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ably with other coarse fodders. In accordance with the general prin- 

 ciple the substitution of one coarse fodder for another in a ration 

 should always be made on the basis of composition and digestibility, 

 rather than pound for pound. 



Very few tests have been made on the comparative value of different 

 uncured feeds or different sorts of pasturage in horse feeding, though 

 all the common forage crops are regarded as wholesome if properly 

 fed. 



Such feed is known to be very dependent upon the fertilizer used 

 for the crop, the method of harvesting, and the condition of the animal 

 fed. Thus it is said that for young horses grass grown on dry land 

 rich in lime produces compact and well-developed bone. Green fodder 

 does not contain sufficient nutritive material in proportion to its bulk 

 to make it an adequate feeding stuff for horses performing much work, 

 but its importance as pasturage is well recognized. 



ROOTS AND TUBERS. 



Carrots, Swedish turnips or ruta-bagas, and other roots and tubers, 

 green vegetables, and fruits contain a high percentage of water and 

 small amounts of the different classes of nutrients. Generally speak- 

 ing, the percentage of crude fiber is smaller than in the green forage 

 crops; but since the proportion of nutritive material is small in com- 

 parison with the total bulk, they are ordinarily referred to as coarse 

 fodder. The use of these materials as food for horses has been 

 attempted at different times with varying success, but it is not followed 

 to any great extent in this country, though quite common in Europe. 



Ten pounds of roots has been suggested as the maximum quantity 

 which may be fed without unduly distending the stomach or being too 

 laxative. "An addition of 5 or G pounds of carrots to the daily food 

 ration of ordinary working horses," Captain M. H. Hayes believes, 

 "will almost always be of benefit; and 3 pounds a day will not be too 

 much for race horses, even in the highest state of training. It is safest 

 to give carrots sliced longitudinally, so that they may not stick in the 

 animal's gullet and thus choke him." 



In the opinion of a recent German writer, about 12 pounds of raw 

 potatoes per 1,000 pounds live weight may be fed to horses with 

 advantage and, if supplemented with proper feed, there need bo no 

 fear of physiological disturbances. When fed in this amount the 

 potatoes should be mixed with hay or cut straw to insure their being 

 properly chewed. If small, they may be fed whole; if large, they 

 should be sliced. In any case only ripe, healthy, unsprouted tubers 

 should be used. It is said that horses should not be watered immedi- 

 ately after a ration containing potatoes. 



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