7i8 
October 10 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER. 
THE FEEDING OF A HORSE. 
What He Ought To Eat. 
Hciiig interested in the economical and 
scienlilic feeding of farm animals, after 
reading Farmer's Bulletin Nos. 22, 1(12 and 
170, dealing with this subject, 1 decided to 
try a ration recommended by the New 
Hampshire Station, for horses, consisting 
of hay, corn and bran. In talking with a 
neighbor, a successful and ui)-to-date man 
about hor.se feeding, he recommended oats 
for grain, saying that corn in hot weather 
did not work well, made a hor.se sweat 
more, and he did not give any to his 
horses, but used 15 to 18 quarts of oats. 
Another man said i)erhai)s it would do. as 
the horse was not being worked very hard, 
and the weather not very hot, but ff she 
did much reading, oats would be the thing 
to feed. These comments on the effect of 
feeding rations tested and recommended 
by the Department of Agriculture are 
rather confusing. If the ration is well bal¬ 
anced, supplying just what Is requli-ed in 
the way of food, and giving the proi)cr i)ro- 
portions of concentrates and roughage, I 
cannot understand why a horse should not 
do as well with one as with another. Why 
should a horse doing a given amount of 
work under like conditions sweat less if 
fed oats than if the same quantity of food 
is supplied in some other grain, as corn 
and bran, in the right proportions? Is it 
a generally acceiitcd idea that a horse is 
more liable to an attack of colic if fed corn 
than if fed oats? For a horse with good 
leeth, would you recommend whole or 
(•l•,•lckod corn when used with bran? 
Gleasondale. Mass. w. c. n. 
The subject of horse feeding has re¬ 
ceived careful attention both in this 
country and abroad. I am not sure that 
the great question, always to the front, 
whether protein and carbohydrates in 
different foods have a greater or less 
value, has been settled. Is the protein 
of oats worth more than that of corn? 
There is a general belief among farmers 
that oats have an unusual value for 
horses, in other words, that oats con¬ 
tained a principle called “avenine” which 
serves as a tonic thereby stimulating in¬ 
creased nerve force. To this opinion I 
have formerly held, and felt sure that I 
liossessed evidence enough to warrant 
this position. Many experiments have 
been conducted and are recorded, feeding 
oats in one case and corn and oats, bran, 
shorts, dried brewers’ grains, oil meal 
and, in fact, nearly all of the by-pro¬ 
ducts supplying necessary food elements 
in others. The general conclusion has 
been that the oats contained no special 
value, not found in a combination of 
other foods. Dr. Jordan, now of New 
York, conducted at the Maine Station ex- 
Iieriments with growing colts in which 
oats were fed against a mixture of peas 
and wheat middlings in the first trial 
and gluten meal, linseed meal and mid¬ 
dlings in the second trial. In the first 
trial, which lasted 137 days, oats, when 
fed to three grade Percheron colts 9, 1(5 
and 18 months old, produced less growth 
than an equal weight of a mixture of 
l)pas and middlings, the relation of 
growth being as 100:111. In the second 
trial two Percheron colts, both 11 
months old, were fed oats against mid¬ 
dlings, gluten meal and linseed meal in 
the proportion of (5:35:15. Ten pounds 
of hay were fed each colt daily in addi¬ 
tion to the grain. The experiment last¬ 
ed 84 days and resulted as follows: 
Weight 
Dail.v 
gain. 
Grain 
at 
Grain 
mix- 
begin- 
mix- 
ture. Oat.s. 
ning. 
ttire. 
Gats. 
lbs. lbs. 
lbs. 
lbs. 
lbs. 
Cn't 1 .0 7 
711 
1.51 
.43 
(’oil 2 .5 0 
r,f )2 
1.16 
.!!3 
The Paris Ornniliiis 
Comiiany 
made 
careful experiments in 1874 (Henry, page 
298): 1(5 horses had been previously fe.l 
18.7 pounds oats and 1.8 pounds corn. 
(Iradually the oats were replaced by 
corn. At the end of four months the 
horses had gained 25.7 pounds each, but 
showed less activity. The conclusions 
were finally that the greatest efficiency 
without loss of animal weight was se¬ 
cured with 6.6 pounds of corn and 12.1 
pounds oats, varying according to the 
individual temperament. The company 
reported: “Compared with the time when 
only oats were fed, they are more calm 
and lack the former abundance of vi¬ 
vacity, but on the other hand wdrk as 
well and as rapidly as before.” The com- 
])any saved $9.26 per horse during one 
year by the partial substitution of corn 
for oats. 
