To study the effect of pregnancy and of nursing on the maintenance requirement of mares

Abstract

Abstract taken from three paragraphs of the Introduction to this thesis: A clear understanding of the main principles underlying the nutrition of farm animals has never been more important to the stock farmer than at the present time, with prevailing high prices for feed and labor. In order to secure profitable returns, the farmer must be able to adapt these principles to the special conditions that surround him. A review of literature shows that little has been done experimentally on determining the effect of pregnancy and of nursing on the maintenance requirements of mares. The basis of this thesis is a study of the requirements of two mares under the conditions of pregnancy and nursing. The data secured from the feeding test and a digestion trial for each part of the experiment is compared and a summary of the results presented.