6 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



most cases, would prove to be reliable foal-getters, and be of great value to 

 the neighborhood instead of a disappointment and heavy loss, which is too 

 often the case with imported stallions, especially when sold by irresponsible 

 and often dishonest dealers who have no interest in the draft horse except 

 what he can make out of a sale carried forward by smooth talk and sharp 

 practices. 



I have always been a protectionist but I would like to see the principle 

 applied to the farmer and breeder as well as to the manufacturer who de- 

 pends upon the farmer and stock raiser to make a market for his goods. I 

 would like to submit a few suggestions as to how to breed and develop the 

 draft horse but my paper is already long and I can touch but briefly on 

 this important point. 



HOW TO BREED AND DEVELOPE THE DRAFT HORSE. 



"First of all, good breeding stock must be obtained. Draft horses of the 

 type, size, quality and action now demanded by the market cannot be pro- 

 duced from undersized and inferior stock. Soundness is an essential requi- 

 site and bone and quality are necessary; good feet can not be dispensed with 

 and good action adds much to the value of the present day drafter. With 

 the right kind of breeding stock the battle is half won but much depends 

 upon the care and feeding. In my experience I have been surprised in 

 late years at what can be accomplished in the development of bone and 

 muscle by judicious feeding and plenty of outdoor exercise. If colts are 

 permitted to have constant outdoor range, both winter and summer, with 

 good sheds to run under in time of storm or severe weather, all they need 

 is plenty of good grass— a liberal allowance of oats and bran with a little 

 corn perhaps in the winter time; also corn fodder, bright oats straw and 

 plenty of good hay for roughness. Under these conditions they will de" 

 velop all the bone and muscle required, will be active and vigorous and 

 when coming three years old will be sufficiently matured so they can be fed 

 for the market and heavy weights obtained. With the constant outdoor ex- 

 ercise and feed suggested, the colts have grown up strong and healthy, 

 their bone and muscle are hard from constant use, their lungs are sound 

 and their digestive organs are in good working order. 



' 'In the fall after they are two years old they are well matured and when 

 fed for weight will take on 'flesh rapidly and they have the bone and muscle 

 to carry it. Draft horse breeding when carried on with judgment, either by 

 the farmer or larger breeder, will be as profitable as any other branch of 

 stock raising for many years to come and will always be profitable when 

 intelligently pursued. It is important that the business should be encouraged 

 in all legitimate ways. It is not only important to the farmer and breeder 

 but equally important to the manufacturer and business man. The draft 

 horse is an essential element in general prosperity. Without him commerce 

 would lag and agricultural progress would be retarded. He is at the very 

 foundation of all industrial progress, the farmer's friend and ally and the 

 king of the market place." 



The President : Are there any questions you desire to ask 

 Mr. McMillan? 



