CARE OF COLT. 247 



During the second winter the colt should receive much 

 the same treatment and feed as during the first winter. More 

 bulky feed can be fed to good advantage. The grain ration 

 should be liberal and composed largely of those feed stuffs 

 which are conducive to growth and bone production. 



Draft colts of good size should be broken to work. 

 Light work will be more beneficial than harmful for such 

 animals. During the spring and summer they may also do 

 some light work. They can be used to good advantage, 

 where carefully handled, to rest the brood mare from time 

 to time. In this way they can be made to earn their keep. 

 Light work is always beneficial for a colt of this age, pro- 

 viding they are carefully handled. 



There are a great many little things which must receive 

 careful attention in the management of the colt. The pre- 

 vention of lice is a most vital point. Many colts are very 

 seriously checked in their development, due to the presence 

 of lice. The indications of lice are rubbing against stall, 

 manger, fence, or some other obstacle, thinness in the colt, 

 when a colt ceases to do well, hair falling off or being 

 rubbed off. There are several methods of treating a colt 

 troubled with lice. They must be liberally fed on corn, oats, 

 bran, and hay. There are several kinds of powder recom- 

 mended to kill lice. Many of them are very good and will 

 give immediate relief. One of the best and surest remedies 

 is an application of gasoline put on a whisk broom or brush 

 and thoroughly rubbed through the hair on all parts of the 

 body, especially the neck, withers and back. Kerosene and 

 soft soap emulsion or Persian insect powder applied in the 

 same manner are also good. No colt will thrive and make 

 good growth while troubled with lice. 



The teeth should also be given proper care, especially 

 at teething time. Loose teeth should be removed. 



Grooming is another point which will prove helpful. It 

 is especially valuable in case of colts which have not ample 

 opportunity for exercise. It is also very important that the 

 colt should be properly halter broken, as outlined in the 

 lecture on this subject. 



The feet should also be properly cared for. They must 

 not be allowed to grow out too long, or become uneven in 

 shape. Many otherwise good colts are ruined by allowing 

 the inside of hoof or outside to become much larger than 

 the corresponding side. Crooked legs are the result. 



