196 PRINCIPLES OF FEEDING FARM ANIMALS 



account of its beneficial physical effect, bran, if not too ex- 

 pensive, may form one-half of the concentrates for fattening 

 cattle during the first stages of fattening, after which it should 

 be gradually decreased until only a small amount, if any, is 

 being used, on account of its bulk and high content of crude 

 fiber. Bran is usually too expensive to use in the ration of 

 fattening animals, especially if they have clover or alfalfa hay. 



For Breeding Stock. — Both on account of its chemical 

 composition and its physical effect, bran is adapted for use 

 in the rations of all classes of breeding animals. Especially 

 is this true when the ration is of a heavy, concentrated na- 

 ture, or when no legume roughage is available. 



For Milk €ows. — Bran, owing to the protein and mineral 

 matter which it contains, its laxative nature, and the bulk 

 which it imparts to the ration, is particularly well adapted 

 for use in the ration of the dairy cow. With a non-nitrog- 

 enous roughage, bran may constitute one-half of the con- 

 centrates of the ration. With a nitrogenous roughage, such 

 as clover or alfalfa hay, bran need not form over one-third 

 the concentrates. Bran, ground oats, and ground corn in 

 equal parts make a satisfactory ration unless too expensive, 

 in which case the amount of bran and oats may be decreased 

 and cottonseed meal or Unseed meal added to furnish pro- 

 tein and mineral matter. Bran is regarded by many dairy- 

 men as an essential constitutent of the ration unless good 

 alfalfa hay is available. 



For Work Horses. — Bran is too bulky and contains too 

 much crude fiber to be used in the ration of work horses 

 except in small amounts. A bran mash seasoned with salt 

 and ginger should be fed once or twice a week to horses at 

 hard work in order to keep their bowels loose. 



