| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RSG Foundation Donates Semen from Gene Bank to Penn State University to Advance Student Education in Small Ruminant Reproduction
Lebanon, Indiana – April 24, 2026 The RSG Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Reproduction Specialty Group, Inc. (RSG), is proud to announce the donation of small ruminant semen from its Gene Bank to Penn State University. The donation supported a hands-on educational lab for students enrolled in the university’s reproductive physiology program, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to advancing education and innovation in the sheep and goat industries.
The initiative was coordinated by Austin Brown, who led the lab session on April 16th. The program provided students with a unique opportunity to evaluate semen quality and apply real-world reproductive decision-making tools.
Students participated in a structured lab that emphasized key semen evaluation metrics, including percent motility, forward progression, normal morphology, and detailed morphology descriptions. Educational materials developed by Brown guided students through RSG’s quality standards and evaluation protocols. The session also included instruction on sperm cell anatomy and the critical role of breeding soundness exams in livestock production systems.
To enhance the learning experience, the class was divided into two groups. One group conducted hands-on evaluation of semen straws, while the other utilized SheepTools alongside National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) dataset files to simulate genetic selection decisions by pairing breeding rams with ewes. The groups then rotated, ensuring all students gained experience in both practical and analytical aspects of small ruminant reproduction.
“This type of hands-on education is essential for preparing the next generation of producers, veterinarians, and industry leaders,” said Dr. Tad Thompson, DVM, of the RSG Foundation. “We are proud to support programs like this that bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.”
The RSG Foundation’s Gene Bank serves as a vital resource for preserving and distributing elite small ruminant genetics. As part of its mission, the Foundation provides free semen donations to educational institutions to support teaching, research, and workforce development within the livestock industry.
Through initiatives like this partnership with Penn State, the RSG Foundation continues to invest in the future of agriculture by equipping students with the tools, knowledge, and experience needed to succeed in modern animal production systems.
About the RSG Foundation The RSG Foundation is dedicated to advancing the sheep and goat industries through education, youth programs, genetic preservation, and industry innovation. By supporting research and hands-on learning opportunities, the Foundation works to ensure a sustainable and progressive future for small ruminant production.
Media Contact: RSG Foundation Doug Edge – Director Email: doug.edge@rsgfoundationinc.org Phone: 765.617.0224 Website: www.rsgfoundationinc.org
|
