Idleness and Overfeeding 197 



promptly upon a correction of the method of keeping, pro- 

 viding that it be appHed sufficiently early. 



The difficulty should be prevented by not forcing the 

 young male designed for breeding purposes too rapidly in 

 his development. He should be allowed only a moderate 

 diet, with plenty of exercise and freedom, or be given actual 

 work. 



Upon the appearance of these defects in the mature ani- 

 mal, much can be done, if handled opportunely, by restrict- 

 ing the diet and causing an abundance of exercise. A 

 healthy young draft stallion belonging to one of my clients 

 refused almost wholly to serve mares. He was being highly 

 fed and was getting a very limited amount of exercise, at a 

 slow walk. Being appealed to for advice, I reduced his 

 food ration one-half and prescribed eight miles exercise 

 daily, at a brisk walk. Within a few days, his sexual de- 

 sire had fully returned. He finished his season's work in 

 good form, and was effective as a sire. The same general 

 principles apply to other breeding males. In countries 

 where cattle are habitually worked, the bulls are kept in 

 breeding condition by moderate draft service. It would be 

 well to imitate this plan in America, where bulls and stal- 

 lions are not habitually used for work, but could readily 

 render valuable service while being greatly benefited by 

 the vigorous exercise secured. Under general conditions, 

 it is perhaps the best possible and most economic manner 

 by which sufficient exercise for these animals can be as- 

 sured. Incidentally, it should be noted that such exercise 

 or work tends very strongly to prevent that viciousness in 

 bulls and stallions which renders them dangerous to their 

 keepers. 



Zschokke emphasizes the value of the proper selection of 

 food for the purpose of arousing sexual desire, and insists 

 especially that the hay should be aromatic, as should also 

 the oats. Not only should they be well cured and sweet- 

 smelling, but he believes that the admixture of certain 

 stimulants, such as calamus, pepper, powdered mustard, 

 and even powdered cantharides, are advantageous. He 



