15 



It is probable that the horses receiving the different rations con- 

 taining the above groups of nutrients were all properly nourished 

 and produced a niaxinuuu amount of work in return for the food 

 supplied. On the other hand it is evident that the inexperienced 

 person would gain very little positive information concerning definite 

 feeding standards from a study of the above figures, and. in fact, it 

 is very difificult to establish any standard to suit all cases, for the 

 reason that the character of the work performed, governs very largely 

 the amount of food required. It is believed that the so called mod- 

 erate ration suggested by Grandeau should furnish a sufficient quan- 

 tity of available nutrients for horses doing an average amount of 

 farm work. In general it may be said, that a good understanding of 

 the principles of animal nutrition, coupled with close powers of ob- 

 servation and practical experience should enable the feeder to keep 

 his horses in a high degree of effective service at a minimum cost. 



A few points should be kept in mind : 



1. The amount of food required is proportional to the amount of 

 work performed. 



2. The amount of food required is also proportional to the speed 

 with which the work is done. 



3. More energy and consequently more food are required by a 

 horse when drawing a load at a trot, than at a walk. 



4. Worry, confusion, fast driving and much stopping, sudden, 

 short and severe labor, all consume much energy and require extra 

 food. 



5. Generally speaking it is believed that truck horses drawing 

 heavy loads slowly over good roads, require less food than express 

 and cab horses. 



6. Horses doing severe work require more protein than those 

 engaged in light work. 



7. The proportion of protein to carbohydrates (nutritive ratio) 

 required by horses doing moderate work should be about i to 7 or 

 8, and for horses doing heavy work as i to 5 or 6. 



The following rations have been fed to horses at 

 Rations for experiment stations, and by practical men having 

 Horses. large stables, and are here presented to show the 



wide diversity of feeds that can be fed with satisfac- 

 tory results. 'I'he wise feeder will keep constantly in mind that no 



