FOODS FOR HORSES. J 3 



Straw. — Although straw does not contain much actual 

 iiourislinient, it is a useful adjunct to the diet of horses, on 

 account of its bulky character. Fed in large quantities, 

 straw has a binding effect on the bowels, but the addition of a 

 moderate allowance of it to the food is beneficial to the diges- 

 tion. Oat-straw is nmch superior to the straw of other cereals 

 for feeding purposes, and it is much the best to feed to 

 horses. If, however, no oat-straw is available, other kinds 

 of straw can be used. It should be seen that the straw is 

 dry and sound, and free from " rust." The haulm of peas 

 may be fed to horses, provided it be in sound condition ; it 

 is generally relished by them. 



Chaff or Caving:s. — The chaff, or " cavings," obtained 

 when corn is threshed, can be utilised for horse^feeding pur- 

 poses, excepting the cavings of barley. The long awns on the 

 latter render barley-cavings unsuitable and dangerous for 

 horse-feeding pui'poses. For feeding purposes, cavings may be 

 considered as equal to straw. 



Grass and Green Forag^e Crops. — Grass and 

 green forage crops are of great importance in the feeding of 

 horses on farms and small holdings, tliese foods being both 

 economical and very wholesome. During the spring, summer, 

 and early autumn, they, to a large extent, can take the place of 

 dry fodder, whilst wlien they are available the corn ration can 

 also be I'educed to some extent. Grass is fefl to the liorses l>y 

 turning them out to graze after their day's work is finished, 

 and leaving them out all the night. Green forage crops are 

 cut and fed to the horses in the stable, this plan being known 

 as " green-soiling." The forage crops that are suitable for 

 horse-feeding purposes are vetches (tares, rye, crimson clovei" 

 (trifolium), lucerne, and sainfoin. The younger these various 

 ei-ops are when they are cut, the more are they relished by 

 the horses, and the more strength-giving nourishment do 

 they contain. On account of their sappy character, they are 

 cooling and laxative in. their eiffect; who-n fed in large quanti- 

 ties to horses not accustomed to being fed on green forage. 



