DISEASES OP THE DIGESTIVE OKGANS. 55 



dried oats are to be refused, as a rule, for even though originally 

 good this drying process injures them. Oats that have sprouted or 

 fermented are injurious and should never be fed. Oats are to be 

 given either whole or crushed — whole in the majority of instances; 

 crushed to old horses and those having defective teeth. Horses that 

 bolt their feed are also best fed upon crushed oats and out of a 

 manger large enough to permit of spreading the grain in a thin 

 layer. 



In addition to the allowance of hay above mentioned, the average 

 horse requires about 12 quarts of good oats daily. The best oats are 

 those cut about one week before they are fully ripe. Not only is the 

 grain richer in nutritive materials at this time, but there is also less 

 waste from " scattering " than if left to become dead ripe. Moldy 

 oats, like hay and straw, not only produce serious digestive disorders 

 but have been the undoubted cause of outbreaks of that dread disease 

 in horses, already referred to, characterized by inability to eat or 

 drink, sudden paralysis, and death. 



Wheat and eye. — These grains are not to be used for horses except 

 in small quantities, bruised or crushed, and fed mixed with other 

 grains or hay. If fed alone, in any considerable quantities, they are 

 almost certain to produce digestive disorders, laminitis (founder), 

 and similar troubles. They should never constitute more than one- 

 fourth the grain allowance, and should always be ground or crushed. 



Bran. — The bran of wheat is the one most used, and its value as a 

 feeding stuff is variously estimated. It is not to be depended upon if 

 given alone, but may be fed with other grains. It serves to keep the 

 bowels open. Sour bran is not to be given, for it disorders the 

 stomach and intestines and may even produce serious results. 



Maize (corn). — ^This grain is not suitable as an exclusive feed for 

 young horses, as it is deficient in salts. It is fed whole or ground. 

 Com on the cob is commonly used for horses affected with " lampas." 

 If the corn is old and is to be fed in this manner it should be soaked 

 in pure, clean water for 10 or 12 hours. Corn is better given ground, 

 and fed in quantities of from 1 to 2 quarts at a meal, mixed with 

 crushed oats or wheat bran. Great care should be taken in giving 

 com to a horse that is not accustomed to its use. It must be com- 

 menced in small quantities and very gradually increased. I know 

 of no grain more liable to produce what is called acute indigestion 

 than corn if these directions are not observed. 



Linseed. — Ground linseed is occasionally fed with other feeds to 

 keep the bowels open and to improve the condition of the skin. It is 

 of particular service during convalescence, when the bowels are slug- 

 gish in their action. , Linseed tea is very often given in irritable or 

 inflamed conditions of the digestive organs. 



