234 FEEDS AND FEEDING, ABRIDGED 



l)alaneed by protein-rich feeds. When fed large amounts of alfalfa 

 hay, colts will relish a little timothy or prairie hay, straw, or corn 

 fodder occasionally. If maximum growth is desired it will be neces- 

 sary to feed some grain even on good pasture. The young horse which 

 is not developing the proper skeleton may be fed substances especially 

 rich in phosphorus and calcium, such as 2 or 3 ounces daily of tankage 

 containing ground bone, or 1 ounce daily of ground bone or ground 

 rock phosphate (floats). 



Cost of raising horses. — According to estimates received by the 

 United States Department of Agriculture from 10,000 farmers in 

 various parts of the United States, the average cost of raising colts 

 to the age of 3 years was $104.06. Deducting the value of the work 

 done before the third year, the net cost was $96.54. The average 

 selling price of the colts when three years old was $136.17. About 

 54 per ct. of the total cost of raising the colt was for feed, 16 per ct. 

 for care and shelter, and the remainder for the service fee of the 

 stallion, time lost by the brood mare, veterinary services, and miscel- 

 laneous expenses. 



Harper ^ estimates that up to 3 years of age a colt will eat 2.25 tons 

 of grain and 4.75 tons of hay, in addition to pasture for 15 months. 



The stallion. — Nothing so vital to the well-being of the stallion is 

 so commonly neglected as is proper exercise. The best exercise is 

 honest work ; there is no better advertisement of a stallion than letting 

 him be seen at work on the road or farm. Even during the breeding 

 season a half day's work regularly is beneficial. When real work is 

 impossible he should travel on the road at least 5 miles daily. 



The ration of the stallion should consist of first class, wholesome 

 feeds, supplying ample protein and mineral matter for thrift and 

 vigor. The choice of feeding stutit's will depend on the particular 

 locality, the same principles applying as in the case of the work horse. 

 The following concentrates are well-suited to feed with timothy hay or 

 prairie hay: oats; oats 4 parts, corn 6 parts, and bran 3 parts by 

 weight; oats 4 parts, corn 6 parts, and linseed meal 1 part; corn 7 

 parts, bran 3 parts, linseed meal 1 part. When some alfalfa or clover 

 is fed, a smaller proportion of protein-rich concentrates is needed. 



No specific directions as to the total amount of feed required can 

 be given, since this depends on the exercise the animal gets and 

 whether he is a " hard " or " easy ' ' keeper. A safe rule is to keep the 

 stallion in good flesh but not "hog fat," for this will injure his breed- 

 ing powers. Most horsemen advise that in the breeding season he be 

 kept gaining just a bit, rather than be allowed to run down in flesh. 

 While some recommend feeding 3 times a day, 4 is preferred by others. 



3 Management and Breeding of Horses, p. 337. 



