The Work Horse 257 



Oat hay, when well cured, constitutes a very satis- 

 factory feed, especially for the wintering of stock. It 

 has a normal effect on the digestive system, and is a fairly 

 well-balanced feed. It is especially satisfactory for brood 

 mares and colts and is used to some extent for work horses. 



Wheat hay is largely used throughout all the wheat- 

 producing sections. It is a very valuable feed, and has a 

 high energy value. The most serious fault is that it is 

 somewhat constipating, especially when fed in connection 

 with barley, as suggested above. This fault may be over- 

 come, however, by feeding in connection with bran, alfalfa, 

 or some other laxative feed. Wheat hay, morning and 

 noon, and alfalfa at night make an ideal combination. 



Barley hay is not so extensively used as wheat hay, but 

 meets the same general requirements and also many of 

 the criticisms. The beardless barleys are generally used 

 for hay purposes. 



Rye hay is largely used throughout the homestead 

 areas, as they are usually high in altitude, and therefore 

 need a drought- and frost-resisting crop. Usually rye is 

 somewhat constipating in its general nature, and therefore 

 must be fed with care. It is not considered advisable 

 to feed over one-half rye if it is possible to obtain other 

 feed, although many will feed entirely on rye hay and get 

 along satisfactorily with it. The difference will depend 

 largely on the cutting and on the individual horses. 



Wild hay is used in many sections, and is very well 

 liked. It is usually normal in its general effect on the 

 system and is fairly nutritious. 



Timothy hay is considered as the standard hay for all 

 work horses. This is not due to its large amount of 

 nutrients, but to the normal effect which it has on the 

 horse's digestive system. Timothy contains a large 



