Insight/Report on Private Giving

Spring 2005

Equine Center Alive and Kicking

In June 2002, equine scientists from around the world gathered in Fort Collins, Colorado, to attend the International Symposium of Equine Reproduction, one of the most important quadrennial events for scientists involved in the advancement of equine reproduction. How did Fort Collins and, more specifically, Colorado State University come to figure so prominently in this globally recognized scientific conference? Much of it was through the pioneering work of Dr. B.W. Pickett.

When Dr. Pickett joined the University in 1967 as Director of the Equine Reproduction Laboratory, a variety of horse-related programs dotted the campus. In 1971, Dr. Pickett was named Director of the Animal Reproduction Laboratory which was making a name for itself through some astonishing breakthroughs including the birth of the first set of cloned twin calves and the country’s first “man-made” identical twin foals from one split embryo in 1984. When Dr. Pickett became Director of Equine Sciences in 1982, the push was underway to create a comprehensive program and an equine science major. The Equine Teaching and Research Center at the University’s Foothills Campus became home to the major and to equine-affiliated research, teaching and outreach programs.

In 1981, Dr. Pickett was presented with Colorado State’s L.W. Durrell Distinguished Service Award in recognition of excellence in research and creativity, and also received the Distinguished Service Award from the Equine Nutrition and Physiology Society. His legacy continues to grow today as private investment in the fields of equine sciences, equine reproduction and equine orthopaedics continues to build on the foundation of the equine science program he helped to create more than 30 years ago.

Today, at the Foothills Research Campus, you’ll find the Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory; the Equine Reproduction Laboratory and new stallion barn; the Adams-Atkinson Arena with indoor arena and additional stalls, office and classroom; and the B.W. Pickett Equine Center. The arena and surrounding facilities are abuzz with events including polo games, riding classes, training, judging, classroom activities and more. Research work at the Foothills Research Campus continues to break new ground.

Studies are ongoing to assess the use of equine follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) for induction of multiple ovulations in mares to reduce the cost of implantation. Other studies are focusing on the separation of X- and Y-bearing sperm to control sex prior to breeding, especially in breeds that favor the birth of either a filly or a colt. Most recently, the Equine Reproduction Laboratory has focused on the preservation of equine sperm, eggs and embryos. This area of research is primarily funded by private benefactors from the horse industry under the Preservation of Equine Genetics program.

Scientists from around the world come to Colorado State where novel equine research continues, especially in the areas of reproduction and orthopaedics. The combined efforts of so many have built a singular program internationally recognized for its excellence and innovation