708 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



been recovered by the sale of geldings and the filly in question cost no 

 more to raise than a cheap one. High-class draft horses can be had on 

 the farm at low cost if they are bred on the spot from generation to 

 generation. In a few years the cost of foundation stock is entirely for- 

 gotten in the satisfaction and profit derived from the offspring. 



THE CARE OF THE COLT OX THE FARM. 

 (Breeders' Gazette.) 



The foal is an important figure on the farm. No other youngster in 

 barn or paddock attracts such attention. The arrival of the lank awk- 

 ward foal as a member of the farm's great live stock family is a mo- 

 mentous occasion. There is something about the proud bearing of the 

 ungainly little fellow that commands human interest. He is at once 

 monarch of all he surveys. The devoted homage of his affectionate dam 

 scarcely exceeds the constant admiration showered upon him by every 

 person on the farm. Men and women join an enthusiastic interest in 

 the horses more completely than in any other kind of stock. The foal 

 gets the lion's share of it. Every trait is keenly discerned and compared 

 with those of dam and sire; the monthly gain in weight is a matter of 

 family pride, and every new antic is joyfully applauded. 



The foal is fortunate, and so is his owner, if the early enthusiasm is 

 never allowed to wane and if a horseman's skill and judgment are 

 exercised therewith. Foals do not feed and thrive on kind thoughts and 

 caresses alone. At the beginning the tall bony frame is none too 

 strongly linked to life. The well meant care which leads to the conscien- 

 tious stabling of the mare at foaling time subjects the foal to the danger 

 of navel infection. Even after it is some days old, the destructive germs 

 lurking on filthy stable floors may gain entrance to the system when the 

 innocent youngster is stretched out to rest and grow. Stables where young 

 foals are kept must be scrupulously clean and frequently disinfected. It 

 has been argued by some veterinarians that infection may enter the sys- 

 tem through the soft soles of the feet as well as through the navel, but 

 the raw surface of the severed navel cord is the most vulnerable point 

 of attack. "Whether the foal is born in a stable or on the clean green 

 carpet of the pasture, the stump of the cord should be covered with a 

 disinfectant at least twice a day until it heals. 



During the first year of its life the foal's existence is one steady round 

 of taking nourishment, exercise and rest. Great growth results if these 

 three conditions of life are properly fulfilled and balanced. A strong 

 digestion is a mighty important thing for the foal. The tender internal 

 organs that handle the milk, and later the grain and grass, from whicn 

 his body is built up, must be trained properly to perform their duties. 

 Watchfulness of this important piece of mechanism must begin the first 

 day of the foal's life. Perhaps he may need a little castor oil at first, 



