a.m.
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Short oral presentation
Pre-ovulatory temperature differentials within the mares’ ovaries
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Presented by Pedro Paulo Bussade, DVM (Sharjah Equine Hospital, UAE)
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9:00–9:15 a.m.
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Short oral presentation
Ablation of early forming hemorrhagic anovulatory follicles leads to normal cyclic corpus luteum formation and progesterone production
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Presented by Kendall A. Hyde, MSc (Southern Illinois University Carbondale, USA)
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9:15–9:30 a.m.
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Short oral presentation
Effects of equine metabolic syndrome on follicular dynamics and in vitro oocyte maturation in aged mares
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Presented by Heloisa Siqueira Canesin, DVM, MS (São Paulo State University and CH Reprodução Equina, Brazil)
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9:30–9:45 a.m.
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Short oral presentation
The impact of follicle size on equine oocyte quality and embryo development after ovum pick-up/intracytoplasmic sperm injection
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Presented by Perla Fleury, DVM, MSc (In Vitro Equinos, Brazil)
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9:15–10:15 a.m.
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Keynote lecture
Cracks in the ice: Biological challenges and incremental progress in equine oocyte vitrification
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Presented by Katrien Smits, DVM, PhD (Ghent University, Belgium)
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10:15–11:00 a.m.
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Coffee break and poster session
Check out the posters for this session while grabbing a coffee!
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11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
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Session III: Oocyte and Ovary
Moderator: Ed Squires
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11:00–11:15 a.m.
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Short oral presentation
Short vitrification protocols support post-intracytoplasmic sperm injection development of in vitro- matured equine oocytes
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Presented by Daniel Angel-Velez, DVM, MS, PhD (Oolab and Ghent University, Colombia)
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11:15–11:30 a.m.
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Short oral presentation
Developmental competence is not predicted by transcriptional markers of meiotic control during oocyte holding
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Presented by Soledad Martin-Pelaez, DVM, DACT (University of California, Davis, USA)
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11:30–11:45 a.m.
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Short oral presentation
Comparison of two media for equine oocyte holding and transport
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Presented by Rob Foss, DVM (Equine Medical Services, USA)
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11:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
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Short oral presentation
FGF2, LIF, and IGF1 supplementation during in vitro culture improves post-cleavage development of equine intracytoplasmic sperm injection embryos
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Presented by Joanne Smith, DVM (The University of Queensland, Australia)
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12:00–12:15 p.m.
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Short oral presentation
A comparison of conventional and time-lapse incubation for the production of equine blastocysts via intracytoplasmic sperm injection
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Presented by Camilo Hernandez-Aviles, DVM, PhD, DACT (Texas A&M University, USA)
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12:15–12:30 p.m.
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Short oral presentation
Spindle orientation in equine oocytes: Is polar body alignment the rule?
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Presented by Elisa Serrano-Revuelta, PhD (Ghent University, Belgium)
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12:30–1:00 p.m.
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Keynote lecture
Factors influencing equine embryo outcomes in ovum pick-up/intracytoplasmic sperm injection systems: Insights from a large‑scale southern hemisphere program
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Presented by Vilceu Bordignon, DVM, MSc, PhD (McGill University, Canada)
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1:00–2:00 p.m.
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Lunch
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2:00–4:00 p.m.
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Session IV: Oocyte Recovery and Handling
Moderator: Lisa Metcalf
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2:00–2:30 p.m.
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Keynote lecture
Conventional in vitro fertilization in the horse, past, present, and future: Physiological and technical insights
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Presented by Katrin Hinrichs, DVM, PhD, DACT (University of Pennsylvania, USA)
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2:30–2:45 p.m.
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Short oral presentation
Is ovarian status at the time of ovum pick-up associated with oocyte developmental competence in horses?
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Presented by Claudia Barbosa Fernandes, DVM, MSc, PhD (University of São Paulo, Brazil)
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2:45–3:00 p.m.
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Short oral presentation
Efficiency of transvaginal oocyte aspiration, or post-mortem ovary harvest, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection in a clinical program of equine assisted reproduction at an academic institution
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Presented by Charles C. Love, DVM, PhD, DACT (Texas A&M University, USA)
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3:00–3:15 p.m.
