CHAP. vii. OATS AND MAIZE AS HORSE FOODS. 449 



differentiated from bad oats. In the first place, each grain consists of 

 two parts, husk and kernel, the latter possessing considerable alimen- 

 tary value, and the former scarcely any at all; so that oats which 

 contain the largest proportion of kernel are those which are most 

 serviceable to the horse. The relative proportions of kernel and husk 

 vary considerably in different kinds of oats. In some samples, the 

 husk forms as much as 35 or 40 per cent., while in good grain it may 

 be as low as 20 per cent. It is of importance sometimes to estimate 

 quickly the feeding value of oats, and this can readily be done by 

 separating the kernel from the husk by hand in a number of seeds, 

 and then weighing each. This gives a better and a more practical indi- 

 cation than is afforded by the external appearance of the grains, their 

 colour, or their weight collectively. It may be rioted, besides, that 

 oats which have the smallest proportion of husk are those which are 

 most readily and thoroughly digested ; and, as already mentioned, 

 crushed oats are more quickly and perfectly digested than when they 

 are whole. 



The weight of the oats is not altogether a trustworthy index to their 

 nutritive value, though it is that which is generally adopted; the 

 thickness of husk and its closeness to the kernel, as well as the dryness 

 of the grain, will influence its density ; so that there is often a rather 

 wide diversity in different samples, with regard to their natural weight 

 and nutritive value. The ordinary oats, which weigh only 38 Ib. to 

 the bushel, are not very economical for feeding, especially if they come 

 from Sweden or Russia, where their quality particularly that of the 

 Swedish oats is rather low. It is better to give a smaller quantity of 

 heavier thin-skinned oats. 



Of course, the oats should be sound ; when musty they are likely to 

 do great damage. And the same may be said of the hay. 1 This varies 

 considerably in feeding value, not only according to the grasses which 

 enter into its composition, but also according to the situation, the soil, 

 the district, and even to the country in which it is grown ; the manner 

 in which it is preserved or made also influences its value as food. 



Other grains besides oats are sometimes substituted for these, 

 wholly or in part. Maize is one of them, and is somewhat largely in 

 use for omnibus and tramway horses. When the maize is broken it 

 is very digestible and economical, and may replace one-third, two- 

 thirds, or even the entire ration on occasion ; but good oats are prefer- 

 able, as they sustain animals which are undergoing severe labour much 

 better, and do not soften the liver like maize. 



Beans are a valuable adjunct to the food of hard-working horses 

 when given in the proportion of one-tenth or one-twelfth to the other 

 grain, and the same may be said of peas. 



To maintain a just balance between food and work, which the con- 

 dition of the horse will pretty accurately demonstrate, the owner must 

 be ready to increase, and as promptly diminish, the grain allowance as 

 demands upon it are created or disappear. If the quality of the food 

 is not sufficient to furnish material for the repair of waste tissue, the 

 deficiency must be met by the consumption of an increased quantity. 



1 Duaty hay made from flooded grass is dangerous to horses. 



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