Procreation in any species borders on the miraculous. How else can one describe a phenomenon where two microscopic entities intersect, join forces, and grow into a living, breathing creature that, in the case of the horse, will weigh 1,000 pounds or more at maturity. Science, of course, does not deal in miracles. It involves itself in no-nonsense facts and observations that have unraveled some of life’s greatest mysteries. The matter of equine reproduction is a case in point. Science can take us step by step through the process from the time sperm meets egg until approximately 11 months later when the foal is born.

The placental membranes not only are a literal life support system for the growing fetus, but also provide clues after birth as to why problems occurred (if they did during pregnancy).

Photo: Barbara D

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