Animal biomechanics programs

Animal biomechanics is a growing field in academia across the country. However, due to the relative newness and lack of training in this field, most academic programs are not able to incorporate such a program. Over the past three years, this area of study has been incorporated into the Animal and Dairy Science equine program at UGA by incorporating gait analysis software into classes. The continued collaboration with a Georgia-based company, EquineTec, has allowed for more widespread applications of the field of biomechanics at UGA. In 2012, one graduate level Masters of Science project and two undergraduate/non thesis Masters projects were conducted in the area of equine biomechanics. Recent collaboration has been established with a College of Veterinary Medicine bone pathologist as well as with a world renowned equine biomechanics expert to develop potential future projects in the field of equine lameness. Additionally, the ADS department at UGA has begun to expand its biomechanics field to include animals other than horses. A major long-term collaborative project with faculty members in the ADS department, the College of Veterinary Medicine, and the medical college examines the effects of strokes on the brain, and recovery/improvement after strokes with new stem cell technology treatment.