Abstract
Abnormally long gestation periods due to fetal abnormalities have been reported in man (Comerford, 1965), cattle and sheep (Holm, 1966). The unique quality of the hereditary forms of prolonged gestation in cattle has tended to obscure the broad biological significance of this phenomenon. It has, however, focused attention on the fact that the fetus does make a critical contribution to his timely delivery. Recent experimental data coupled with data derived from naturally occurring cases of prolonged gestation, both of genetic and non-genetic origin, make it possible to discuss some of the mechanisms involved. Our attempt here will be to review this material and define some of the links in the chain of events which lead to parturition.
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Kennedy, P.C., Liggins, G.C., Holm, L.W. (1967). Prolonged Gestation. In: Benirschke, K. (eds) Comparative Aspects of Reproductive Failure. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-48949-5_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-48949-5_9
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