WEANING THE FOAL.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 29, Issue 47, 19 June 1917, Page 7

WEANING THE FOAL.

HANDLING AND WEANING. j Whether more than one mare with foal at foot should be run in a paddock depends simply on the temper of the mare, and the convenience of the owner, but where it is necessary as in the case of small farms, a watchful eye should be kept on them to insure comfort and quiet grazing for all. , “Foals certainly improve betterin' company with other foals, for they enjoy the exercise attached to the, scampering about that companionship engenders,” says the Principal of the Hawkesbury (N.S.W.) Agricultural College, “but an over-jealous mare with a cantankerous disposition and an inclination to punish other foals, may disturb all the rest of the marcs, and she must either be removed to another paddock or subdued by extra attention. Her quarrelsome nature may develop into biting, kicking, or other evidences of greed and temper which will arouse the material fighting instinct in the other mares,” and breeders who are in a position to do so will consider whether or not such a mare should be bred from again. Discussing the food of the mare and foal, bran may be used as an ordinary article of diet or medicinally, and it is the form in which it? is supplied that determines its effect on the animal. "Bran fed in a dry state is regarded solely as a food, and it is given in order that full benefit may, be secured of its high protein content. In this form it is valuable, because it stimulates the growth of, red flesh, muscles and tendon, and also a good flow of milk. It is fed with chaff, maize, hay or other foods. In a wet form, bran is distinctly laxative. In this condition the bran is swallowed without mastication, and is only partly digested. The •bran mash, however, is a comfort■able and simple remedy for constipation, but should not be given more than once or twice a week.* 4