Live Stock Breeders' Association. 211 



benefited by it. They should be given moderate but steady work. 

 Mares in foal should not be given work which requires the backing 

 of heavy loads, or where there is a chance of slipping. But breed- 

 ing mares can and should be worked. The accompanying illustra- 

 tion is that of a pair of mares owned by the University of Missouri, 

 and a regular work team on the University farm. 



The food for brood mares should be similar to that of the 

 stallion. Good oats, four parts, and bran one part, along with 

 mixed clover and timothy hay which has been well cured makes an 

 excellent ration. The rule of one pound of grain and one pound 

 of hay to every one hundred pounds live weight is again a good 

 basis to work upon, along with the variation according to the in- 

 dividual. As the period of pregnancy advances, the ration will in 

 most cases need to be increased, somewhat. During pregnancy 

 particular attention should be given to the digestive apparatus of 

 mares. They should be gaining in condition, and bowels loose at 

 the time of parturition. It is always a good plan to feed rather 

 sparingly for two or three days before parturition, and the ration, 

 at that time, should consist largely of bran. After parturition it 

 should be increased to suit the needs of the mare and foal. 



Mares should be given a box stall at least four weeks before 

 they are due to foal, in order that they become accustomed to it, 

 and may also have a place large enough to be comfortable during 

 the night. The stall should at all times be kept clean and well 

 bedded, but particular care should be taken regarding these details 

 at the time of parturition. If truly known the source of navel 

 trouble in foals is generally due to a dirty stable or yard. As a 

 safeguard against "navel disease," besides the scrupulously clean 

 stall, the navel should be tied and treated with a strong disinfectant, 

 such as a solution of carbolic acid. 



If the season of the year and other existing conditions permit, 

 mares may well be allowed to foal on grass which lessens the danger 

 of infection. 



In developing the youngsters, the first question to be settled 

 is "when to start feeding them." The answer to this question 

 varies with the conditions. If the foal comes in the spring it may 

 do well, without grain for the earlier part of the season, provided 

 the mother is a "free milker," not required as a regular work horse 

 and allowed the run of a good pasture of bluegrass or clover and 

 timothy. However, a small grain ration for both mare and foal 

 will aid materially in the development of the latter. The foals 

 should be given a chance to learn to eat grain before the season 



