Bran... other uses?

[Evil_Cookie]

Does anyone else have this problem?

My mare had colic a little while ago, and the vet advised bran mashes for a few days to get her moving just in case... But now I'm left with half a bag full of bran... what can I do with it? should I feed it? or can I make some treats or something out of it? Or is it designated to the bin?

Any suggestions appreciated

EC

 

[EllieBeast]

You can add it to the normal feed unsoaked just to bulk it a bit. theres an old wives tale that feeding bran is good to preventmud fever too, i used to feed it to my lass.

 

[Evil_Cookie]

So if I was to add it to my tb mares feed of hifi lite, sugarbeet, calm&condition and oil, as long as thoroughly soaked it would just be another source of fibre? Would it cause any problems?

And soaked cold?

EC

 

[EllieBeast]

Just add it dry to her normal feed (as the sugarbeet will keep it moist enough). it has basically no nutritional content, so there should be no adverse effects!

 

[Maesfen]

No it shouldn't cause any problems at all as long as you don't feed too much of it; by that I mean more than a scoop at a time.

If I was feeding what you are, I would start with the bran as a base and mix in with the sugar beet first so it is thoroughly mixed and damp, then add the other bits; it shouldn't be wringing wet, just hand damp but do not feed it dry. For a change you can make a mash with warm water (I sometimes, if it's very cold, pour warm water over my soaked sugar beet; I like warm gravy, don't see why they shouldn't too!) If you feed it to get them to eat medicine then you can add black treacle or apple juice to a jug of warm water for a treat too.

You can also use bran for poultices, very good drawing properties; I personally wouldn't consign it to the bin, horses usually love it and I always feed light mashes for the week before the mares foal.

 

[filly190]

I would use it up by adding to the feed as suggested.

 

[mat]

In the old days, people used to make poultices with bran, as it helps top draw out muck/poison.

 

[jayvee]

I dont see any harm in using it up in your daily feed by adding a 1/4 or 1/2 scoop once a day. I got a bag for one on box rest, but giving a bit to others at night as well as bran doesnt keep for long so rather use it than waste it.

 

[Vicki1986]

Ugh the bags are huge arent they?!

I got a bag (luckily to share between a few of us) to do bran mashes so pony would eat her anit biotics. she goes mad for a bran mash she absolutely loves it. i now give her a small one every week or so (only about 2 mugfulls as shes only 13.1)

if your feeding bran you should also feed limestone apparently. not sure of the exact reasons but something to do with bones.