Nutritional management of young horses during rapid growth phases may reduce the risk of cervical vertebral malformation by avoiding growth rate extremes that stress developing bone and cartilage.
Prevention of developmental conditions including wobbler syndrome through appropriate nutrition represents welfare protection for unborn and young horses. A foal raised on an appropriately balanced diet with controlled growth rate has lower risk of developing the cervical abnormalities that lead to wobbler syndrome than one pushed for rapid growth. The welfare investment of appropriate nutritional management during growth phases pays dividends years later in reduced prevalence of conditions that cause chronic pain and significant welfare compromise. This is preventive welfare at the population level through individual management choices.