LECTURE LXI. 



FEED, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF BROOD MARE. 



The proper care and management of the brood mare is 

 one of the most vital points to be considered in the produc- 

 tion of horses, so much of the success or failure is due to 

 this part of the work. A careful study of the methods prac- 

 ticed on the most successful horse farms reveals that al- 

 though there may be some minor points of difference, there 

 are certain well denned rules which must be adhered to if 

 the best results are to be expected. 



It is universally recognized that nothing but mature 

 mares should be used if good, strong colts are to be reared. 

 Another point is the importance of exercise. This seems to 

 be one of the most essential features in the estimation of 

 most successful breeders. This may be accomplished by 

 allowing the mares to remain out of doors most of the day 

 during the w r inter season and all of the time when the 

 weather is mild and favorable. In those sections of the 

 country where the winters are not too severe and the 

 ground is not covered with snow, grazing for part of their 

 ration serves an excellent means of securing the much 

 needed exercise. Where some care is used in the fall of 

 the year in not allowing the pastures to be too closely 

 grazed, thus leaving an abundance of grass, it will provide 

 much feed of the very best kind during the winter months. 

 Grass, cured in this way, is better than hay, as it contains 

 just as much nourishment and in addition has a most favora- 

 ble influence on the digestive system. Where such grass 

 cannot be had some corn fodder should be scattered over 

 the pasture some distance from the buildings to encourage 

 and secure the desired exercise. 



The above method is especially desirable on farms 

 where horse breeding is practiced on such an extensive scale 

 as to make it impossible to secure exercise in any other way. 

 On most farms such a method is not necessary, as the same 

 end may be secured by means of light work. The belief held 



