174 MANAGEMENT OF THE FOAL. 



a great help in bringing a foal through his first winter until 

 grass conies ; but grain should also be fed in connection with 

 the milk. The milk should be fed slightly warm — about the 

 same temperature as it comes from the cow, and termed " milk 

 warm " ; this is nature's temperament for all young animals. 



As soon as grass gives out the fall after weaning it is quite 

 important that the foal should have a laxative green food. 

 Almost all cultivated roots are good, but by far the best are 

 carrots. When sweet apples are plentiful and cheap, there is 

 nothing better as long as they will last. 



"When the foal is weaned he will want a variety in his grain 

 ration, but it should consist chiefly of crushed oats or ground 

 oats ; some wheat is always good. 



I like a little corn-meal mixed with ground oats and other 

 feed for colts wintered in northern climates. Some think that 

 corn-meal is too heating for young colts ; so it is, fed liberally 

 and alone as a grain ration, but mixed as above, and fed in win- 

 ter in our Northern States, it makes a pretty good overcoat to 

 help keep the youngster warm, and will keep them free from 

 worms better than any other food except linseed oil meal, 

 which, by the way, is a most excellent food for any and all 

 stock, and especially so for all young animals ; but it should be 

 fed sparingly and mixed with other grains. 



In the care of colts scant feeding is to be deplored, and, 

 worse yet, the exposure to severe cold and storms ; while over- 

 feeding the colt makes him clumsy by having the nerves over- 

 loaded with fat. Digestion has too often been impaired by an 

 over-loaded stomach ; if this is done in the colt there is little 

 hope of having a healthy and long-lived horse. 



In caring for weanlings the first winter, give them plenty 

 to eat of clean, good, bright hay, and sweet rovven, if accessible, 

 with grain rations suitable to its size and needs. Do not over- 

 feed with grain, and give an occasional feed of roots, etc., and 

 give plenty to drink. Skim-milk is best, but water will do, and 

 give plenty of open air exercise and sunshine, but carefully 

 avoid exposure to bleak winds and cold storms. 



