402 IOWA DEPARMTENT OF AGRICULTURE 
Horses that bolt their feed are also best fed upon crushed. oats and out 
of a manger large enough to permit of spreading the grain in a thin 
layer. 
The average horse requires, in addition to the allowance of hay above 
mentioned, about 12 quarts of good oats daily. The best oats are those 
cut about one week before being fully ripe. Not only is the grain 
richer in nutritive materials at this time, but there is also less waste 
from "scattering" than if left to become dead ripe. Moldy oats, like hay 
and straw, not only produce serious digestive disorders, but have been 
the undoubted cause of outbreaks of that dread disease in horses, already 
referred to, characterized by inability to eat or drink, sudden paralysis 
and death. 
V.lieat and Rye. — These grains are not to be used as food for horses 
except in small quantities, bruised or crushed, and fed mixed with other 
grains or hay. If fed long, in any considerable quantities, they are 
almost certain to produce digestive disorders, laminitis (founder), and 
similar troubles. They should never constitute more than one-fourth 
of the grain allowance, and should always be ground or crushed. 
Bran. — The bran of wheat is the one most used, and its value as a 
feeding stuff is variously estimated. It is not to be depended upon if 
given alone, but may be fed with other grains. It serves to keep the 
bowels open. Sour bran is not to be given. It disorders the stomach 
and intestines and may even produce serious results. 
Maize {Corn). — This grain is not suitable as an exclusive food for 
young horses, as it is deficient in salts. It is fed whole or ground. Corn 
on the cob is commonly used as the food for horses affected v;ith "lampas." 
If the corn is old and is to be fed in this manner it should be soaked in 
pure, clean water for ten or twelve hours. Corn is better given ground, 
and fed in quantities of from 1 to 2 quarts at a meal mixed with crushed 
oats or v^heat bran. Be very particular in giving corn to a horse that 
is not accustomed to its use. It must be commenced in small quantities 
and very gradually increased. I know of no grain more likely to pro- 
duce what is called acute indigestion than corn if these directions are 
not observed. 
Linseed. — Ground linseed is occasionallj'' fed with other foods to keep 
the bowels open and to improve the condition of the skin. It is of parti- 
cular service during convalescence, when the bowels are sluggish in their 
action. Linseed tea is very often given in irritable or inflamed condi- 
tions of the digestive organs. 
Potatoes. — These are used as an article of food for the horse in many 
sections. If fed raw and in large quantities they often produce indiges- 
tion. Their digestibility is favored by steaming or boiling. They pos- 
sess, in common with outher roots, slight laxative properties. 
Beets. — These are not much used as food for horses. 
CfHTo^s.— These make a most excellent food, particularly during sick- 
ness. They improve the appetite and slightly increase the action of the 
bowels and kidneys. They possess also certain alterative properties. 
The coat becomes smooth and glossy when carrots are fed. Some vete- 
