66 MANUAL FOR STABLE SERGEANTS. 



discolored kernel and hull, and their bitter and musty taste and 

 smell. They are unfit for food, and are sometimes poisonous, 

 producing diseases of the digestive organs and kidneys. 



186. Moldy oats. Moldy oats are in a state of positive decay, 

 and are absolutely unfit for food. They are recognized by their 

 softened, rotten condition, and by the presence of the mold on 

 the hull. 



187. Corn. Corn is a very good substitute for oats, but is less 

 desirable by reason of its tendency to produce heat and fat. It is 

 therefore most useful in cold climates where more than the usual 

 amount of animal heat is required. 



188. Feeding corn. Corn may be fed whole, either shelled or 

 on the cob, or it may be crushed. It is usually given as a part 

 ration only. 



189. Characteristics of corn. Corn should be dry, hard, of 

 bright color, and free from dirt; when bitten into it should taste 

 sweet and have no distinct smell. 



Heated, discolored, or moldy corn is unfit to use. 



190. Weight of corn. Seventy pounds of corn on the cob should 

 make 1 bushel or 56 pounds of shelled corn. 



191. Kafir corn Milo maize. In emergencies, both these 

 grains may be fed the same as corn. Weight, 56 pounds to the 

 bushel. 



192. Barley. Barley is a very good horse feed, and may be used 

 as a substitute for oats. It may be fed whole, but is better crushed 

 or soaked in water for two or three hours before feeding. Weight, 48 

 pounds to the bushel. 



193. Characteristics of barley. Barley should be plump and 

 short, hard, with a thin wrinkled skin and small, fine, but not 

 shrunken ends. It should be of a pale golden yellow color, and 

 free from odor, dirt, and discolored grains. 



194. Spelt or emmer. This grain resembles barley and may 

 be used in the same way. 



195. Bye. Rye may be fed in emergencies in quantities not 

 exceeding 8 to 10 pounds a day. 



196. Wheat. Wheat is not a satisfactory food for horses, and 

 should be used only in cases of emergency. It is fed in quanti- 

 ties not exceeding 6 pounds daily. 



197. Flour. Flour may^be fed to horses, but it should be made 

 into a sloppy gruel before giving. 



