FEEDING HORSES.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12546, 24 May 1909, Page 4

FEEDING HORSES.

It is 'not so much what a horse eats. as what he thoroughly niastir cates arid; assimilates that maintains the' animal in thrifty condition. Horses that, can go to the stable heated from work and tired from exertion should be watered and allowed to rest for thirty minutes before receiving their', feed of grain. A tired animal is in abnormal condition to properly assimilate its food ..The horse should be watered before beiiig served v with food, for watering the animal after feeding washes a. portion of the food .out of the stomach into the " large intestines:,; where it ferments and creates gas and colic. It -is a mistake .to' feed a horse with much hay at- noon," as the nutrients, in grain are coiieeiitrated and easier of- assimilation than roughage. Hay should be assigned' : to the evening and morning feeds, when the animal has plenty of time to iiiastieate and digest its food - I Large* contractors and" corporations which eriiploy ipany horses have found it more economical to give rations of chopped' and ground feed. The grinding of oats and. other cereals used as ; rations for horses, and mixing the ground, grain with moistened chopped h:ip, ■ has proved^to be a more ecoiiOT mical and stable regimen than feeding whole grain and uncut hay and the roughage. .