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Short oral presentation
Outcome of equine intracytoplasmic sperm injection sessions with oocytes divided between multiple stallions
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Presented by Karen Von Dollen, DVM, DACT (Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, USA)
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3:15–3:30 p.m.
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Short oral presentation
Optimizing the timing of follicular aspiration in mares: Effects of growth and atresia phases on in vitro embryo production
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Presented by Thadeu de Castro, DVM, MS, PhD (University of California, Davis, USA)
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3:30–4:00 p.m.
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Tea break and poster session
Check out the posters for this session while grabbing a tea!
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4:00–5:30 p.m.
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Session V: In Vitro Embryo Production
Moderator: Tom Stout
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4:00–4:30 p.m.
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Keynote lecture
Equine oocyte and embryo metabolism in the assisted reproductive technology setting: Current knowledge and clinical significance
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Presented by Niamh Lewis, BVMS, DACT, DECAR, PhD (University College Dublin, Ireland)
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4:30–5:30 p.m.
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Panel discussion
Is using equine assisted reproductive technologies for healthy, fertile horses acceptable?
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Paneled by Niamh Lewis, BVMS, DACT, DECAR, PhD (University College Dublin, Ireland); Rob Foss, DVM (Equine Medical Services, USA); Cesare Galli, DVM, PhD (Avantea, Italy); and Peter Daels, DVM, PhD, DACT, DECAR (International Veterinary Information Service and Ghent University, Belgium)
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7:00–11:00 p.m.
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Kentucky event with dinner
Visit Gainesway Farm with dinner provided and bourbon tastings for an evening embracing the spirit and tradition of the Bluegrass State—buses leave at 6:30 p.m. Separate ticket purchase required for accompanying guests!
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Saturday, August 22, 2026
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8:00–10:45 a.m.
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Session VI: Embryo Development
Moderator: Luisa Ramirez Agamez
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8:00–8:30 a.m.
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Keynote lecture
Embryo development
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Presented by Shawn Chavez, PhD (Oregon Health and Science University, USA)
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8:30–8:45 a.m.
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Short oral presentation
Characterization of the gene expression profile of in vivo- and in vitro-produced equine blastocysts by RNA sequencing
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Presented by Camilo Hernandez-Aviles, DVM, PhD, DACT (Texas A&M University, USA)
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8:45–9:00 a.m.
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Short oral presentation
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection with capacitated frozen-thawed semen results in faster blastocyst development than conventional intracytoplasmic sperm injection in horses
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Presented by Klaartje Broothaers, DVM, DECAR (Ghent University, Belgium)
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9:00–9:15 a.m.
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Short oral presentation
Use of glucose-free medium is compatible with in vitro fertilization in the horse
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Presented by Matheus Felix, DVM (Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, USA)
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9:15–9:30 a.m.
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Short oral presentation
Extended incubation induces equine sperm hyperactivation and tyrosine phosphorylation as potential predictors of in vitro fertilization success
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Presented by Raul A. Gonzalez-Castro, PhD (Colorado State University, USA)
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9:30–9:45 a.m.
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Short oral presentation
Follicle size is a key determinant of oocyte developmental competence, impacting blastocyst yield following intracytoplasmic sperm injection in horses and somatic cell nuclear transfer in cyclic mares
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Presented by Juan Cuervo-Arango, DVM, PhD, MSc, CertVRep, DECAR (Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Spain)
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9:45–10:00 a.m.
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Short oral presentation
Use of sex-sorted semen for intracytoplasmic sperm injection in a commercial assisted reproduction program in Argentina
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Presented by Fernando L. Riera, DVM, DACT (Doña Pilar Embriones, Argentina)
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10:00–10:45 a.m.
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Coffee break and poster session
Check out the posters for this session while grabbing a coffee!
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10:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
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Session VII: Embryo Technologies
Moderator: Rob Foss
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10:45–11:15 a.m.
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Keynote lecture
Vitrification of in vivo- produced embryos: Size really does matter!
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Presented by Sandra Wilsher, PhD (Sharjah Equine Hospital, UAE)
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11:15–11:30 a.m.
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Short oral presentation
Factors influencing likelihood of embryo recovery in a commercial program
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Presented by Tom Stout, VetMB, MA, PhD, DCAR, KNMvD (University of Kentucky, USA)
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11:30–11:45 a.m.
