202 PROFITABLE STOCK RAISING 



of course, must be used in connection with oats and 

 should always be ground. In this country, how- 

 ever, barley is not widely fed and may never be- 

 come exceedingly popular. 



The feeding of small quantities of oil cake has 

 an excellent effect on the digestive system of the 

 horse, but this must be fed carefully. Start with a 

 small handful a day and increase this gradually. 

 Oil meal results in a very glossy coat, and ought 

 to form a part of the ration, especially where horses 

 are being fattened for market. 



This chapter would be incomplete if horse grow- 

 ers were not urged to supply their animals with an 

 abundance of the best water obtainable. The 

 animal's body is made up largely by water, and if 

 it is not supplied regularly and when needed, growth 

 will not be rapid and the animal cannot be kept in 

 a thrifty condition. Water is especially important 

 when bulky, dry feeds form the principal part of 

 the ration. Where succulent substances are used, 

 like soiling crops, silage or the like, these 

 feeds supply a large amount of moisture. In 

 America the watering of horses before feeding 

 seems best. Some prefer watering after feeding, 

 but it will be a pretty safe conclusion on the part 

 of the ordinary farmer to water his horses before 

 he gives them feed. If heated when in from 

 work, great care must be used to prevent the 

 drinking of too much water at once. Common 

 sense will indicate how to handle this proposition. 



