First wild horse born from artificial insemination at Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
Tuesday, August 6, 2013 - 07:00
in Biology & Nature
Scientists at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute are celebrating the birth of a female Przewalski's (Cha-VAL-skee) horse—the first to be born via artificial insemination. The foal's birth on July 27 signals a huge breakthrough for the survival of this species. SCBI reproductive physiologist Budhan Pukazhenthi and the Przewalski's horse husbandry team spent seven years working closely with experts at The Wilds and Auburn University in Alabama to perfect the technique of assisted breeding. Both the filly and the first-time mother Anne are in good health and bonding.