STABLING, FEED AlfD CAEE. 127 



COEN Fodder is extensively used in many parts of the country, 

 and though forming a good substitute for hay, it is not as nutritious 

 as good timothy hay, and from the large amount of stalks, it is not 

 nearly as convenient to feed as hay. However, when grown by the 

 owner, it may be used with advantage during the winter season. 

 Of the grains, 



Oats seem to be especially adapted to the horse. All grains have 

 high nutritive values, with but little waste; as a consequence, their 

 digestibility is high, and they contain a large amount of nutriment 

 in a small bulk. 



Corn is largely fed to horses, but from its tendency to produce 

 fat, it is not to be recommended as equal to oats. Com may be fed 

 more freely in winter, because it is an excellent heat supporter, but 

 at other times it should be liberally mixed with oats, or discarded 

 entirely. 



Wheat Bran, it will be seen from the table of analyses, is rich 

 in protein. That it can be fed with profit to our driving horses 

 occasionally, there can be no doubt. When fed in connection with 

 corn or com meal, its effects are very soon noticed in the appearance 

 of the animal. 



Horses, Hke man, desire a variety of food, and the system tires 

 of a steady diet. There should be a change of food occasionally. 

 Good timothy hay, cut at the right time and properly cured, and 

 oats, then, are the foods which wiU furnish the best results, all things 

 considered, whether grown by the owner or ptirchased. Supply and 

 demand may alter the cost of these, when other foods may be sub- 

 stituted, and their values computed from the table of nutritive 

 values. Cutting and steaming food for stock has many advantages, 

 and certainly pays. Whether it will be profitable where only one 

 horse is kept, is a question which must be left to the judgment of 

 the owner. Feed should be given regularly. The human stomach 

 bears hunger better than that of the horse. He should always be 

 allowed plenty of time to eat. 



The stomach is in no condition to receive food immediately 

 after severe exertion. At this time it has not nervous force to digest 

 the food, and often flatulent colic is caused by too hurried feeding. 

 Neither should a horse be used directly after eating, but time 

 should be given it to partially digest its food. Neglect of this often 

 causes staggers. Always feed carefully. No scantiness ; no over- 

 feeding, especially of the albuminoids or grain foods. 



Good pure water of moderate temperature is of prime impor- 

 tance. It requires the combustion of tissue to warm water to the 

 temperature of the body. Hence, it is important that the water 



