Mark J. Arns, Ph.D., PAS
Professor and Specialist in the Department of Animal Sciences University of Arizona
Mark J. Arns has more than 20 years experience in the animal science world. He obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and went on to earn masters and doctorate degrees in equine reproductive physiology from Texas A&M University. His education in animal science led him to a professional teaching career.
He began his teaching career at Kansas State University. After 11 years with Kansas State, he moved to the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Arizona where he is a professor in the Equine Sciences Program.
Dr. Arns has authored or co-authored over 40 scientific publications and has published over 30 outreach publications in the areas of equine reproductive management and nutritional management. His work can be found in journal articles, websites, and the popular press. He has also written several manuals to assist students studying animal science.
In addition to his professional career, Mark spends time in the community supporting equine activities. He has been involved in state FFA horse judging, the Western National 4-H Horse Classic, and many other reviews and committees. Mark supports TAHITIAN NONI™ Equine Essentials™ because he sees the physical benefit horses receive from the product.
Chronology of Education
1983 B.S., Animal Science (major), Chemistry (minor), University of Wisconsin
1986 M.S., Physiology of Reproduction, Texas A&M University. Thesis: The ability of different non-glycolysable sugars to maintain stallion sperm viability when frozen or stored at 37 C and 5 C in a bovine serum albumin medium. Chair: Warren Evans
1989 Ph.D., Physiology of Reproduction, Texas A&M University. Dissertation: Induction of capacitation and the acrosome reaction in equine spermatozoa during in vitro culture. Co-Chairs: Duane Kraemer & Warren Evans
Chronology of Employment
1989 – 1996 Assistant Professor
Department of Animal Sciences & Industry
Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
1996 – 2000 Associate Professor
Department of Animal Sciences & Industry
Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
2000 – 2003 Associate Professor, Associate Specialist, Equine
Department of Animal Sciences
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
2005 –Present Professor, Specialist, Equine
Department of Animal Sciences
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Honors and Awards
Academic
1979-83 Dean’s List 7 out of 12 semesters, University of Wisconsin
1983 Graduated with Senior Academic Honors, University of Wisconsin
1983 Recipient of Scholastic Achievement Award, American Society of Animal Science
1988 Recipient of Tom Slick Research Fellowship, Texas A&M University
Professional
1994 Recipient of Kansas 4-H Clover Award, Kansas Cooperative Extension Service
1997 Outstanding Young Professional, Equine Nutrition & Physiology Society
1998 Youth Professional of the Year, National Horse Judging Team Coaches’ Association
1999 Top Gold Award for Multimedia CD (Horse Judging: Dynamic New Approach to Horse
Evaluation), Extension Communication
2003 Research Career Development Award, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
2003 Outstanding Team Award, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Publications (Published or Accepted)
Webb, G. W., M. J. Arns, M. A. Harris and C. L. Dekat. 2005. Comparison of two containers used for shipment of stallion semen. Prof. Anim. Sci. 21:1-5
Webb, G. W. and M. J. Arns. 2004. Case Study: Use of modified-PBS as a component of semen extenders allows the use of transported semen from two stallions. Prof. Anim. Sci. 20:278-280
Suhling, K. L., P. C. Gentry, P.F. Fedrick, G. R. Dawson & M. J. Arns. 2003. Case Study: Efficacy of acupuncture sites for delivery of agents to control estrus and ovulation in mares. Prof. Anim. Sci. 19:317
Turner, J. L., M. J. Arns, J. E. Minton and J. A. Pruitt. 2003. Effects of abrupt versus gradual weaning on cortisol and immune function responses of foals. Prof. Anim. Sci. 19:55-61
Turner, J. L., M. J. Arns and J. E. Minton. 2003. Case Study: Effects of nonspecific immuno-stimulation of prepartum mares on colostral quality and foal immune function. Prof. Anim. Sci. 19:62-67
Turner, J. L., L. P. Todd, M. J. Arns, J. J. Higgins and J. E. Minton. 2002. Case Study: Use of optical density of mammary secretions to predict parturition in mares. Prof. Anim. Sci. 18:312-315
U of A Equine Nutritional Management Workshops: An Educational Opportunity for Horse Owners
2001-2004 – Organizer and Instructor. The workshop encompasses three nightly sessions over a three-week period. The workshop is co-sponsored by an industry vendor. The workshop focuses on three educational goals: 1. Teaching horse owners about how digestive physiology dictates feeding practices in horses, 2. Establish nutrient requirements for the different classes of horses, and 3. Utilize hay analyses and feed tags to balance horse’s diet. There have been a total of 7 workshops since the program inception in 2001. These workshops have attracted ~300 participants to date. Three additional workshops are scheduled for fall 2004 and spring 2005.
Equine Reproductive Management Schools
1990-2004 - Organizer and Instructor. A total of 38 schools have been conducted to date (University of Arizona (7) and Kansas State University (31). The two-day program features 8 hours of lecture and 8 hours of hands-on lab. Topics focus on reproductive physiology of the mare and stallion, and management practices associated with artificial insemination.
Horse Judging Workshops/Horse Show Judges Seminars:
1990-2004 - 1990-2004 - Organizer and Instructor. Normally held every year in the spring to start the 4-H/FFA horse judging season. Several instructors, faculty and graduate students, cover judging criteria for basic classes and reasons’ evaluation. This program usually brings 300-325 youth to the main campus (The first three Arizona workshops (2002 -04) attracted ~ 200 participants each year).
Youth Horsemanship Clinics:
1990-2003 - Organizer and Instructor. Over 100 clinics have been conducted to date. These clinics are primarily conducted by two Extension Assistants and are structured to offer low cost, organized instruction in the areas of safety, basic horsemanship, suppling exercises, basic maneuvers, and specific event instruction. There have been 2 clinics conducted in Arizona to date.
Horse Panorama Leader’s Training Session:
1994-1999 - Organizer and Instructor. Held in conjunction with state competitions for quiz bowl, hippology, public speaking and demonstrations. The educational sessions cover topics that may be useful to 4-H leaders and county extension agents.
