Vinegar is similarly obtained for sanitary purposes, at the rate of 2 gallons per week per 100 animals.
Soft Food, bran-mashes, should be given at least once a week if possible.
Animals should be grazed whenever the opportunity occurs.
Care.—Grooming should be carried out as with horses, but need not be so elaborate. Manes are usually hogged; tails are cut, but not in hot weather during the fly season. The hair on the mule's heels should never be cut; nor should the mud, in the winter season, be washed off, but allowed to dry on the animal's legs, and then rubbed off with hay or straw.
Feet.—Keep in the natural state as nearly as possible. Mules suffer from standing on wet ground; but in dry climates, or in stables with modern floors, care should be taken that their feet get sufficient moisture, by wetting them or standing the animal a short time where this result will be obtained.
Shoeing.—The hot shoe must never be applied to the foot under any circumstances. Give the ground-surface a level bearing. Let the frog come to the ground; if it projects beyond the shoe, so much the better; never under any circumstances cut it away. Never put a knife to the sole of the foot. Let the shoes be as light as possible, without calks if avoidable, exactly the shape of the animal's foot; secure with two nails on each side, an inch apart, and one in the toe.
The Putnam hot-forged nail is excellent.
Harnessing.—Meddle as little as possible with a mule's ears, as they are exceedingly sensitive. With care the mule can be easily bridled; but once struck on the head or pulled by the ear, there will be trouble ever after.
Pit the bridle carefully; see that the crown-piece is not too tight; that the bit fits easily in the mouth; that the corners of the mouth are not drawn up: otherwise the animal's mouth will become sore. The throat-latch must be loose.
See that the other parts of the harness fit properly and do not rub or gall the animal.