JO AuG-. 1 910.] 



The Stud Horse Indiistr 



491 



this sense must go in at the mouth during the first and second vears of life 

 —the period when the functions of the body are directed in much greater 

 degree towards its growtli and development than they are at anv other 

 period of life. 



In addition to the help which proper feeding gives towards the growth 

 and robustness of young stock, protection against adverse weather con- 

 ditions is also a prime necessity. One of the main functions of food is the 

 production of animal heat. The amount of food that has to be devoted 

 to the maintenance of body heat daily is in direct ratio to the daily loss of 

 heat, Avhich in turn is always greater when the external temperature is lowest. 

 So that unless protection is afforded against the low temperature and 

 adverse weather conditions during the winter months, either more food is 

 required to maintain the bodv heat, or there is a retardation of growth, 

 through the food being devoted to the maintenance of body heat instead 

 of to the development of the tissues. Hence, the necessity for winter 





MARCELLUS. 

 Foaled 1898. Winner of Cawdor Cup, 100.3, and of Brydon Shield, 1905. 



housing of young stock that it is desired to force along ; or at all events, 

 the provision of shelter sheds and fodder racks in the winter paddocks. 



Before leaving this aspect of the question I would like to indicate 

 brieflv that practical experience in this matter is in complete accord with 

 phvsiological science ; that is, as regards the improvement in size and form, 

 and therefore power, which results from the maintenance ot full condition 

 during the growing period. It is well known as a physiological truth 

 that the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other tissues of young 

 animals are plastic during the period of growth. As regards bones and 

 muscles particularly, they develop in shape and become "set'' in such 

 relative position to each other, as they are habitually kept in during the 

 period of growth. Now, the habitual attitude of a young animal that is 

 expo.sed to inclement weather and kept low in condition, and therefore 

 low in spirits, is the reverse of what is desired in a well-formed horse. 



