THE HORSE 269 



corn ; while corn, with its large amount of easily digested mate- 

 rials, furnishes the ration with the elements that supply energy. 



Barley, rye and wheat. — Each of these grains is sometimes 

 fed to the horse. The question of their use depends largely 

 upon their market price. Usually they are worth more for other 

 purposes. "Wheat especially is worth more for milling. "VMieat 

 has, however, been fed to the horse with varying success, de- 

 pending largely on the feeder and the method of feeding it. 



Bran. — Because of its physical effect, bran is considered a 

 very valuable addition to the ration of the horse. It has a loosen- 

 ing effect on the bowels and a tendency to allay feverish con- 

 dition. It is entirely too bulky to constitute any considerable 

 part of the ration of a hard-working animal. It is a very good 

 food for young and growing animals as it is rich in mineral 

 matter and protein, elements that the young animal must have 

 to build up his bod}^ It serves the needs of the grown horse best 

 when given as a "condition" food. 



Linseed meal. — This food is very rich in protein and is often 

 fed to the horse in limited quantities, more for the specific effect 

 it has on the horse than for the actual nutrients it contains. It 

 stimulates the skin secretions and gives the horse a very 

 smooth and glossy hair. It can be used as a laxative. Linseed 

 meal is very palatable and easily digestible. It is fattening in 

 its nature and hence desirable if one mshes to fatten his horse. 

 Linseed is valuable as a food for the growing colt because of its 

 high amount of mineral matter and protein. It cannot be fed, 

 however, in very large quantities because of its laxative effect, 

 and some horses cannot eat it at all as it scours them at once. 



Molasses. — Numerous trials have been made of feeding 

 molasses to horses, particularly in the South. It is rich in 

 nitrogen-free extract and hence is quite digestible. In the South, 

 where it is fed extensively, it is fed from a large trough and the 

 animals are allowed to eat at will. In the North it is customary 

 to dilute it with water and sprinkle on the hay. Molasses has a 

 good physical effect upon the animal. It encourages skin secre- 

 tion and keeps the hair fine and glossy. There are some disad- 

 vantages connected with the use of molasses, however, as it 

 attracts insects, especially flies and ants, sticks to the animal's 

 coat, halter, tie strap and manger, and is difficult to mix with 

 other foods. 



Patent stock foods. — If the horse is slightly out of order, or 

 if the food is not as good as it should be, the use of condimental 

 or patent stock foods may be of advantage in bringing the ani- 