Prof. Voorhees, of New Jersey, found 
most excellent results from feeding near¬ 
ly even pounds of cornmeal and dried 
brewers’ grains, saving about two cents 
per animal a day over a ration of corn, 
wheat bran and oil meal. Voorhee.s 
makes this conclusion: “That the kind 
and quality of specific nutrients contain¬ 
ed in feeds and not their names should 
guide in the preparation of rations. That 
while oats are an excellent feed, it is 
not alone because they are oats, but be¬ 
cause of the amount and proportion of 
the more valuable nutrients, fat and i)ro- 
tein, contained in them. That dried 
brewers’ grains are a wholesome, nutri¬ 
tious and lialatable horse feed, and ac 
present prices (1893) may be substituted 
for oats and a decided saving made in 
the cost of the ration.” Settegast says: 
“Among all cereals oats are best adapt¬ 
ed to horse feeding and their place can 
hardly be filled in colt raising.” Shep¬ 
herd at the North Dakota Station found 
“that horses fed bran and oats ate 
somewhat less concentrates per week, 
lost a little in w'eight, but did 3)^ hours 
more work per week each than those fed 
oats. Upon the whole, bran and shorts 
pioved of equal w'orth to oats for feed¬ 
ing horses and mules. Some additional 
experiments at this station showed that 
whole wheat had no advantage over the 
same weight of bran and shorts.” Many 
■experiments are on record which might 
he cited but would not materially change 
the weight of evidence. 
I am somewhat familiar w-ith the 
feeding of horses in the Adirondack 
lumber country. We are safe in saying 
that the work is the most trying of any 
class to w’hich horse power is applied. 
Not only are the loads exceedingly heavy 
but the roads are often almost impass¬ 
able on account of deep snows and heavy 
grades. Corn and oats 2:1 is most com¬ 
monly fed. If any substitute is used oats 
are replaced by mill feed. Here the work 
is slow movement with heavy draft, and 
corn with its high digestibility and en¬ 
ergy and heat nutrients becomes the 
chief feed. It is also true that slow 
movement, even though the weight in 
foot tons is not more, will require less 
digestible protein in the ration. Rapid 
movement calls for a greater loss of ani¬ 
mal tissue. It is a fundamental law of 
mechanics as well as of animal life that 
high speed begets increased w'ear to the 
machine. Nervous people are always in 
trouble; nervous horses are troubled 
with indigestion and lamenesses. We 
must therefore expect the swift moving 
trotter or road horse would not be at 
jts best upon corn feed. Whether oats 
have come to be the accepted food be¬ 
cause of their properly balanced make¬ 
up or because they do contain a tonic, 
I feel sure is not yet absolutely settled. 
Oats are, asjde from their food con¬ 
stituents, admirably fitted for the horse. 
Unlike the ruminants his storage ca¬ 
pacity is small. The coarse bulky for¬ 
age must not exceed one-third of the 
total feed, while the cow may take two- 
thirds. Oats are “bulky”; that is, they 
carry nearly sufficient crude fiber to 
make possible almost an entire living 
from them, and are hence very safe to 
feed when care has not been exercised 
in making up the ration from other 
sources, (jorn will not in and of itself 
produce colic. Some horses are peculiar¬ 
ly sensitive to a change of food, and oc¬ 
casionally a horse whose digestion is 
weak will become colicky when fed any 
single food. The feeder alone will be 
able to guard against such individual 
weaknesses. We raise oats, barley and 
peas, and as they are our most easily 
raised grain we feed them to our horses. 
During times of heavy work we usually 
add ci-acked corn to the ration with 
most satisfactory results, and this seems 
right in line with the results before 
stated. I have also fed corn and mill 
feed mixed, equal parts, the animals giv¬ 
ing good service and holding their 
weight. We must consider in horse 
feeding the physiological effect upon the 
bowels. The same foods that would 
maintain a healthy condition of the 
bowels during rest or light work might 
prove exceedingly laxative during heavy 
work or hard driving. The by-prod^.cts 
are loosening, while corn and oats have 
a very quieting effect. This is particu¬ 
larly true of oats. To illustrate, change 
the oat feed of a driving horse to oil 
meal and mixed wheat feed, and con¬ 
tinue to drive him hard and observe the 
change in the excreta, varying, of 
course, in different horses. I should pre¬ 
fer cracked corn rather than whole corn 
or finely ground meal. If fed with bran 
it will probably make little difference. 
H. E. COOK. 
Tender Juicy Beef 
always brings a top price. It is a 
sure result if you feed a ration of 
the genuine 
Alma Dried-Molasses 
Bect-Pttip with the grain. 
This is not a patent “stock food” but 
is a natural by-product of beet-sugar, 
made with the greatest care and cleanli¬ 
ness. It contains no drugs or so-called 
“tonics.” 
