BULLETII^ ^o. 188. 



DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY. 



THE NUTRITION OF THE HORSE. 



BY J. B. LINDSEY. 



Part I 



SOME RESULTS OF IMPORTANT INVESTIGATIONS. 

 A. Early Investigations. 



Much work has been done, especially in Europe, concerning the prin- 

 ciples which underlie the nutrition of the horse, and many experiments 

 made to test the practical application of the knowledge secured. Among 

 the Europeans who have studied these matters most thoroughly may be 

 mentioned Boussingault ; Baudement; Sanson; Grandeau, LeClerc, Bal- 

 lancey and Alikan; Lavalard; Muntz and Gerard; Wolff and Kellner; 

 Zuntz, Hagermann and Lehmann. In the United States many experiments 

 have been made concerning the most suitable feeds and feed combinations 

 for horses. Worthy of especial mention is the one conducted by McCam- 

 bell of the Kansas Experiment Station ^ with the government horses at 

 Fort Riley. 



The early investigations were based largely on the analysis and digesti- 

 bility of the feeds fed and the relation of digestible nutrients to mainte- 

 nance and work performed. Some of the more important conclusions, in- 

 cluding particularly the modifications of rations and methods of feeding 

 are mentioned below. 



1. Of the total food consumed, ^ is needed for maintenance in a state of repose, 



^ for bodily repair, and ^ for work performed; or ^^ for maintenance 

 in repose and ^z for bodily repair and work. (Grandeau-Lavalard.) 



2. Work of Grandeau and his associates, 1882-94. 



(a) Maize was utilized in varying proportions with oats, depending upon the 



time of year and relative cost. 

 (6) Straw was gradually substituted for hay, followed finally by the complete 



removal of the hay. 

 (c) Beans were fed in place of brewery by-products. 



« Bui. No. 186, Kans. Exp. Sta. 



