8 BULLETIN 929, IT. s. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



Cottonseed meal is a high protein feed and must be fed with care 

 to horses and mules in order to avoid digestive disorders, to which 

 work animals are subject. 



When a horse shows dislike for the meal, the quantity fed should 

 be reduced to the satisfaction of the individual. 



Most horses show a dislike for the meal as soon as it becomes 

 noticeable in their grain. Some individuals, however, relish the 

 meal and can be fed larger amounts. 



One pound a day per 1,000 pounds live weight is the most satis- 

 factory quantity to feed. Although some animals will consume 

 more with satisfactory results, it is not advisable to exceed this limit. 



The most satisfactory method of feeding cottonseed meal to horses 

 is by mixing it thoroughly with ground grains. This method, how- 

 ever, is not always practicable in the sections where cottonseed meal 

 is most available. 



Horses can easily separate cottonseed meal from whole oats or 

 shelled corn if they form a dislike for the meal. This residue should 

 not be left in the feed trough, as it ferments easily and has a dis- 

 agreeable odor. 



Mares which were fed cottonseed meal during the period of preg- 

 nancy did not show any ill effects from its consumption, nor were 

 any ill effects noticeable on the colts when foaled. From observations 

 in this experiment, cottonseed meal does not seem to prevent mares 

 from becoming pregnant. 



No apparently beneficial effects were observed on the coats of the 

 horses receiving cottonseed meal. In some teams those receiving 

 cottonseed meal had the better looking coats, while in other teams 

 the horses not receiving the meal had the smoother and glossier coats. 



The mares in this experiment thrived better and consumed their 

 ration containing cottonseed meal more satisfactorily after they were 

 turned out on grass. As cottonseed meal is not laxative in effect, 

 there is a tendency for the feces to become hard and dry. The succu- 

 lence supplied by pasture neutralizes this tendency and keeps the 

 intestinal tract in better condition. 



Feeding cottonseed meal in large quantities may result in serious 

 digestive disorders, and even death in some instances. Post-mortem 

 examination of one mare which died after receiving 3 pounds of 

 cottonseed meal daily for 46 days disclosed an inflamed condition 

 of the stomach and intestines. The indications in this case were that 

 death was due to the effects of cottonseed meal on the .system, and 

 that the ill effects were not noticeable until too late to prevent the 

 loss of the animal. 



