STALLIONS, BROOD MARES AND FOALS. 179 



apprehended from the process of weaning, which it is desir- 

 able in all cases to effect gradually. On the contrary, the 

 separation of the foals from free-nourishing mares must be 

 accomplished by degrees. For some days prior to final re- 

 moval of the foal the intervals of allowing it to suck must be 

 increased in length, and the food allowance of the mare re- 

 duced in quantity and quality for a corresponding time. 



If practicable, also, the mare should be more severely 

 worked. After ultimate severance of the foal the glands 

 must be periodically hand-drawn and a brisk purgative ad- 

 ministered. Restricted diet, particularly in regard to fluid 

 and succulent provender, should be enjoined until the secre- 

 tion of milk is completely suspended. Mares kept only for 

 breeding purposes, if in good condition and not enfeebled by 

 age or other circumstances, may continue to nourish their 

 foals for a much longer period until, in fact, a natural wean- 

 ing takes place and the milk secretion ceases. The weaning 

 of foals from mares not subjected to labor and furnishing a 

 full lacteal secretion must be accomplished with the exercise 

 of all the hygienic and medicinal precautions previously in- 

 dicated, and rendered especially necessary by abstinence 

 from work. 



Throughout the period of lactation, and very especially 

 during that portion of it when the foal receives the whole of 

 its sustenance from the dam, it is requisite for the mare to 

 be supplied with good food calculated to furnish material for 

 the elaboration of wholesome milk. 



The first milk after parturition, called "colostrum," dif- 

 fers materially in composition from the subsequent secretion. 

 It contains principles adapted to remove the mecomium (as 

 the effete matters collected in the foal's intestines during 

 foetal life are technically termed); on that account it is 

 highly necessary that the newly-born foal should be supplied 

 with the milk from its own dam, at least until the mecomium 

 has been expelled and the bowels have assumed their natural 

 function. 



Until the approach of the time for weaning a foal should 

 be permitted to have access to its dam at intervals of not 

 exceeding four hours. 