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Short oral presentation
Impact of heat waves on embryo recovery and quality in mares: A retrospective analysis in a tropical scenario
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Presented by Beatriz L. De Camillo, MVSc (São Paulo State University, Brazil)
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11:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
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Short oral presentation
Factors affecting efficiency of embryo transfer in polo-Argentino mares under subtropical conditions of Pakistan
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Presented by Khalid Mehmood, PhD (University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan)
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12:00–12:15 p.m.
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Short oral presentation
Estradiol and extracellular vesicle secretion by equine trophoblastic vesicles
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Presented by Josefina Ghersa, DVM (Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Canada)
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12:15–12:30 p.m.
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Short oral presentation
Assessment of pulsing and extrusion dynamics in vitrified equine intracytoplasmic sperm injection embryos under different warming protocols
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Presented by Carolina Zenga Rodrigues (Oklahoma State University, USA)
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12:30–1:30 p.m.
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Lunch
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1:30–3:45 p.m.
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Session VIII: Recipient Mare Management
Moderator: Scott Bailey
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1:30–2:00 p.m.
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Keynote lecture
Achieving success in conventional equine embryo transfer: A practical review
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Presented by Denis Necchi, DVM, DECAR (Keros Equine Embryo Transfer Center, Belgium)
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2:00–2:15 p.m.
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Short oral presentation
Pregnancy rates in recipient mares in cycles after a negative transfer or pregnancy loss
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Presented by Etta Bradecamp, DVM, DACT, ABVP (Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, USA)
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2:15–2:30 p.m.
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Short oral presentation
Influence of temperature at arrival, transportation device, and size on pregnancy rate of transported equine embryos
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Presented by Gian Guido Donato, DVM (University of Turin, Italy)
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2:30–2:45 p.m.
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Short oral presentation
Resurgence in luteal progesterone production after altrenogest- driven suppression in early pregnancy
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Presented by James Crabtree, BVM&S, CertEM (StudMed), FRCVS (Equine Reproductive Services and University of Liverpool, UK)
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2:45–3:00 p.m.
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Short oral presentation
Slow in vitro embryo development is associated with decreased foaling rates and a higher proportion of female offspring
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Presented by Sofie Peere, PhD (Ghent University, Belgium)
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3:00–3:45 p.m.
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Tea break and poster session
Check out the posters for this session while grabbing a tea!
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3:45–5:30 p.m.
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Session IX: Mare Pregnancy
Moderator: Pouya Dini
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3:45–4:15 p.m.
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Keynote lecture
Chromosomal chaos: Understanding aneuploidy associated with assisted reproductive technologies
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Presented by Mandi de Mestre, BVSc, PhD, PGCAP, MRCVS (Cornell University, USA)
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4:15–4:30 p.m.
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Short oral presentation
Effects of reproductive techniques, foal sex, and year on gestation length in mares
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Presented by Odilon Marquez de Oliveira, DVM (São Paulo State University, Brazil)
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4:30–4:45 p.m.
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Short oral presentation
The effects of intracytoplasmic sperm injection on foal health and placental parameters
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Presented by Emma Van den Branden, DVM, DECAR (Ghent University, Belgium)
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4:45–5:00 p.m.
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Short oral presentation
Combined clomiphene citrate and sulpiride treatment advances the first ovulation in anestrus mares
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Presented by Saverio Maltinti, DVM (Università di Pisa, Italy)
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5:00–5:15 p.m.
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Short oral presentation
Effect of transvaginal follicular aspiration on pregnancy rates and corpus luteum development in noncyclic recipient mares
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Presented by Jacobo Sebastian Rodriguez, DVM, MSc, DACT (Colorado State University, USA)
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5:15–5:30 p.m.
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Short oral presentation
Pre-ovulation insemination of frozen semen increases some stallions’ pregnancy rates
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Presented by Agustina Grippo, DVM (Sharjah Equine Hospital, UAE)
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6:30–10:00 p.m.
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Spy Coast Farm Barbecue
Close out the scientific program with a classic Kentucky barbecue dinner at Spy Coast Farm. Separate ticket purchase required for accompanying guests!
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