FEEDING BRAN TO HORSES

Shannon News, 17 February 1925, Page 1

FEEDING BRAN TO HORSES

In the feeding of horses, bran may be fed in reasonablbe quantities, and has a value quite distinct from its actual feeding value—namely, the effect which it exercises on the bowels or intestines when given in the form of a mash. A bran mash, whether given to horses or other stock, has a cooling and soothing effect on the system, and many owners of horses, especially those in towns, give their horses a bran mash on Saturday night if no work has to be done on the following day. Where other laxative food is given, say, in the form of greenstuff, a bran mash is not necessary. In any case, the use of a bran mash as x laxative should be borne in mind, and is preferable to the use of strong purgatives. While a bran' mash is laxative, dry bran, on the other hand, produces an astringent effect. Breeders of horses know too well that soft foods may have the effect of laying on flesh, but they do not develop hard muscle, and such foods. therefore, cannot take the place of valuable concentrated foods like oats, beans, etc. Bran, being one of the more bulky concentrated foods, can, therefore, be used as a diluent, but.in all cases it should be procured in a fresh and sweet condition, as musty and fermented samples are worthless.