Overview
Wheat bran is the flaky, outermost layer of the wheat kernel, separated during the dry milling process of producing white flour. It is a highly popular, palatable, and bulky raw material used in feed mills worldwide. While its high fibre content limits its use in high-energy poultry diets, it is a staple ingredient in ruminant, swine, and horse feeds due to its excellent water-binding capacity and digestive health benefits.
Applications
- Digestive health & laxative effect — rich in insoluble dietary fibre (hemicellulose and cellulose); acts as a mild laxative, regulating gut transit and preventing constipation in pregnant and lactating animals.
- Highly palatable bulk — improves feed intake, adds volume, and provides a safe, steady energy source without the risk of acidosis.
- Phosphorus source — relatively high phosphorus versus other plant materials, though much is bound as phytate and requires enzyme assistance to unlock.
Limitations & Usage Tips
- Low bulk density — incredibly light and fluffy (200–260 kg/m³); occupies massive volumetric space, requiring larger storage bins than dense materials like corn or limestone.
- Bridging & flowability — light, flaky texture interlocks and frequently bridges over hopper outlets; requires screw dischargers, mechanical agitators, or steep 60° cone bins.
- Conditioning & pelleting — absorbs steam moisture rapidly; too much wheat bran makes the mash spongy, lowering pellet throughput and durability (PDI).
Recommended Inclusion Rates
| Swine (pigs) | 15%–25% — gestating sows; satiety and prevents constipation before farrowing |
|---|---|
| Ruminants (dairy & beef cattle) | 10%–30% — supports rumen microbe health and milk fat |
| Poultry (broilers & layers) | Under 5% — high inclusion causes wet litter and dilutes energy |
Categories
Quality control & receiving checklist
- Moisture content — high surface area absorbs ambient humidity fast, triggering mould, heat spots, and insect infestations. Target: strictly below 13.0%.
- Adulteration (rice husks / sawdust) — suppliers may blend indigestible fibres to add weight. Target: crude fibre under 10%–12%; check under a microscope.
- Starch content (flour residue) — high starch means more residual flour, raising the energy value. Typically 15%–20%.
- Mycotoxins (DON / Vomitoxin) — wheat is susceptible to Fusarium head blight; vomitoxin concentrates in the bran layer. Test and aim for < 1–2 ppm depending on species.