The physiological and pathological background to the clinical events encountered in the lifespan of the individual from conception to maturity of performance is summarized in the form of a flow diagram in Figure 1. The genotypes of the stallion and the mare (Fig. 1, Block a) combine to provide the phenotype of the fetus. The genetic composition of the fetus reacts with the environment of the individual throughout its life, as discussed elsewhere under the heading of genomics. During fetal life, the genetic basis of the maternal elements of support through the medium of the utero-placental union plays a significant role in the mare's ability to nurture her fetal foal.
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