64 MANUAL FOR STABLE SERGEANTS. 



168. Dusty hay. — Dusty hay, due to gradual dry decay from 

 long exposure to the sun or attacks of insects, produces dry coughs 

 and digestive derangements and should not be used. 



169. Musty and moldy hay. — Musty or moldy hay is readily 

 recognized by the presence of the white mold on the leaves and 

 stalks; when shaken, it gives off a very irritating dust. This hay 

 is bitter to the taste and its use is dangerous. Where no other hay 

 or roughage is available, it may be used, but it must be opened out 

 and dried, w^ell shaken to get rid of the mold, and wet with salt 

 water — a tablespoonful of salt to a bucket of water. Its effect must 

 be carefully watched and it should be fed only when no other hay 

 can be obtained. 



Horses can not be fed on grain alone, so if hay is not obtainable a 

 substitute must be found. 



170.^ Grain hay.-— Hay made from oats, wheat, and barley, cut 

 before it is matured is frequently used. Such hay contains a pro- 

 portion of grain which reduces the bulk of the ration. To allow for 

 this the grain ration should be reduced about 3 pounds and the 

 Lay increased the same amount. 



171. Straw. — Clean straw of oats, wheat, barley, and rye, and, 

 in the Tropics, rice straw may be fed when hay can not be obtained, 

 but it must be clean, sound, and free from dirt and weeds. Dried 

 corn fodder may also be used as a substitute for hay. 



172. Green forage. — A\Tien green grass or green corn fodder is 

 fed in lieu of hay, the average proportion allowed is 3 pounds of 

 green food to 1 pound of hay, or 42 pounds of green food daily. 

 Care must be taken that green foods are not piled up and allowed to 

 heat before feeding, for this will cause scouring and colic. 



173. Grazing. — Grazing is very beneficial and advantage should 

 be taken of every opportunity to give the horses a bite of grass. 

 In turning horses out for the first time to graze, care must be taken 

 that they do not overeat. 



Grazing on wet or frosted alfalfa or clover must not be permitted, 

 as flatulent colic is almost sure to result. 



174. Grains. — Grains are not the natural food of the horse, 

 but they are necessary to obtain from horses the maximum amount 

 of energy they are capable of yielding. All grains do not have 

 the same feeding value; oats, corn, and barley have been found 

 to give the best results. 



175. Oats. — Oats are the best and most valuable grain for horses. 

 The oat is composed of two parts, the hull or husk and the kernel. 

 The larger the kernel, in proportion to the hull, the better the oat. 



