226 BREEDING 



Animals when called upon to extend the period of suckling, should be 

 taken up early and put into a well-littered yard, and have the protection of 

 an open shed. 



In all cases the foal should be well "done" with corn, bran, and chaff 

 for three or four weeks before being weaned, so that the loss of the mother's 

 milk may not be so severely felt. 



As to whether the separation of the foal should be made completely at 

 once, or by allowing it to return to the mare at increasing intervals, is a 

 matter upon which breeders are not by any means unanimous, some adopt- 

 ing the one course and some the other, with equal success and satisfaction. 

 We think, however, that a gradual intermittent process of weaning is. 

 most rational, and best adapted to safeguard the health of both dam and 

 offspring. 



For some time after separation takes place the mammary gland of the 

 dam continues its secreting function, and in the case of mares in whom 

 lactation is very active may cause painful distension of the udder. To- 

 avoid this, the quantity and milk-forming quality of the food supplied to- 

 the dam should be reduced, and only a moderate measure of water allowed. 



After weaning, foals should not be allowed to "go back" in condition, 

 but should be kept growing by a liberal ration of manger food and good 

 pasture. 



The restlessness resulting from separation from the dam will be greatly 

 appeased by company, and especially by two or more foals being turned 

 out together. 



THE MARE AFTER FOALING 



To safeguard the foal it is necessary that every attention be given to 

 the mare after parturition. 



Old matrons which have passed through the ordeal again and again, and 

 are familiar with the duties of their office, seldom call for interference. 

 With young mares, however, fresh to the business, certain special precau- 

 tions require to be observed. In the first place, the teats should be 

 examined as to their permeability. In some instances there is no opening 

 for the escape of milk, and the foal pines, and is sometimes reduced to the 

 verge of starvation before the defect is discovered. 



So long as the excitement resulting from foaling continues, strangers 

 should not be allowed access to the stables, and the man in attendance 

 should be one who is best known to the mare, and who has been in the 

 habit of feeding and tending her. 



When the excitement of parturition has passed away, and the foal has 

 gained its legs, it will soon commence to seek for the teat, and it may be 



