Feeding the Horse. 701 



when mixed with saliva forms a pasty mass in the mouth and is there- 

 fore unpleasant to the horse while eating. Crushing the grain makes 

 it less objectionable. 



Rye is often fed to horses. It is the least palatable of all the grains 

 and many horses will hardly eat it unless ground and mixed with other 

 foods. In many localities rye is likely to be infected with ergot, which 

 has a bad effect upon the horse and may be the cause of abortion in 

 brood mares. 



leguminous seeds 



Besides the cereal grains there are one or two leguminous seeds that 

 are used as horse feed. These leguminous seeds differ from cereals 

 in their composition, in that they contain a relatively large percentage 

 of protein, and are perhaps not so digestible as some of the cereal 

 grains. 



Beans and peas are perhaps the most used legumes as a food for the 

 horse, particularly in Europe. The horse usually takes to them after 

 a time and they have a good effect upon the animal unless fed in too 

 large quantities, when they prove harmful. Five pounds per head per 

 day may be considered the maximum that can be fed with safety. 



By-products and commercial feeds 



Aside from the whole grain there are on the market numerous feeds 

 containing only parts of the various grains and are called " by-pro- 

 ducts," " commercial feeds," and the like. These constitute the parts 

 of the grain left after the manufacture of the product. Thus, when 

 starch is manufactured from corn, the nitrogenous part of the grain 

 is rejected and constitutes gluten feed or meal. Cottonseed cake or 

 cottonseed meal is the material left after the oil has been expressed 

 from the cotton seed. In the same way, linseed meal is the residue 

 obtained in the manufacture of linseed oil. Dried brewer's grain 

 is the dried barley grain after it has been brewed. Bran, middlings 

 and shorts are left after the manufacture of flour. 



Bran. — Because of its physical effect, bran is considered a very valuable 

 addition to the ration of the horse. It has a loosening effect on the 

 bowels and a tendency to allay feverish condition. It is entirely too 

 bulky to constitute any considerable part of the ration of a hard-working 

 animal. It is a very good food for young and growing animals as it is 

 rich in mineral matter and protein, elements that the young animal 

 must have to build up his body. It serves the needs of the grown horse 

 best when given as a " condition " food. 



