PRACTICAL MULE BREEDING 



299 



more or less subject to springing of the forelegs when 

 young. According to Knight, who has had large ex- 

 perience in raising jacks, this difficulty results from the 

 foal's long legs. Thus, when the dams are low, and the 

 foal is compelled to stoop and suck, the forelegs are often 

 cramped in such a position as to increase their liability 

 to injury. At an early age the bones are very soft and 



FIG. 142.— SPAN OF PRIZE MULES 



easily sprung. The difficulty is also noticed in young 

 foals feeding on pasture. The youngsters are required 

 to put too much weight on the forelegs in order to reach 

 the grass, and this may result in injury to the joints. 

 Usually the knees spring in or out, but sometimes the 

 ankles give way and occasionally the arm joints are 

 injured. 



This difficulty may be so serious that Knight suggests 

 placing the foals in the stable and feeding them suitable 

 food. Fresh green grass may be fed in the stable, thus 



