Bedding for Animals 25 



as the animal is likelj' to become footsore. The hoofs 

 of colts should be examined often to see that they 

 are growing symmetrically. It sometimes happens 

 that a piece is worn or broken from one side of 

 a hoof, and this throws the weight of the body in 

 such a way as to bring a strain upon the joints, 

 that causes deformity or disease. In trimming hoofs, 

 the outside of the wall should not be rasped or cut 

 away, as it naturally forms a protective coating over 

 the hoof. 



BEDDING 



Animals that are confined in stables through the 

 night should be well bedded with some material that 

 will not only make a comfortable place for them to 

 lie on, but that will keep the animal clean and dry. If 

 possible, a bedding should be used that will absorb 

 moisture and help to keep the quarters clean. Bedding 

 should be free from chemical substances or irritants 

 that are liable to injure the skin or feet, or that would 

 be injurious to the animal if eaten. Among good 

 substances used for bedding are straw, shavings, coarse 

 hay, sawdust, peat moss and tan bark. 



The bedding in the stall should be spread so that 

 most of it is fairly well forward, as there is a tendency 

 for it to work backward with the movements of the 

 animal. Heaping the bedding in the center of the 

 stall should be avoided, in order to prevent the animals 

 from getting cast. Rye -straw makes excellent bedding. 

 It is bright and clean, is easily handled and wears 

 well. The bedding should be removed from stalls in 



