FEEDING HORSES.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2046, 14 September 1880, Page 4

FEEDING HORSES.

"From a lecture delivered not long Bgo before an English farmer*' olub by Mr J. -Storey, V.S., the following extracts are taken: —In regard to food of all animals the hone, in comparison to its size, has the smallest stomach. It is therefore of great importance that its food should contain as much nutriment as possible in the smallest bulk, more especially when undergoing hard work. Hay and oats have this qualification to a greater degree than any other of the feeding stuffs in general use, and that they should form the staple form has been proved by long experience. Bruised oats are very suitable for old horses and those that bolt their corn, but beyond this they have nothing specially to recommend thorn. The average quantity of oata required to keep a horse undergoing hard work ii good condition is about 201 b. per day. Of course some horses would eat more. Others cannot be induced to consume more than 14lb. Drivers of contractors' horses are practically •ware of the f aot that the more they can get their horses to eat the more work they will do. But the result of overworking is the premature death of many valuable animals. Indian corn may be fed if it is cheap, but must only be used with an equal proportion of bran. Carrots, turnips, and potatoes require to be fed with discretion —indeed, Mr Storey is inclined to condemn the use of potatoes altogether. To oooked food, the lecturer •aid, the great objection is, that it fattens without giving strength and firmness to the muscles. It is also apt to bo bolted without proper mastication, which is a common cause of colic and indigestion. For a horeo recovering from any debilitating disease, or for one coming off a long journey, it is of great benefit if given judiciously. To make a regular practice of feeding with it every day, however, is unnatural and, he believed, highly injudicious. It is a common practice to givo a feed of it every Saturday night for the purpose of keeping the bowels in order. Threefourths of a pailful of mashed bran would serve the purpose better without the risk of deranging the bowels. This is a moat necessary adjunct in horse feeding, and -ehould be given regularly once a week. It acta mechanically on the lining membrane of the stomach, increases the secretion, and thereby averts constipation. As already stated, the -stomach or receptacle for solid food is very ■mall; the ctccum, or receptacle for water, is -quite the opposite. It is not uncommon to see a horse drink two or three pailfuls of water at a time. It is, therefore, probable that he does not require it often. Three times « day is sufficient, provided the horse is allowed as much as he will drink. In oases where he is excessively hot or exhausted, or where he has been kept without water for an undue length of time, it should be given in smaller quantities and more frequently. It is ■ great common error to allow horses water after being fed. In its passage through the stomach the water is sure to carry with it some of the undigested food, which ought never to reach the intestines, and will probably cause colio or indigestion.