626 FEEDING OF HORSES. 



any other domestic animal, and this in feeding has to be steadily 

 borne in mind. It will be patent then that the food given shall 

 have the definite purpose of supplying what the animal constitution 

 requires to repair its waste, and to maintain health and strength in 

 every organ of the physical structure. 



Feed for Mares While Carrying Foal. The pasture of 

 the mare while carrying foal should not be so rich as to tend 

 greatly to fat, as this often creates liability to miscarriage, while, on 

 the other hand if too little nutritive food is given, the foal will be 

 starved in its fetal growth. Mares which have always been used to 

 corn or oats, should after they are six months pregnant receive a 

 feed or two daily. Half-bred mares, during the latter part of ges- 

 tation, should have chaff and corn, with a few carrots added, still 

 allowing them free run of good pasture. 



Food for the Young Colt. Mare's milk contains more of 

 water in proportion than cow's milk, and the colt which requires 

 such definite care for the development of its bones and muscles 

 should have any deficiency in the milk of the mother during the 

 first six months' supplied, because a deficiency at this period of its 

 existence may develop such peculiarities or weaknesses of constitu- 

 tion as can be afterwards remedied with difficulty or not at all. The 

 breeder should know the character of the mare as a milker for her 

 colt, and in case of deficiency supply it by the milk of the cow, 

 which is the natural substitute, the constituent and nutritive ele- 

 ments being the same. In feeding this milk at the outset, it should 

 be given just as it comes from the cow. As the colt acquires 

 strength, skimmed milk may be advantageously used, the caseine 

 forming good bone and muscle developing food. For a colt of 

 two months, a quart of milk, fed at night or in the morning, will be 

 found sufficient. A little practice will teach the young animal to 

 take the cows' milk with as much relish as that of its own dam. A 

 little sugar added makes it more palatable, colts being fond of 

 sweet. A few oats may be given after the first month, commencing 

 with about a gill, gradually increasing to a quart. This is the 

 English custom, and is only desirable in stock of special value, as a 

 peck of oats a day will cost about $25 a year, and tne animal at four 

 years old will have cost $100 more than if fed on hay and grass 

 alone. Oatmeal or bran, with flaxseed added, boiled in the propor- 

 tion of half a pint to one gallon of water, may be given with advan- 

 tage to a colt nine months old. This will prevent constipation, and 

 keep the system cool and relaxed. 



Feed and Care of the Mare after Foaling This is 

 of the utmost importance to the young colt. In fine weather the 

 mare may be let out with the foal two days after foaling, and it is 

 better to keep them in an enclosure by themselves for a couple of 

 months. Until she can get plenty of grass, the mare should have 

 carrots, bran mashes, ana an occasional feed of oats, the latter better 

 given in the form of tepid gruel. Rye grass is good food for mares 



