21 



The average liorse requires, ia 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 ripe. 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 produce serious digestive disorders, but have been 

 the undoubted cause of outbreaks of that dread disease in horses, al- 

 ready 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 hay. 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 variously estimated. It is not to be depended upon if 

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

 bowels open. 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 

 " lampas." 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 very 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 par- 

 ticular service duriug convalescence, wheu the bowels are sluggish in 

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

 conditions of the digestive organs. 



Roots — Potatoes. — These are used as an article of food for the horse 

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

 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 sick- 

 ness. They improve the appetite and slightly increase the action of the 

 bowels and kidneys. They possess also certain alterative properties. 

 The coat becomes smooth and glossy when carrots are fed. Some vet- 

 erinary writers claim that chronic cough is cured by giving carrots for 



