Special Report on Diseases of the HorseUnited States. Bureau of Animal Industry
Science
Special Report on Diseases of the Horse
United States. Bureau of Animal Industry
Horses -- Diseases
GRAINS.--Oats take precedence of all grains as a feed for horses, as the
ingredients necessary for the complete nutrition of the body exist in
them in the best proportions. Oats are, besides, more easily digested
and a larger proportion absorbed and converted into the various tissues
of the body. Care must be taken in selecting oats. According to Stewart,
the best oats are one year old, plump, short, hard, clean, bright, and
sweet. New oats are indigestible. Kiln-dried oats are to be refused, as
a rule, for even though originally good this drying process injures
them. Oats that have sprouted or fermented are injurious and should
never be fed. Oats are to be given either whole or crushed--whole in the
majority of instances; crushed to old horses and those having defective
teeth. Horses that bolt their feed are also best fed upon crushed oats
and out of a manger large enough to permit of spreading the grain in a
thin layer.
In addition to the allowance of hay above mentioned, the average horse
requires about 12 quarts of good oats daily. The best oats are those cut
about one week before they are fully ripe. Not only is the grain richer
in nutritive materials at this time, but there is also less waste from
"scattering" than if left to become dead ripe. Moldy oats, like hay and
straw, not only produce serious digestive disorders but have been the
undoubted cause of outbreaks of that dread disease in horses, already
referred to, characterized by inability to eat or drink, sudden
paralysis, and death.
WHEAT AND RYE.--These grains are not to be used for horses except in
small quantities, bruised or crushed, and fed mixed with other grains or
hay. If fed alone, in any considerable quantities, they are almost
certain to produce digestive disorders, laminitis (founder), and similar
troubles. They should never constitute more than one-fourth the grain
allowance, and should always be ground or crushed.
BRAN.--The bran of wheat is the one most used, and its value as a
feeding stuff is variously estimated. It is not to be depended upon if
given alone, but may be fed with other grains. It serves to keep the
bowels open. Sour bran is not to be given, for it disorders the stomach
and intestines and may even produce serious results.
MAIZE (CORN).--This grain is not suitable as an exclusive feed for young
horses, as it is deficient in salts. It is fed whole or ground. Corn on
the cob is commonly used for horses affected with "lampas." If the corn
is old and is to be fed in this manner it should be soaked in pure,
clean water for 10 or 12 hours. Corn is better given ground, and fed in
quantities of from 1 to 2 quarts at a meal, mixed with crushed oats or
wheat bran. Great care should be taken in giving corn to a horse that is
not accustomed to its use. It must be commenced in small quantities and
very gradually increased. I know of no grain more liable to produce what
is called acute indigestion than corn if these directions are not
observed.
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