The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Goats => Topic started by: Penninehillbilly on May 02, 2018, 12:48:54 pm

Title: Feeding bran.
Post by: Penninehillbilly on May 02, 2018, 12:48:54 pm

Hi
We bought some bran to make up bran mash when goats kidded, but had to buy large sack.
Can I add to normal rations and how much.?


For the last couple of evenings I've been mixing some in with their soaked sugar beet, but not sure if there  is a small amount limit they should be having?
They have probably had a couple of big handfuls between 5, and they all eat it.
4 have kids on and one due in a couple of weeks.

Title: Re: Feeding bran.
Post by: Penninehillbilly on May 03, 2018, 03:23:46 am

Any advice anyone? How much do others give? Or doesn't anyone use it?
Or should I give it to hens?

Title: Re: Feeding bran.
Post by: Anke on May 03, 2018, 06:22:07 am

Sorry I don't feed it, but would think if they like it in small amounts on their sugarbeet won't be doing any harm I would think?

Title: Re: Feeding bran.
Post by: harmony on May 03, 2018, 08:07:16 am

I only know about feeding bran to horses. It is high in phosphorous and low in calcium. Horses need twice as much calcium to phosphorous or the calcium uptake is affected. It is what many consider "an old fashioned feed" replaced by alternatives which offer high fibre without upsetting the phosphorous/calcium balance.


It can however be a good pick me up or tempt fussy/sick feeders. I don't think small amounts will be doing any harm.


What did you buy it for?

Title: Re: Feeding bran.
Post by: Anke on May 03, 2018, 09:23:19 am

It's traditionally fed as a mash to freshly kidded goats, warm, mixed in with some soaked sugarbeet or molasses. Just a pick-me up.

Title: Re: Feeding bran.
Post by: Penninehillbilly on May 03, 2018, 11:09:33 am

Thanks all,
Thats why I bought it, for the goats as they kidded ,
Seemed the thing to do at the time,
now I have to use nearly a sackful somehow  :) .