254 MASS. EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 188. 



Although, as has been previously shown, this ration was deficient in 

 both total digestible nutrients and therms of net energy, the horses held 

 their weights, due in all probability to the light work performed during 

 the autumn months. They appeared hungry and very restless, the latter 

 condition, in the opinion of the writer, being in part at least, a result of 

 the influence of the alfalfa upon the nervous system. 



Beginning in the spring of 1917 the two horses which had been used on 

 digestion experiments the preceding winter were worked on the farm and 

 fed the Kansas alfalfa ration. On the basis of live weight Tom received 

 daily 2f pounds of oats, 10| pounds of cracked corn and 12 pounds of al- 

 falfa, and Joe received 2| pounds of oats, 9 pounds, 14 ounces of corn and 

 11 pounds of alfalfa. 



It was necessary to work them lightly during the first month. As the 

 work was increased in amoimt they began to show a gradual loss in weight 

 and to appear very nervous and hungry. Because of such conditions, and 

 of the additional spring work required of them, the ration was increased 

 10 per cent. June 4, Tom receiving 13.2 pounds of alfalfa, 3 pounds of oats 

 and 11.5 pounds of corn, and Joe receiving 12.1 pounds of alfalfa, 2.7 

 pound of oats and 10.9 pounds of corn. 



