240 THE HORSE IN SERVICE 



tity, of that allowed. It is best mixed with timothy in about such 

 proportions as come in the second season's cutting from a timo- 

 thy-clover seeding. 



Alfalfa is in the experimental stage as a constituent of the 

 horse's ration. There is no reason why its judicious use, in com- 

 bination with timothy, should not be recommended. Grood 

 alfalfa hay is about the most tempting thing that can be put 

 before a horse in the winter time, as he himself will attest if 

 allowed tlie opportunity. In addition to its paiatability and 

 high content of easily available protein, alfalfa has a beneficial 

 action on the digestive tract. The amount fed, with timothy, 

 can be so regulated as to control the bowels to a fine degi^ee. On 

 account of its 10 to 15 per cent of protein, alfalfa should be 

 balanced by the other constituents of the ration, lest an excess 

 of protein be fed. An excess of nitrogen would require elimina- 

 tion by the kidneys, which may prove injurious. 



Alfalfa hay has not been fed in the East extensively enough 

 to determine whether or not it may induce heaves. Those parts 

 of the country where it is most extensively grown and fed fur- 

 nish only exceptional cases of heaves from any cause. It would 

 be difficult to obtain a cured forage plant in a more perfect state 

 of preservation than some of the alfalfa hay that is produced in 

 the semi-arid Kocky Mountain States. So long as hay produced 

 under the ideal conditions for growth and curing Avhich prevail 

 there can be placed on Eastern markets, to compete with the 

 home-grown product, favor is likely to be shown the fonner. 

 The Eastern fanner should be encouraged in the production of 

 alfalfa. The addition of alfalfa hay to a ration will both reduce 

 the cost of maintenance and improve the condition of any class 

 of horses. 



Groimd alfalfa may be used in place of bran, in combination 

 with other concentrates, but unless combined with molasses or 

 moistened it is so light and fine as to be readily blown away, 

 and has the objection of being dusty. Many prepared alfalfa 

 feeds, of this class, are offered to the trade. The hay has the 

 same nutritive value and, if of good quality, will be as com- 

 pletely and enthusiastically consumed as when artificially pre- 

 pared. These facts argue for the more general use of the hay. 



Cow pea and soy bean hay are both reported upon favor- 



