62 



MANUAL OF FARM ANIMALS 



in the stable for a few days, the ration should be decreased. 

 Otherwise he will become stocky and his legs become swollen and 

 stiff. 



During cold weather a more carbonaceous ration may be used. 

 When more food goes to furnish heat for the body, it is reason- 

 able that a horse needs a large proportion of heat-making food. 

 Equal parts of corn and oats by weight would be more satis- 

 factory and ordinarily much cheaper than a larger proportion of 

 oats. 



Fig. 31. — A Good Farm Team of Grade Belgians. Weight 3500 Pounds. 



In providing a ration, whether for summer or for winter use, 

 due consideration should be given to the cost. Roughage is 

 ordinarily much cheaper than grain, but a horse at work is un- 

 able economically to dispose of a large proportion of bulky food. 

 If considerable time and energy must be expended in masticating 

 rough feed, the usefulness of the horse for work is lessened 

 thereby. The more concentrated the food, within proper limits, 

 the less percentage of energy will be needed to make it available. 

 The proportion of grain to roughage depends on the amount 

 and kind of work to be performed. A horse at hard work should 



