FEEDING FARM HORSES 163 



Not only does the animal know when to expect 

 its grain and hay, but the animal system adjusts it- 

 self accordingly, and discomfort results if this order 

 is not adhered to. This does not mean that a set 

 scheme should be followed throughout the year, but 

 rather followed during certain periods of the year 

 when special work is performed. During the winter 

 season when farm horses are not called to do stren- 

 uous or regular work, a different plan may be fol- 

 lowed than that employed in the summer season, 

 when every minute counts. But, winter or summer, 

 a reasonable regularity should be required. 



Roughage Feeds for Horses. Timothy hay, oats 

 and corn have become standard articles in horse 

 rations, but many other grasses and legumes are 

 equally available and equally satisfactory. In the 

 middle and northern states the red and alsike varie- 

 ties of clover, alfalfa and timothy are all good and 

 may be fed in varying amounts. On some farms 

 red clover hay is often the sole food of the work 

 horse during the winter season. It is a balanced 

 food in itself, but somewhat too bulky to be used 

 exclusively when these same horses are put to heavy 

 farm work. 



On other farms corn stover, with a few ears of 

 corn, make up the winter ration. Neither of these 

 rations is to be considered ideal, but each would be 

 improved if the two were mixed together. They 

 would give variety, a factor never to be ignored, 

 and the ration would be improved both as to bulk 

 and proportion of digestible nutrients. 



In the southern states, Bermuda, herd's grass, 



