BRAN 31 



owing to the viscid nature of the gluten which it contains, 

 preventing the different digestive fluids — saliva, gastric 

 juice, pancreatic juice, etc. — from permeating through its 

 substance. This objection could be more or less removed 

 by the process of parching. Eaw wheat given in large 

 quantities is almost certain to gripe the horse. 



That very reliable authority, Mr. Stewart (''Stable 

 Economy "), mentions that a quantity of wheat, not exceed- 

 ing 4 lbs., may be substituted for the same or a slightly 

 larger amount of oats; that it should always be given 

 mixed with bran or chaff; and that it should be bruised 

 in the same manner as oats. In South Africa, I have 

 known it to be given, without producing any ill effects, 

 three times a day, in quantities of 2\ lbs., and mixed 

 with chaff. For examples of its combination, see p. 77. 



A couple of pounds of boiled wheat, in which a little 

 salt has been mixed, may be given at night when soft food 

 is requii-ed. 



Cakes (Hind, cimimtee) made from the following 

 constituents are often relished by delicate feeders : — 



Flour 1 lb. 



Goor (see p. 35) ... ... ... ^ oz. 



Ghee ... ... ... ... ... 2 „ 



Garlic 1 „ 



Bran. — English bran consists almost entirely of the 

 envelope which surrounds the grains of wheat, the flour 

 being nearly all removed. The outer portion of this enve- 

 lope is indigestible, and acts mechanically as a gentle 

 laxative, while the inner layer (according to Mege Mouries) 

 has the same property as diastase in converting starch 



