78 Animal Husbandry 
furnishes a large proportion of muscle-forming and bone-forming 
food. 
138. Weaning the foal. — This is more a question of prepara- 
tion than of the absolute removal of the foal from the dam; and 
the simplicity of the weaning process depends on the thoroughness 
of the preparation. If the foal has been accustomed to grain as 
suggested, if it has been permitted to take increasingly more as it 
grew, then the process will not be difficult, for as the ration in- 
creases in amount of grain, it will decrease in the amount of milk 
consumed. When the time arrives for complete separation, there 
will be very little if any set back or disturbance to either foal or 
dam. 
Foals are usually weaned at four to six months of age, depend- 
ing on conditions. If the mare was bred soon after foaling and con- 
ceived, it is best. to wean the foal early, so that the mare will have 
time to recuperate and nourish the fetus. If for any reason mare 
and foal are not doing well, it is perhaps best to wean comparatively 
early. If, on the other hand, the mare has a full flow of milk and 
her services are not needed, there is no reason for weaning the foal 
under six months of age. When dam and foal are separated it 
is better for both that the separation be-complete. Care should 
also be taken to see that the new quarters, where the weanlings 
are confined, are so constructed and;arranged that they cannot 
injure themselves while fretting over the separation. 
139. Sample rations for the horse. — The following rations are 
collected from various sources and furnish a guide in determining 
the kind and amount of feed that should be allowed the horse 
under various conditions : — 
