The afternoon action then turned to the Crowne Plaza in Lake Oswego for a pair of insightful discussions. Nationally renowned genetic pioneer Dr. Mervyn Jacobson, president and CEO of XY Inc., enthralled the audience with a fascinating discussion in the groundbreaking field of gender selection. Dr. Jacobson, who many Morgan people know as one of the principals of Stove Prairie Ranch along with Gail Bratz, is a medical doctor specializing in the field of animal reproduction and genetics. XY Inc. was founded in 1996 and their work encompasses the reproduction of all mammals other than humans.

XY Inc. produced the world's first sex selected foal named Call Me Madam in 1998. This process features the sex of the offspring being determined prior to conception. Jacobson explained that for over 10,000 years since herding animals, man has wanted to select the sex of animals. Following great strides with sheep and cattle, Call Me Madam was the first horse to be sex selected and she along with XY Inc. have received and are still receiving international press and recognition.

Dr. Jacobson explained the team effort and science that goes into the success of this program. He also discussed the successes to date of the program and the extensive possibilities in the future. To date four more sex selected foals were born in 1999 with ten more expected in 2000. There will be further expansion with XY Inc. which is located in Colorado looking to sub-license other breeding centers around the USA and the world.

"Commercial sex selection is imminent and it will change horse breeding as we know it," Dr. Jacobson stated. "It is a major breakthrough."

Dr. Jacobson also stressed that the global impact can't be underestimated with a 6 billion dollar impact. "This ability will entice competitors into the market and will fundamentally restructure the livestock industry in the future," Dr. Jacobson concluded.

Following the discussion audience members were invited to ask questions both publicly and privately of Dr. Jacobson. Audience members took advantage of his expertise with numerous questions about the scientific process as well as practical application of this phenomenal process.