21 



and those having defective teeth. Horses, also, that "bolt their feed 

 are best fed upon crushed oats and out of a manger large enough to 

 permit of s^jreading the grain in a thin layer. 



The average horse requires, in addition to the allowance of hay 

 above spoken of, about 12 quarts of good oats daily. The best oats are 

 those cut about one week before being fully rijie. Not only is the 

 grain richer at this time in nutritive materials, but there is also less 

 waste from ' ' scattering " than if left to become dead ripe. Moldy oats, 

 like hay and straw, not only xn'oduce serious digestive disorders, but 

 have been the undoubted cause of outbreaks of that dread disease in 

 horses, already referred to, characterized by inability to eat or drink, 

 sudden paralysis, and death. 



Wheat and rye. — These grains are not to be used as food for horses 

 except in small quantities, bruised or crushed, and fed mixed with 

 other grains or haj'. If fed alone, in any considerable quantities, they 

 are almost certain to produce digestive disorders, laminitis (founder), 

 and similar troubles. They should never constitute more than one- 

 fourth of the grain allowance, and should always be ground or crushed. 



Bran. — The bran of wheat is the one most used, and its value as a 

 feeding stuff is A'ariouslj^ estimated. It is not to be dei^ended upon if 

 given alone, but may be fed with other grains. It serves to keep the 

 bowels ox)en. Sour bran is not to be given. It disorders the stomach 

 and intestines and may even produce serious results. 



Maize — Corn. — This grain is not suitable as an exclusive food for 

 young horses, as it is deficient in salts. It is fed whole or ground. 

 Corn on the cob is commonly used as the food for horses affected with 

 " lami^as." If the corn is old and is to be fed in this manner it should 

 be soaked in pure, clean water for ten or twelve hours. Corn is better 

 given ground, and fed in quantities of from 1 to 2 quarts at a meal 

 mixed with crushed oats or wheat bran. We must be very particular 

 in giving corn to a horse that is not accustomed to its use. It must 

 be commenced in small quantities and verj^ gradually increased. I 

 know of no grain more likely to produce what is called acute indiges- 

 tion than corn if these directions are not observed. 



Linseed. — Ground linseed is occasionally fed with other foods to 

 keep the bowels open and to improve the condition of the skin. It is 

 of i3articular service during convalescence, when the bowels are slug- 

 gish in their action. Linseed tea is very often given in irritable or 

 inflamed conditions of the digestive organs. 



Boots — Botatoes. — These are used as an article of food for the horse 

 in many sections. If fed raw and in large quantities they often pro- 

 duce indigestion. Their digestibility is favored by steaming or boiling. 

 They possess, in common with other roots, slight laxative properties. 



Beets. — These are not much used as food for horses. 



Carrots. — These make a most excellent food, particularly during 

 sickness. They improve the appetite and slightly increase the action 



