FEEDING HORSES. 395 



FEEDING FOR FAST WORK. 



It may be expected that we should speak of the rearing 

 and feeding of horses used for speed. Our remarks on the 

 foal and colt will mostly apply to the finest racing or 

 trotting blood. We are aware that few horsemen have 

 been accustomed to use, as we have recommended, cow's 

 milk after weaning. But a moment's consideration of milk 

 shows its distinguishing characteristics to be its casein and 

 albumen an admirable combination with nitrogen for the 

 formation of muscle. This nitrogenous compound in 

 milk is in solution, and easily appropriated by the digestive 

 organs. A moderate allowance of sweet skimmed milk 

 is exactly adapted to the continuance of the muscular 

 growth of the foal after weaning. There is no objection 

 to fresh milk from the cow, as it will have the cream in 

 addition to the other good qualities, but sweet skimmed 

 milk will meet all the necessities of the case at consider- 

 able less expense. Suppose the foal at and after weaning 

 be allowed ten pounds of skimmed milk this will con- 

 tain yV pounds of digestible albuminoids or muscle- 

 forming material; and it would take five quarts of oats 

 to yield as much digestible nutriment for the muscular 

 system. If we estimate the milk at M cent per pound or 

 2% cents (a price farmers would like to realize), it will be 

 seen how much cheaper it is than oats. 



We '' do not mean that ten pounds of skimmed milk 

 contain as much of all the elements of food as five pounds 

 or quarts of oats, but that it contains as much for the 

 muscles, just what is needed most at this period in the 

 growth of the foal. Besides, the milk-sugar or small 

 amount of fat is excellent carbonaceous food, and the ash 

 contains the mineral elements of bones. For a short time 

 after weaning there should be a tablespoonful of boiled 

 flax-seed mixed in the milk to prevent all tendency to 

 constipation. The foal should be learned also to eat a 



