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Early Weaning Harms Foal Brain Development, Study Reveals

1/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

INRAE (National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment) researchers in France found that six-month weaning harms foal development.
The researchers used MRI to compare two Welsh foal groups, one kept with mothers until age one and the other weaned early.
Early-weaned foals showed underdeveloped brain regions critical for emotional regulation and social cognition.
The study concluded that a mother's presence is vital for foal growth and brain development.

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Story summary

INRAE (National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment) researchers in France found that six-month weaning harms foal development.
The researchers used MRI to compare two Welsh foal groups, one kept with mothers until age one and the other weaned early.
Early-weaned foals showed underdeveloped brain regions critical for emotional regulation and social cognition.
The study concluded that a mother's presence is vital for foal growth and brain development.