liEPORT OF THE AGRICULTURIST 



47 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 



FEEDING ROOTS AXD ENSILAGE TO WORKING HORSES. 



The effect of feeding roots or ensilage to working horses has been studied during 

 the year and a few points noted. 



The roots experimented with were turnips, mangels and carrots, in addition one 

 lot received ensilage as a part of their ration, A check lot receiving no feed other 

 than the regular ration of hay, oats and bran was under feed at the same time. 



The following table shows the amount of each kind of succulent food fed and the 

 results so far as the gains or losses in weight of the horses are concerned. 



Ajs a general conclusion it may be stated that when such amounts of roots, &c., as 

 are indicated in the table are fed horses working every day, the effect is not likely to ba 

 very good. The roots, &c., are laxative in character, hence any heavy exercise when 

 receiving such food induces an undue looseness which is botli unpleasant and injurious. 

 There seemed to be but little preference in this respect among the feeds mentioned, 

 and the only horses not suffering from this affection during the period of the experi- 

 ment were the ones getting no succulent food- 

 Turnips and carrots seemed the most palatable of the four, with ensilage almost 

 as welcome to the horses and mangels not at all in favour. 



It was observed that fed in snialler amounts per day or fed to idle horses no evil 

 effects were noticeable. The root« or ensilage did not seem to replace any of the regu- 

 lar ration of meal and hay and the feeding of these feeds was an added expense rather 

 than an economy. 



Where fed to idle horses, however, or where fed to horses it was desired to put in 

 better condition, a small amount of roots — 5 to 8 pounds per day — has been found 

 beneficial, a.g serving to prevent digestion troubles. 



DAIRY CATTLE. 



The herd of dairy cattle during the year 1904 consisted of 2S females all told. 

 They were : — 



Ayrshires 6 



Guernseys 5 



Canadians 4 



Shorthorns 3 



Shorthorn grades 2 



Ayrshire grades 4 



Guernsey grades 3 



Canadian grades 1 