Send for our booklet describing how Aim."! Dried- 
Molasses Beet-Pulp is made. It will interest you. 
This food fattens stock better and quicker than 
anything else because it is palatable—cattle like it; it 
acts naturally on tlie digestive organs, increasing 
the appetite and aids digestion and assimilation. 
They get all the good of all they eat. 
E. C.Cummings, Carson City, Mich., writes: 
"Send 2 tons first ircight. Am feeding !15 steers 
to top tlie market. This is my 6tli order-’’ 
It is the best food for milch cows and calves. 
Horses, sheep and hogs thrive on it. 
Do not confuse this with wet beet pulp which 
freezes and ferments, or with common dried pulp 
containing no additional sugar. It takes 16 tons of 
wet pulp to make one ton of our Food, and it keeps 
indefinitely. The genuine Alma Dried-Molasses 
Beet-Pulp contains 72 times as much sugar as wet 
pulp, and nearly 5 times as much as common dried 
pulp. Write today. Address 
Dept.n Alma Sugar Gjmpany, 
Alma, Michigan. 
DR. HESS 
Great Stock Book 
_ If you will write and say what 
stock you have—how many liead 
PrHR of each, what stock food you 
■ ■ ww used—and mention tins 
paper. Tliis book is a comprehensive treatise 
on tlie care of all live stock and ^ultry.based 
on the scientillc knowledge and attaimnents 
of the eminent veterinarian. Dr. Hess tM.D., 
I) V.R.); written in popular language; com- 
Biended and used by veterinarians everv- 
where. (let it and beeome a master of all 
Block diseases. Write to-day, to 
DR. HESS & CLARK, Ashland. Ohio. 
Makers of Dr. Hess Stock Food. 
HOW TO FEED AND BREED H06S 
i.s of importance to swine growers. _ A 
practical, clean, common-.sense swine 
paper for farmers can he had frotn now 
to January, 1905 , by sending 10 Cents 
In Silver at once to 
BLOODED STOCK, 
Oxford, Pa. 
BI G SEUrR nn GOOD AGEN TS 
^H^roSTE^STEETsTANCHio^ 
BmI cow fMWnor. All m»Ut. Strong, durable .nd 
couTenluit. Liberal term, to bu.tUnc agenU. 
FrankH. Baltlss, 5aa< Crowar Rochanlor, N.Y 
VICTOR 
W INCUBATOI 
INCUBATORS| 
The simplest, most d8rable» obeap' ^ 
est &isb-clasv higher. Money back \ 
if not as represented. Circular \ 
free; catalogu** 6c. We pay the \ 
freight. GEO. ERTKLCO.QuInfy, III. » 
SUMMER’S 
POWDERS. 
YEARS. 
KV. ___ „ . JFy VeilF. 
lb Dkg. 60c; 7 lb. Pkg. »1; 70 lb. Case » 8 , 
atalogue of (stockmen’s (Supplies k ree. 
. K. TflTltrTT ■ 
WORM 
STANDARD REMEDY FOR 30 
k'etl to IHilHous of Animals kvt 
It t'r. ^ 1 A/L IIIInniK sA.. Clhicacro. 
Breeders’ Directory 
Registered Jersey Bull Calves 
from Imported Golden Lad at fair prices. 
B. F. SHANNON, 907 Liberty Street, Pittsburg, Pa- 
n^HOLSTEini CATTLE 
Good ones, and all ages. Fine Yearling Bulls, 
ready for service. 
RAMBOUILLET SHEEP. 
BERKSHIRE SWINE. 
Write DKLLUUKST I’AKMS, Mentor, Ohio. 
BARGAINS 
stock 
in purebred Holsteln-Frleslan Bull 
Calves. Low present prices to reduce 
Write promptly. 
VV. W. CHENEY, Manlius, N. Y. 
HOLSTEIN - FRIESIANS. 
Choice young stock of the best breeding for sale. 
Prices reasonable. Every animal registered. 
WOODCKEST FARM, Rifton, Ulster Co., N. Y. 
HOLSTEIN BULL CALVES. Scotch Collies. Spayed 
* * Females. SILAS DECAEU, South Montrose, Pa. 
P. Chinas, Bcrhshircs and C. Whites. 
8 wks. to 6 mos.. mated not akin. 
Service Honrs, Bred Sow.s. Write for 
prices and (lo.scrlption. Return if not 
satisfactory; we refund the money. 
HAMILTON & CO., Ercildoun, Chester Co., Pa. 
IMPROVED URGE YORKSHIRES 
the popular 
Eng. bacon 
hog. Pigs of all ages from imported stock for sale. 
