The Work Horse 257 
Oat hay, when well cured, constitutes a very satis 
factory feed, especially for the wintering of stock. It 
has a normal effect on the digestive system, and is a fairly 
well-balanced feed. It is especially satisfactory for brood 
mares and colts and is used to some extent for work horses. 
Wheat hay is largely used throughout all the wheat- 
producing sections. It is a very valuable feed, and has a 
high energy value. The most serious fault is that it is 
somewhat constipating, especially when fed in connection 
with barley, as suggested above. This fault may be over- 
come, however, by feeding in connection with bran, alfalfa, 
or some other laxative feed. Wheat hay, morning and 
noon, and alfalfa at night make an ideal combination. 
Barley hay is not so extensively used as wheat hay, but 
meets the same general requirements and also many of 
the criticisms. The beardless barleys are generally used 
for hay purposes. 
Rye hay is largely used throughout the homestead 
areas, as they are usually high in altitude, and therefore 
need a drought- and frost-resisting crop. Usually rye is 
somewhat constipating in its general nature, and therefore 
must be fed with care. It is not considered advisable 
to feed over one-half rye if it is possible to obtain other 
feed, although many will feed entirely on rye hay and get 
along satisfactorily with it. The difference will depend 
largely on the cutting and on the individual horses. 
Wild hay is used in many sections, and is very well 
liked. It is usually normal in its general effect on the 
system and is fairly nutritious. 
Timothy hay is considered as the standard hay for all 
work horses. This is not due to its large amount of 
nutrients, but to the normal effeet which it has on the 
horse’s digestive system. Timothy contains a large 
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