9th International Equine Embryo Transfer Course

This 2-day course is designed to teach the theoretical and practical aspects of equine embryo transfer. Lectures will cover embryo collection, embryo quality and manipulation, superovulation, control of the estrous cycle and synchronization, non-surgical embryo transfer, factors affecting pregnancy rates, cooled-shipment and cryopreservation of embryos. During the laboratory sessions (1 full day), participants will be trained in embryo collection, identifying and handling embryos and assessing embryo quality. Veterinarians will acquire hands-on experience in the recovery of embryos (one embryo collection per participant), identification and preparation for transport and non-surgical transfer. Upon completion of this course, participants will feel comfortable with the recovery, manipulation, packaging, and transfer of equine embryos. In addition, participants will have an overview of the material available for embryo transfer and understand their use. Finally, participants will have an insight into the organization of embryo transfer from insemination to transplantation. During the 2 days, the 12 participating veterinarians and the 4 instructors will have ample opportunity to discuss all aspects of embryo transfer during lectures, wet-labs, group lunches and dinner. For details, contact Peter Daels at +32 (0)473766157 or by e-mail info@keros.be.

Over the past 8 years, Keros ET has become Europe's largest equine embryo transfer center. Each year, about 600 fresh and shipped embryos are transplanted at our ET center. Keros ET Center has state-of-the-art laboratories for embryo collection and manipulation, facilities for training veterinarians and housing for about 600 horses. Five specialized veterinarians are entirely focused on equine fertility and embryo transfer. Keros ET has a network of about 50 veterinarians and/or veterinary clinics in Europe that collect and ship embryos to Keros ET. Each year, about 300 embryos are shipped from other veterinary practices. As a service to our colleagues, Keros ET provides training and advice to equine veterinarians. Keros veterinarians are consulted on a daily basis on topics of fertility and embryo transfer. This frequent interaction with colleagues has prompted us to offer organized training courses on embryo transfer in our facilities. This year, we organize the 9th edition of the Keros ET Course.
 

Keros is located in Passendale (close to Kortrijk) and 30 min away from Lille (France) or 60 min away from Brussels on the freeway Paris-Lille-Kortrijk-Gent. By plane, Keros can best be reached via Brussels International airport (airport transport to Keros costs 100 € and can be arranged for you) or Paris Charles de Gaulle (TGV train, 55 min from airport to Lille, transport from Lille to Keros provided by us). Participants can stay at the Bed and Breakfast where the lectures will take place or in a hotel in the historic town of Ieper (Ypres), for more information.
 

Passendale and Ieper offer many site-seeing activities and museums related to the history of WW1.

Lectures and dinner discussion on Wednesday Sep. 26 (9:30-18:00). Practical exercises on Thursday Sep. 27 (9:00-17:00). End of course is scheduled at 17:00 on Thursday.
 

1200 € (excl taxes) - Fee includes 2-day course, course notes, coffee and beverages, breakfast and lunch on both days and dinner on Wednesday. Participants can receive fee-reimbursement of up to 1200 €, at the rate of 150 € per shipped embryo sent to Keros in 2013 and 2014. Participants to Wednesday lectures only: 400 € (excl taxes + 21% VAT).
 

The practical exercises on Thursday are limited to 12 participants (you must be a veterinarian).
 

English (some instructors speak Spanish and French and can assist during wet-labs on Thursday).
 

Tom Stout (U. Utrecht) Professor and Head of the Equine Reproduction Unit at the Utrecht University, the Netherlands. Prof. Stout is world-wide recognized for his expertise in mare infertility and early embryonic development. In addition to his clinical activities, he also runs an active research program on equine embryonic development and cryopreservation. Peter Daels (Keros) is in charge of the ET program at Keros. Before joining Keros, Dr. Daels specialized in equine reproduction at the University of California, Davis, was on the faculty at Cornell University and was Director of the equine reproduction research group at the INRA Institute in Nouzilly, France. His research has mainly focused on seasonality, pregnancy and endocrinology in the mare. Hilde Vandaele (Keros) is a certified equine specialist and is an experienced equine reproduction specialist. Dr. Vandaele is in charge of the Keros Insemination Center.

Contact Information

Peter Daels +32 (0)473766157
Hilde Vandaele +32 (0)476336028
Gaby Vandaele +32 (0)476333140
Or by e-mail: info@keros.be

Contact us by e-mail: info@keros.be
Or download the brochure with the Registration Form