CHAPTER XXXV 



HAY AND FORAGE FOR THE HORSE 



The kinds of forage that are available for horse feed- 

 ing are even more numerous than the grains, and they 

 vary as widely in their composition and nutritive value. 

 Dry forage, on the average, contains from one-third to 

 one-half the energy value of grain. It differs from grain 

 in that it contains more water, and more fiber. Because 

 of the high percentage of water, succulent forage con- 

 tains from one-third to one-half the energy value of dry 

 forage. Many of the succulent foods, especially roots 

 and tubers, are almost entirely digestible. 



HAY AND DRY FORAGE 



It is belter to have the digestive tract of the horse 

 moderately distended with coarse material rather than 

 contracted, as would be the case if grains possessing only 

 the requisite nutrients were supplied. In fact, horses 

 fail to thrive when fed concentrates alone ; even oats with 

 their strawlike htills do not provide sufficient bulk. Fur- 

 ther, on farms roughage is ordinarily much cheaper than 

 concentrates and, therefore, should be used as much as 

 possible, although some grain should always be fed in 

 addition, especially to working animals. 



Timothy hay. — Although not particularly rich in 

 digestible nutrients, timothy is the standard hay for 

 horse feeding. There are many reasons for its popu- 

 larity. It can be grown successfully in nearly all local- 

 ities and is the principal market hay; it is difficult to 

 adulterate with other grasses or weeds without detec- 

 tion ; it is relished by horses ; it is free from dust — all of 

 which conditions commend good timothy hay as a horse 

 food. 



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