CHAPTER XX 
THE GROWING STOCK 
Tue future size and value of the colt depend to a 
large extent on the start it gets. Gains may be eco- 
nomically made on weanlings and yearlings, but an un- 
usually large amount of feed is necessary to make much 
growth if the animal is stunted in its early life. On ac- 
count of this fact the horse-men who are making the big- 
gest success in the raising of horses are careful of them 
the first and second winters and let the colts rough it 
later in life rather than when they are young. 
FUNDAMENTALS OF FEEDING 
The principles involved in feeding growing horses are 
practically the same as with other kinds of live-stock. 
The chief requirements of the body at this time are for 
protein and for mineral matter or ash. It is, therefore, 
especially important that these nutrients be supplied 
in the proper quantities. On an average, the proper 
nutritive ratio for growing horses will be about one to 
five or one to six; that is, the ration will need to contain 
five or six parts carbohydrates or their equivalent to one 
part of protein. Of the feeds best adapted to produce 
such a ratio may be mentioned the leguminous hays, such 
as alfalfa, clover, vetch, and among the grains oats and 
bran will be the best. The native pasture grasses, when 
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