Feeding Bran Mash

Now I know a little about bran mash, like how bran mash is used if the horse is having problems going to the toilet by loosening the leavings, and if he/she is unwell, and dry bran is used for stiffing up the horses leavings for want of a better word!

But I also know that if you are feeding it for a few days you should also balance it out with limestone... I can't remember what ends that sentence but any information about Bran Mash I would be most grateful!

M.G

If you're talking wheat bran, it's particularly high in phosphorus, so it causes calcium imbalance/deficiency - or is used to treat it

Some say that wheat bran actually irritates the horse's gut so should not be fed. However, it has been fed for years with no problems!
It is true that it will upset the phosphate/calcium balance and one way round it is to feed with either limestone or sugar beet.

You are incorrect in thinking that dry bran will firm a horse's poop. It will not, it will get wet as it goes through the gut.

I will also add that bran should never be fed dry. It will often stick in the horses throat and can cause a serious case of choke.

Thanks for that info, I learnt most of it at a riding school and the BHS, but I followed up your reply (Not that I doubted you! )and other info and found a vet's page and a whole bunch of other stuff came up that I didn't know and indeed the BHS!

Thanks, This was a real help, I learnt something new already and the days only half way through!

M.G

But so you should! I don't think it's wise to take any advice blindly!

Wheat bran mash is a good way to get your horse to eat or drink something they might otherwise turn their nose up to. I have always heard mixing 3 lbs of wheat bran, 1/4 cup molasses or apple sauce, 1 grated carrot or apple and 3-4 cups hot water. Contrary to popular belief, wheat bran does not have laxative effects in horses because horses can digest it. So feeding bran is not an effective means to remove sand or dry manure impaction. However it does have a tendency to irritate the lining of their intestines and if fed daily over a long period of time may contribute to the formation of enteroliths. And it has a high phosphorous content.