152 



The Horse Industry \n New York State 



WEANINO 



At what ac;e slionid a colt be weaned ? This depends upon 

 many conditions. As a general statement, at from four to six 

 months of age. Sometimes the mother gives but little milk and 

 that little does not agree with the foal. When this is the case 

 the foal should be weaned at the earliest possible moment; other- 

 wise when most convenient. 



How should the colt be weaned ? By leaving it in its accus- 

 tomed stall and putting the mother in the adjoining one. If this 

 cannot be done, reverse. Never turn a weanling out in that lone- 

 some back pasture where grass and water are scarce, flies al)und- 

 ant and the temperature high. 



Fig. 57. Grade Draft Mare Nine Years Old, WEUiiiT 1,400 Pouad.s. The 

 Mule Colt is Nine Days Old. This is the INIare's Fourth Colt, all oi 

 Which Were Sold for About $75 Each 



FEED and care 



Of what shall the colt's solid food or grain consist ? Nothing 

 is better than equal parts by weight of crushed oats and corn to 

 which is added a like proportion of wheat bran. If the dam is 

 a good suckler very little of this need be fed until the foal is ten 

 weeks old. Draft-bred foals will require more than trotting-l)re(l 

 or thoroughbred — anywhere from one pint to one quart twice a 



