FOODS AND FEEDING. 95 



Characteristics of Maize. 



It should be perfectly dry, of bright colour, not at all brown,' quite 

 hard, and free from dirt ; when bitten it should taste sweet and 

 have no distinct smell. Maize is bought by the quarter, and should 

 weigh 60 lbs. to the bushel. 



Varieties. 



There are three chief varieties, North American, South American, Flat or 

 and small round. North American maize, also known as "flat" or " horse- 

 " horse tooth," is large, flat and roughly triangular, and is the variety tooth ^ 

 most appreciated as a horse food in England. In colour the grains of a '^^'"^^ 3" 

 single sample may vary very considerably, ranging from a deep red to 

 practically colourless seeds. South American maize, imported chiefly 

 from the River Plate, and sometimes called "Plate Maize," is of a "Plate" 

 brilliant yellow colour, which is fairly uniform in the sample ; it is flat maize, 

 but is rounder in outline and not so large as the previously mentioned 

 variety. Small round maize is grown in many countries, and varies in 

 shade from bright yellow to colourless, though the colour of any 

 particular sample should be uniform ; its feeding value is considered 

 slightly inferior to the other sorts. 



Defects 

 Maize travels very badly in bulk once it is shelled from the cob, and Heated 

 is extremely liable to get "heated " during the voyage unless it starts in maize, 

 the most perfect condition. The individual grains then become darker in 

 colour, softer to the feel, and acquire a peculiarly pungent odour, while 

 in recent samples an increase of their temperature may be actually felt. 

 It may also suffer from mustiness or mouldiness, and in all cases where 

 the quality is under suspicion the points of the seeds should be closely 

 examined, as this is the spot where damage is most easily detected. 



Feeding Maize. 



Where its use is general and it is fed as the entire grain ration. How to 

 it is often customary to give it on the cob or stalk, and this is feed maize 

 said to increase its feeding value and digestibility. If horses are 

 accustomed to it they may and do consume it whole without ill effects, 

 but whenever possible it should be crushed, as it is hard, difiicult to 

 masticate and takes a comparatively long time to digest. However it is 

 given, it is important to bear in mind that owing to this slowness of 

 digestion animals should not be watered until a considerable time has 



