ANIMAL DRAFT POWER 13I 



The training begins when the animals reach the age of one 

 and one-half or two years, but they do not attain their best 

 development until their fifth or sixth year. They are service- 

 able, under average conditions, until they reach the age of ten or 

 twelve years. 



In the South oxen for logging purposes weigh about 1200 

 pounds and are generally purchased from farmers near the logging 

 operation. They cost from $60 to $100 per yoke for average 

 animals and because of insufficient food are usually light weight 

 when purchased and require a year or more of proper feeding 

 before they attain their average efficiency. Heavy or well- 

 trained animals may bring as high as $200 per yoke. 



Horses. — Horses are commonly used in the Appalachians, 

 Lake States, Inland Empire and the Northeast. They stand 

 cold weather well, are active and are moderate eaters. They 

 are best adapted for logging on smooth or roHing ground, and 

 with good care will remain efficient for from four to seven years. 

 In northern Alabama, when well cared for, they are as satis- 

 factory as mules, but farther south the climate is not favorable 

 for them. When improperly housed and fed they are less effi- 

 cient under similar conditions than mules or oxen. 



Horses weighing from 1200 to 1400 pounds are best adapted 

 for handling small logs and for rough work in the Northeast. 

 For heavy logging and two-sled hauHng horses weighing from 1 500 

 to 1800 pounds are preferred. Animals of this weight are not 

 adapted to rough ground or steep slopes because they are not 

 active enough. They are also too heavy for use on frozen slopes 

 with a grade exceeding 25 degrees. 



Horses for logging purposes are generally purchased from 

 dealers who make a specialty of draft animals. Good animals 

 for logging work are worth about $250 each. 



Mules. — Mules are used more extensively in the South than 

 in any other section. 



The chief points of advantage are: 



(i) They will stand more heat than an ox or a horse and are, 

 therefore, better adapted for long or hard hauls during summer 

 months or in a hot climate. 