MEADOW BROOK STOCK FARM, Rochester, Mich 
T WO CIIKSIIIKK liOAKS, 7 montns old; good 
Individuals and royal breeding, $15 each. A few 
gilts unbred at$10. R. D. HUTTON, Canastota. N. Y. 
-The finest lot ever offered 
for sale at Shady l.awn Ferret 
Farm. Price list free. 
Address, W. J. WOOD, New 
London, Ohio. 
For Sale.—Scotch Collics.-magnificently 
bred. A. J. BENEDICT, Woodworth, Wis. 
UUITC I nnUflDUQ— cockerels for If 
TIiIIl LLUlillnllu taken now. 900 beauties 
rom big eggs from big hens. All purebred, without 
isqualifleations. WHITE & RICE, 
Var’s Poultry, Pigeons, Parrots, Dogs, Cats, 
etc. Eggs, a specialty. 00 p. book, 10c. Rates 
free. J. A. BERGEY, Box 8 , Telford. Pa. 
DEATH TO LICE 
on HENS and CHICKS, 
04-page book FREE. 
D. J. I.AMBERT, Box 307, Apponaug, R. 1. 
IWEEPSIAKES PRIZE 
for “tho best dairy 
—. __cow regartlloHS of 
reed” at Madison County Fair, SeptemberIJjWas 
'on by the Jersey cow, Brownell’s Rissa, No. 100167, 
raring full of good ones. Her bull calf dropped 
eptember first, was sired by the great show bull 
■ueen’s Czar, No. 53573. If you want a $100 bull calf, 
Tito for photos of both parents, pedigree and full 
escription. If you want a cheaper one, or a few 
p.ifnps* I hn.vr» thom iilso. 
Purebred Holsteln-Frleslan Bulls 
from 5 to 18 months old. Improved 
Chester White Pigs of the best breeding at reasonable 
prices. CUABLES RECORD, Peterboro. N. Y’. 
FOR SALE- 
McLennan Bros. Stock Farm, 
Lyndon, Cattaraugus County, N. Y’. 
Holstein-Friesian Bull for sale; Royal Pauline 
DeKol, No. 31.‘20l; born May 8 . 1902. Also a number 
of large, handsome, perfectly marked bull c.alves, ti 
to 8 months old, sired by Corona Spoflord Pletertje, 
No. 30,100. Inquire, 
P. B. McLennan, Syracuse, N. Y. 
for sale. Full and h-alfbrcd. Some 
very nice ones at reasonable 
TUNIS RAMS 
prices. D. C MCPHERSON SEED CO , Scottsvllle, 
N. Y. R F. D 
at farmers’ prices. Septem- 
0.1. C. PIGS ber and October farrow. Fine 
stock; none bettor; few as good. 
J. D. DATES. R. F. D. No. 9, Lndlowville, N. l. 
TOCK FOR SALK— Cockerels, Pullets and Hens. 
All leading varieties. .Prices lower now than 
ter. Write to-day and state your wants. 
MX. BLANCO POULTRY FARM, Mt. Blanco, Ohio. 
C hoice delaine ewes and rams at 
bargain prices. Stock all registered. F. C. 
MULKIN, Friendship, N. Y. 
N O MORE BLIND HORSES.—For Specific Oph¬ 
thalmia, Moon Blindness, and other Sore Eyes. 
BARRY CO., Iowa City, Iowa, have a sure cure. 
Four Berkshire Brood Sows 
with litters at side, numbering from 6 to 10 pigs 
(yearling suws). Litters sired by my great young 
Boar ’■ Gold Heels,” No. 09838. I have four grand 
March farrowed Boars by “Highclere Count,” No. 
08339, and out of “ Longfellow's Gem V.,’'No. 37286. 
Tbo only living daughter of Longfellow, No. 10835, 
and ho was the greatest Berkshire Boar that ever 
lived. I have 10 beautiful March and April sow pigs; 
also 3 yearling service boars. I am pleased to an- 
nonneo that I bred and sold ths Champion Berkshire 
Boar of the N. Y. State Fair at Syracuse this year. 
For prices address, J. E. WATSON, Marblodale, Ct. 
C hester AVhiteiind Berkshire Pigs; none better- 
Also, B. Plymouth Rock Chickens,and W. Holland 
Turkeys. Prices right. W. A. LOTHKKS, Lack, Pa. 
Mann’s 
Bone Gutter. 
Nothing equals green cut bone for hens. 
Any one can cut it with 
Latent 
Model 
I Open hopper. Automatic feed. 10 OiiyK* 
J FreeTrlttl. Nopayunlil you’resaiisfied. 
If jou don't like U. return at our expense. Isn't this 
better for you than to pay for a roacblno you never 
t triodtCMi'Efrw. F. w. MANN CO,, 
Uox 16, hilford, Uass. 
