402 BRAN AND SHORTS. 



the necessity of the objectionable use of stronger physic. 

 When it is not convenient to mix chaff with the oats, a 

 handful of dry bran mixed with the grain will often prevent 

 a horse from bolting his food. 



"Nothing can be more anomalous than the opinion entertained on 

 the use of bran, as it obtains in many quarters. Believed to be non-nutri- 

 tious, it is given largely during disease, to ward off critical inflammation, 

 which a diet of corn might increase ; but why it is persisted in with animals 

 suffering from general prostration and weakening complaints is quite 

 paradoxical. 



" It is a very common practice in some places to leave the bran mash, 

 even for days, before the sick animal. The mixture ferments, fouls the 

 woodwork, and nauseates the sufferer, who shows his disgust by stand- 

 ing as far away as his chain will allow. 



" As a laxative, bran is justly called into requisition periodically as a 

 warm mash for animals in whom there exists an innate disposition to consti- 

 pation. I place the action of a bran mash, given occasionally, as one of 

 the safest, most natural and acceptable adjuncts toward the preservation of 

 health ; which effect is produced with more benefit and less deterioration 

 to the system than by any other means. There are few horses that will not 

 take it when offered as a change, and I would recommend, especially 

 in winter, that it be given at the temperature of new milk, not cold, and 

 the use of it should not be insisted upon indiscriminately, or ill effects 

 are speedily shown." George Armatage, " How to Feed the Horse," 

 p. 84. 



" A bran mash should be made as follows : The bran [about six quarts. 



- ED.] should be placed in a clean pail and as much boiling water poured 



in as the bran will absorb. Half an ounce of salt may be added, and the 



whole should be covered up to keep the steam until sufficiently cool." 



Sir F. Fitzwygram, " Horses and Stables" p. 62. 



" Horses that get a full amount of corn should, as a rule, have a bran 

 or a bran and linseed mash once or twice a week, say on Wednesday and 

 Saturday nights. It will tend to remove any irritation of the intestines 

 caused by the grains." M. H. Hayes, " Training and Horse Management 

 in India," p. 78. 



