A single mummified fetus
Keywords: mummy, mummified, fetus, equine
Mummification of a single conceptus estimated to be about 120 days of age at the time of its death.
Image size: 900 x 527px Copyright unknown.
In the absence of luteal tissue, a single mummified conceptus is theoretically unlikely to remain in utero because a placenta is required to maintain pregnancy after accessory corpora lutea have undergone luteolysis (about day 160 of gestation). It was not known if the mare pregnant with this fetus had any luteal tissue in her ovaries.
References:
Allen W.R. 2001 Fetomaternal interactions and influences during equine pregnancy Reproduction 121: 513–527
Holtan D.W. et al. 1975. Plasma Progestins in Pregnant, Postpartum and Cycling Mares. J. Anim. Sci 40: 251-260
