This section is from the book "The Stable Book: Being A Treatise On The Management Of Horses", by John Stewart. Also available from Amazon: The Stable Book.
It has been said that cutting the hay is attended with a saving, according to some, of one fourth; or, according to others, of a third, and even a half, in the whole consumption: that is to say, a stone of chaff will go as far as two stones of hay. This is very like nonsense. But the accounts, though different, are probably all true. Much may be saved, yet all the saving must not be attributed o cutting, but to greater care of the hay after it is cut. The chaff is no more nutritious than the hay; the horse needs as much, and will eat as much of the one as of the other; but a smaller quantity being given at a time, the horse has it not in his power to waste so much. The chaff is supplied in limited measure; it is put into the manger; if the horse is not hungry it lies there till he is. But it is different with hay The rack often receives as much at one time as might serve two days. After the horse has appeased his hunger, he amuses himself by pulling the hay among his feet, and, selecting such portions as suit his palled appetite, the remainder is wasted. All this is lost through carelessness.
As much chaff might be wasted, but it is not so easy, not so convenient, there is no inducement to give so much at one time; and the horse can not so readily destroy that which he is not disposed to eat. If the hay could be given in measured quantities like the chaff, and the horse prevented from wasting any, cutting, it is obvious, would effect no saving whatever. This can be done well enough. The hay can be weighed and supplied in small quantities; by giving it oftener than usual - no more at a time than the horse will eat - none will be lost. There would be additional trouble in doing so; but the trouble of cutting and serving chaff is greater.
 
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