j8o8 The Cornell Reading-Courses 



Although corn is not equal to oats as a grain for horses, nevertheless, 

 because of its low cost and its high feeding value, this grain will be used 

 extensively where a large number of horses must be economically 

 maintained. 



Corn and oats, mixed half and half according to weight, make a very 

 good grain ration for horses and are much cheaper than oats alone. In 

 a three-years test with geldings and brood mares worked on farms and at 

 heavy draft, this mixture gave equally as good results as whole oats and 

 reduced the cost of the ration approximately ten per cent. The bulk 

 of oats overcomes, in large measure, the objectionable features of corn; 

 while corn, with its large amount of easily digested materials, furnishes 

 the ration with the elements that supply energy. 



Because of its physical effect, wheat bran is considered a valuable 

 addition to the ration of horses. Bran has a loosening effect on the bowels 

 and tends to allay feverish conditions. It is entirely too bulky to form 

 any considerable part of the food for a hard-working animal. 



Forage. — Among the many dry-forage crops fed to horses, timothy 

 hay heads the list, although it is not particularly rich in digestible nutrients. 

 There are many reasons for this popularity. Timothy forms the prin- 

 cipal market hay; it is difficult to adulterate with other hays or weeds 

 without detection; it is relished by horses; it is free from dust. All these 

 characteristics commend timothy hay as a horse food. 



In certain sections of the country clover hay and alfalfa hay are held 

 in high esteem as a forage for horses. In other sections, however, both 

 these hays are held in disfavor. The reasons for this are obvious. It is 

 difficult to prevent both alfalfa and clover from becoming loaded with dust. 

 The clover stem is not stiff enough to hold the plant upright, and when 

 it falls to the ground more or less dirt is splashed on it by rain. Both 

 clover and alfalfa leaves are very brittle and crumble into dust in the 

 curing of the hay. Then, again, these hays often go into the mow so 

 moist that fermentation takes place. During this oxidation, particles 

 of blackened, partially carbonized leaves are produced, and this finely 

 divided matter rises into the air in clouds of dust when the hay is moved. 

 The dust enters the nostrils of the horse and is drawn into the lungs, 

 where serious irritation results. This can be prevented, in large measure, 

 by moistening the hay before feeding. 



On the other hand, bright, clean clover and alfalfa are valuable foods, 

 especially for draft horses and for growing animals, as both hays 

 are rich in protein and in mineral matter. Both clover and alfalfa should 

 be fed in limited quantities. 



In the Com Belt, dried cornstalks, when properly cured, are often 

 fed as a substitute for hay. Experiment and experience have shown 



