Question about feeding a horse bran and different types?

Question

My horse that I am getting today (YAY!!!) is usually fed bran as part of his diet. It is a processed, powdery sort (not sure of scientific name). However the only choice of bran I had at my local feedstore was CopRice Rice Bran, which is a pellet form. Will it do any harm switching to those immediatley since it is bran aswell? Or do I follow the 'new feed' rule and introduce it slowly?

Thank you

Answer 1

Yes, if it were me, if you are changing the feed, I would do it slowly over a  period of a few weeks and he'll be fine.  

I am doing that right now with one of my horses because the feed store is no longer carrying the usual feed.

Answer 2

I would introduce it slowly.

btw...Bran...First, as a fiber source it's not that digestible, and second, bran contains about 13 times as much phosphorus as calcium, an imbalance which can eventually affect a horse's bone structure. Third, its famous laxative effect doesn't really exist. Horses are quite sensitive to sudden changes in their diets, so when you feed your horse a bran mash instead of his regular meal, it causes a mild digestive upset, and the result the next day is loose manure.

Answer 3

Any time you change feed with a horse you should do it SLOWLY.  I believe what your horse was getting is red flakey wheat bran, which is normally mixed with warm water when given to a horse.

The pelleted Rice bran, is something else.  I've been told you can feed it for weight gain, the other I feed twice a week in order to keep stuff from building up in the intestines, etc.  Normally my horses's poops are a little runny for a day or so after I feed my red flakey wheat bran.  So, I'm NOT sure how they stay regular with the other and yet put on weight.

Answer 4

You should switch is slowly especially since he is moving to a new place. That will already put enough shock on his system.

Answer 5

First, you need to find out if the bran your horse was being fed is RIce bran...which differs from wheat bran in many ways.

Assuming it is, it makes no difference whether it is pelleted or in meal (powder) form, and there is no need for a period of adjustment when you switch.

Some rice bran is fortified, which means the calcium and phosphorus levels have been balanced, and some are stabilized, which means preservatives have been added (without it, the bran will only be good for a couple of weeks before going rancid).

None of the the differences possible require caution in feeding it immediately when you get the horse.  But, again, be sure it was rice bran they were feeding, and check what you buy to be sure it is safe for the amount of time it will last you.