202 THE PEINCIPLES OF BREEDING 



indicate that starvation and extremely low condition are favor- 

 able to reproduction. It is true that a thin mare is more apt to 

 breed than a pampered one, but a mare in low condition has no 

 reserve on which to draw for the nourishment and growth of 

 her colt. Her whole system is in an impoverished condition, 

 which must be corrected before the nutrients will be available for 

 the growth of the foal. 



Feeding.- — The quality of the ration is of as much impor- 

 tance as the quantity. Fat production is to be avoided, and the 

 formation of blood, muscle, and bone sought instead. Hence, a 

 comparatively narrow ration should be fed. 



The tendency of females to fatten as pregnancy advances 

 must-be guarded, as mares may become so fat as to interfere with 

 the development of the foal, and cause abortion or trouble at 

 birth. Just before and after foaling, the ration of the dam 

 should be lightened and made more laxative by the addition of 

 bran, either dry or in a mash, to be continued until both dam and 

 foal have fully recovered from the ordeal through which they 

 have just passed. 



After Foaling. — Exercise should be permitted after the sys- 

 tem of the mare has readjusted itself, but regular work should 

 not be begun inside of three weeks. It is better not to work the 

 mare until the foal is weaned. 



THE FOAT. 



Navel Infection and Impaction of the Bowels in Young 

 Foals. — There are two active causes of death in young foals, a 

 better understanding of which might materially reduce tlae 

 fatalities ordinarily reported during the foaling season. One, 

 perhaps the most common, is due to an impaction in the bowels 

 of the excrement accumulated during the development prior to 

 birth. This material is called meconium, and its prompt re- 

 moval is essential to the well-being of the new bom animal. 

 Nature has provided for the accomplishment of this by giving 

 to the fore-milk or colostrum, as it is called, purgative properties. 

 Thus, if Nature's plans are not interfered with and the first 



