BRAN FOR STOCK.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2062, 2 October 1880, Page 3

BRAN FOR STOCK.

The subject of the feeding virtues of bran for stock has been engaging the attention of practical and scientific men in the old country. Bran has long been considered in these colonies (writes the “ Queenslander”) the very best description of teed to give milch cows. The results of recent investigations have proved this opinion to be in every way sound. By analysis it has been proved that unbolted flour (that is, flour retaining the bran) is much more wholesome for human food than bolted flour. It is especially adapted for children as furnishing the material formating bones and developing teeth. The only objection is that it has a laxative tendency due to mechanical not chemical influences; the coarse particles when fed alone often irritating the intestines when given in large quantities ; but this condition is healthiea than a state of constipation. In the case of stock this can always, it is said, be obviated by feeding at first along with hay. One of the greatest recommendations of bran as feed for stock, it is said, is that the droppings of tho stock enrich the pasture. A large proportion of the inorganic matter (ash) in bran is composed of the various phosphates—just what worn-out pastures require—these salts having been carried off in the milk and meat sold- It is stated that wonderful changes have been produced on pastures of old farms by the liberal feeding of cows with wheat and bran. Tim various analyses and experiments led to the recommendation of a free and liberal use of bran 115 an article of food for the family oow by all who value the health of the little ones in the family.