102 
PURE BRED DRAFT HORSES 
their dams. But if the mares are to be in foal immediately afterwards, 
delay in allowing the foal to nurse over 6 months of age may prove in¬ 
jurious to the vitality of the mother. During the process of weaning, 
Reese says: “The foal should not nurse more than once after it has been 
taken away. The excess milk from the mare’s udder should be taken 
from 3 to 5 times a day, but enough should be left so that her system will 
start to absorb the milk, otherwise the drying-up process will be delayed 
unnecessarily. Not withdrawing sufficient milk will cause the udder to 
cake and spoil. Vaseline or lard rubbed on the udder will aid in keeping 
it soft.” 
As to the feeding and management of weanlings during the first win¬ 
ter, Reese 30 is quoted, as follows: “Colts can be housed satisfactorily 
either in the stable or in an open shed . . . The main requirements 
(of the shed) are that the quarters be dry, sanitary, and provide fairly 
warm protection from winds. Several foals may run together if the 
weaker ones are not driven away from their feed by the stronger. The 
quarters should be kept clean and well bedded and occasionally should be 
disinfected. Lice are to be suspected w r hen the animals get to rubbing 
and lose patches of hair. Thorough washing with the proper solutions 
of coal-tar disinfectants will kill lice . . . The foals should be out 
in the open every day that is not stormy; it is harmful, however, for 
them to remain out in the cold rain. The foal should be taught to lead 
and to stand tied during the first winter. 
“Feeds that will promote growth should be supplied. Good, clean 
clover hay is palatable and slightly laxative. Timothy hay commonly is 
fed. Well-cured alfalfa hay free from dust is one of the best roughages 
for growing, but because of its relatively high protein content it gen¬ 
erally is economical to supplement it with other roughage such as tim¬ 
othy, mixed hay, or corn fodder. Besides lending variety to the ration 
such a method of feeding alfalfa would offset any liklihood of kidney or 
bowel irregularities. Sheaf oats can be used to advantage to supplement 
other roughage. The animals should not be allowed to gorge themselves 
on dry feed. They should be given only what they will clean up readily, 
but at the same time enough feed should be supplied. Oats, corn, and 
peas, preferably fed ground, are suitable grains. Bran, oil meal, or 
gluten feed will add protein and lend variety. Cottonseed meal should 
not be fed to foals. Appropriate grain rations for the first winter are: 2 
parts corn, 5 parts oats, 3 parts bran, and 1 part oil meal; or 4 parts 
oats, 1 part corn, and 1 part bran. 
“Silage should not be fed to foals to any considerable extent. Sliced 
roots, such as carrots and sugar beets, are very palatable and have a 
cooling effect on the digestive system. The quantity of feed generally 
should be regulated by the appetite, although occasionally the appetite 
may be too ravenous to be a good indication. The general condition of 
the colt and the droppings should be observed daily. Usually not over 1 
pound of grain per 100 pounds of live weight should be fed until the 
animal is 2 years old. A liberal supply of salt and good water and plenty 
of fresh air and exercise are essential for the proper development of 
young horses. Idleness succeeding exercise will cause constipation. It 
is often said that a horse is made during his first winter. Certainly this 
is a critical time in the anmal’s life, and at no other age will proper feed 
(and attention do as much to mgke of him a good horse. If stunted during 
the first winter he will never gain proper size and shape.” 
As the second summer is reached, according to Reese, 39 “Foals should 
be changed from dry feed to pasture gradually, and should not be 
turned on pasture until the grass is old enough not to become washy. 
Grass is an indispensable factor in the economical and proper physio¬ 
logical development of young horses . . . The feet of the young 
animals should be noticed . . . and if the hoofs are too long or high 
