DESCRIPTION OF FEEDING-STUFFS 185 



crude protein, 7-6% crude fat, 74% nitrogen-free 

 extract, with only 2-2% crude fibre and 2-1% ash. 

 The husks of the oat, on the other hand, have only 

 the value of straw (p. 117). The percentage 

 quantity of husk, which varies between 20-35% 

 and averages 26% of the whole grain, is therefore 

 an important characteristic in judging the value 

 of the grain. 



All the attempts which have been made to dis- 

 cover to what special substance, if any, the excellent 

 properties which oats possess are due, have up to 

 the present been unsuccessful. Horses fed on 

 freshly harvested oats have frequently been found 

 to suffer from colic, purging, etc. and to be very 

 liable to tire and sweat. It should be a rule to let 

 this grain lie for 2-3 months before giving it to 

 horses. 



Barley comes next to oats in its properties as an 

 animal food, and in southern countries it is the 

 only concentrated grain food used. In Central 

 and Northern Europe it has not succeeded in dis- 

 placing oats, for it has been noticed that its effect 

 on the energy and stamina is less valuable than the 

 latter. It is not advisable to replace more than 

 one-third, at most one-half, of the oat ration by 

 barley, and it should be given either crushed or 

 steeped. Barley is more suitable for dairy or 

 fattening cattle, to which it is given, as are other 

 cereals, in a ground state either moistened or not. 



