Relationship of unkeratinized skin to bovine fetal mummification: an hypothesis.

Evidence is reviewed in support of the hypothesis that immature unkeratinized fetal skin must be present if bovine fetal mummification is to occur. The reduction in fetal and amniotic fluid is considered to be the result of intrafetal (fetal death) or prefetal (caruncular damage) effects on the normal net fluid flow from the maternal circulation through the fetal circulation and then across the fetal skin into the amniotic cavity. As the skin is keratinized permeability is reduced drastically thus limiting fluid loss from the fetus.