CHAPTER XX 



THE GROWING STOCK 



The future size and value of the colt depend to a 

 large extent on the start it gets. Gains may be eco- 

 nomically made on weanlings and yearlings, but an un- 

 usually large amount of feed is necessary to make much 

 growth if the animal is stunted in its early life. On ac- 

 count of this fact the horse-men who are making the big- 

 gest success in the raising of horses are careful of them 

 the first and second winters and let the colts rough it 

 later in life rather than when they are young. 



FUNDAMENTALS OF FEEDING 



The principles involved in feeding growing horses are 

 practically the same as with other kinds of live-stock. 

 The chief requirements of the body at this time are for 

 protein and for mineral matter or ash. It is, therefore, 

 especially important that these nutrients be supplied 

 in the proper quantities. On an average, the proper 

 nutritive ratio for growing horses will be about one to 

 five or one to six ; that is, the ration Avill need to contain 

 five or six parts carbohydrates or their equivalent to one 

 part of protein. Of the feeds best adapted to produce 

 such a ratio may be mentioned the leguminous hays, such 

 as alfalfa, clover, vetch, and among the grains oats and 

 bran will be the best. The native pasture grasses, when 



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