664 



Reading-Course i=-or Farmers. 



foal or dam. On the other hand, if the foal must learn to eat after being 

 deprived of its accustomed source of supply, it will require time to get 

 used to the new condition, and the mare will demand special care because 

 of the removal of the colt before her milk supply has been diminished 

 to any extent. 



Foals are usually weaned at four to six months of age, depending on 

 conditions. If the mare was bred soon after foaling and conceived, 

 it is best to wean the foal early, so that the mare will have time to recuper- 



FiG. 1 8. — .4 good drajt head 



ate and nourish the fetus. If for any reason mare and foal are not doing 

 well, it is perhaps best to wean comparatively early. If, on the other 

 hand, the mare has a full flow of milk and her services are not needed 

 there is no reason for weaning the foal under six months of age. When 

 dam and foal are separated, it is better for both that the separation be 

 complete. If after both have become reconciled to the separation, they 

 are permitted to see, hear or smell each other again, all that has been 

 gained is lost and it will be necessary to begin over again. 



