256 Western Live-stock Management 



Wheat is not as largely used as some of the other feeds, 

 due to its higher market value for other purposes. When 

 fed, it is usually ground, and makes a fairly satisfactory 

 substitute for barley or oats. It has about the same di- 

 gestive effect as barley. Horses must be gradually accus- 

 tomed to wheat before it is fed in any large amounts. 

 A large feed of wheat may kill a horse not used to it. 



Oats are the standard grain feed of horses throughout 

 the country. This is due to the normal effect on the diges- 

 tive system, and the well-balanced amount of nutrients 

 which they contain. Very few digestive disorders are 

 involved in the feeding of oats, and it is this that makes it 

 the standard feed, especially in the hands of unskilled 

 feeders. 



Corn is not largely raised in the West but when available 

 it forms a highly nutritious feed, supplying large amounts 

 of energy. Corn contains a relatively small amount of 

 protein and hence needs to be balanced with feeds con- 

 taining more protein when used for growing stock or 

 brood mares. On account of the extremely concentrated 

 nature, care should be taken in the feeding of corn to 

 avoid digestive troubles. 



Oil meal is used to balance up the feeds containing barley 

 or wheat. It is laxative in its general nature, and provides 

 a large amount of protein, thus making it a good supple- 

 mental feed, especially with rations that would otherwise 

 be rather constipating. 



Wheat bran is used in the same general way as oil meal, 

 but is more bulky, and makes a very good feed to use in 

 connection with barley. The laxative effect of the wheat 

 bran offsets the constipating effects of the barley as well 

 as furnishing more protein. Bran is a very safe feed and, 

 like oats, causes little digestive trouble. 



