A new study by French scientists suggests that allowing foals and their dams to wean at their own pace could be a more welfare-friendly breeding strategy than traditional methods. | Photo: iStock

“It might seem impractical to some breeders to allow foals to naturally wean from their mothers, but the potential benefits could be worth considering,” said Séverine Henry, PhD, lecturer of animal behavior at the University of Rennes, in France.

One reason for this is the strong social bond between the mare and foal, Henry said. “The mare-foal relationship isn’t just about food; the social aspects are important, as well,” she explained.

These aspects are present in many mare-foal relationships well after the foal has stopped nursing. “It appears that (foals recently weaned from suckling) still need that social contact with their mothers, and some need it more than others, staying closer for longer,” she said