Equine Reproductive Health

In this episode Dr. Barry Ball of the University of Kentucky’s Gluck Equine Research Center describes what he and his colleagues have learned about reproductive endocrinology, placental function, feeding broodmares, and equine contraception during his time as the Clay Endowed Chair in Equine Reproduction. Ball, who retires this month, also reflects on 35 years of equine reproduction research. 

This podcast series is brought to you by Zoetis. 

Show notes: 

• Nocardioform Placentitis September 2020 Workshop (Lectures curated by Dr. Barry Ball) 
• Identifying High-Risk Pregnancies Seminar 
• Anti-Mullerian Hormone Helps Assess Aging Mares’ Fertility 
• New IUD for Suppressing Estrus in Mares (June 2019) 

About the Researcher: Dr. Ball received his DVM degree from the University of Georgia in 1981. He completed a theriogenology residency at the University of Florida and his graduate training at Cornell University. He was a member of the faculty at Cornell University from 1987 to 1996. In 1996 he was appointed as the first Hughes Endowed Chair in Equine Reproduction at the University of California, Davis. In 2010 he was appointed as the first Clay Endowed Chair in Equine Reproduction at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Ball’s research has been directed toward reproductive endocrinology and pregnancy loss in mares.  

His research is documented in more than 200 refereed research publications. He has served as primary mentor for ten PhD students, six MS candidates, and 17 postdoctoral or visiting scholars. He also mentored 16 clinical residents who are board-certified by the American College of Theriogenologists. Of his trainees, ten serve as current or past faculty members in veterinary medicine in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and South America. 

 Dr. Ball is a diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists (ACT). He has received numerous awards, including the SmithKlineBeecham Award for Research Excellence, the Excellence in Equine Research Award from the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Schering-Plough Award for Outstanding Research from the World Equine Veterinary Association, the Norden–Pfizer Distinguished Teacher award from UC Davis, and the Theriogenologist of the Year award. Ball was a Fulbright Distinguished Scholar at the University of Cambridge 2004-2005. He is a past chair of the International Equine Reproduction Symposium Committee, and he is a past president of the ACT.