How long does it typically take for an ovulated egg to reach the oviduct in a horse?

The typical timeframe for an ovulated egg to reach the oviduct in a horse is indeed around 24-48 hours. Following ovulation, the egg is picked up by the fimbriae of the infundibulum, the part of the oviduct closest to the ovary. Once captured, the egg travels through the oviduct where it will encounter sperm if fertilization occurs.

This timeframe is critical for successful reproduction as the viability of the egg and sperm must coincide for fertilization to take place, and the range of 24-48 hours allows for optimal conditions for fertilization and subsequent embryo development.

Timeframes longer than 48 hours are generally less favorable for fertilization as the egg's viability decreases significantly after this period, making it unlikely for successful reproduction to occur. Therefore, understanding the timeline of the egg's journey to the oviduct is essential in equine reproductive management.