Wheat Bran — Livestock Feed Analysis
Wheat bran is the outer layer of the wheat kernel removed during flour milling, providing 16% crude protein and 67% TDN. Wheat bran is traditionally used in horse nutrition as a warm mash and mild laxative, though its reputation for loosening stools is more related to its high phosphorus content than its fiber content. Wheat bran has an inverted calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (approximately 1:4), which means it must be fed in moderation and balanced with calcium supplementation to prevent nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (big head disease in horses). For dairy cows, wheat bran is a useful fiber and protein source in total mixed rations. For swine, wheat bran provides fiber that improves gut health and reduces constipation in gestating sows. The bulky, flaky texture of wheat bran makes it a useful carrier for mineral supplements and medications.
Which Animals Can Wheat Bran Feed?
The table below shows how Wheat Bran performs as a sole feed source for each of the 20 livestock species in our database. At 16% crude protein and 67% TDN, this feed meets the protein requirement for animals needing up to 16% CP and the energy requirement for animals needing up to 67% TDN. In practice, feeds are rarely used as the sole source; this analysis helps determine where wheat bran fits in a mixed ration.
| Animal | Needs CP | Needs TDN | As-Fed/Day | CP Met? | TDN Met? | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef Cow | 7% | 52% | 27.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $72.81 |
| Dairy Cow | 16% | 70% | 55.1 lbs | Yes | No | $148.65 |
| Horse | 10% | 55% | 24.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $66.74 |
| Meat Goat | 10% | 55% | 5.9 lbs | Yes | Yes | $15.93 |
| Dairy Goat | 14% | 65% | 6.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $18.20 |
| Sheep | 10% | 55% | 5.9 lbs | Yes | Yes | $15.93 |
| Pig (Sow/Boar) | 14% | 75% | 13.5 lbs | Yes | No | $36.40 |
| Pig (Grower/Finisher) | 16% | 80% | 8.4 lbs | Yes | No | $22.75 |
| Chicken (Layer) | 16% | 70% | 0.2 lbs | Yes | No | $0.61 |
| Chicken (Broiler) | 20% | 78% | 0.3 lbs | No | No | $0.91 |
| Turkey | 22% | 75% | 1.0 lbs | No | No | $2.65 |
| Duck | 16% | 70% | 0.3 lbs | Yes | No | $0.96 |
| Rabbit | 16% | 65% | 0.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $0.85 |
| Llama | 10% | 55% | 7.1 lbs | Yes | Yes | $19.11 |
| Alpaca | 10% | 55% | 3.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $8.19 |
| Donkey | 8% | 50% | 8.4 lbs | Yes | Yes | $22.75 |
| Bison | 7% | 52% | 40.5 lbs | Yes | Yes | $109.21 |
| Elk | 12% | 60% | 22.5 lbs | Yes | Yes | $60.67 |
| White-tailed Deer | 12% | 60% | 5.6 lbs | Yes | Yes | $15.17 |
| Miniature Horse | 10% | 55% | 6.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $18.20 |
Cost Comparison with Similar Feeds
Selecting the most cost-effective feed requires comparing both the as-fed price and the price per ton of dry matter. The table below compares Wheat Bran with other feeds in the byproduct category and common reference feeds. The cost per ton of dry matter accounts for moisture content, providing a fair comparison between feeds with different moisture levels.
| Feed | DM % | CP % | TDN % | $/Ton | $/Ton DM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grass Hay | 88% | 8% | 52% | $150 | $170 |
| Alfalfa Hay | 90% | 18% | 58% | $250 | $278 |
| Whole Corn | 88% | 9% | 88% | $220 | $250 |
| Distillers Grains (Dried) | 90% | 27% | 86% | $200 | $222 |
| Beet Pulp | 91% | 9% | 74% | $280 | $308 |
| Wheat Bran | 89% | 16% | 67% | $180 | $202 |
| Rice Bran | 91% | 13% | 65% | $200 | $220 |
| Molasses | 75% | 5% | 72% | $150 | $200 |
| Corn Gluten Feed | 88% | 21% | 80% | $200 | $227 |
| Brewers Grains (Wet) | 24% | 26% | 66% | $60 | $250 |
Feeding Guidelines for Wheat Bran
When incorporating wheat bran into a livestock feeding program, consider the following nutritional characteristics. With a dry matter content of 89%, each pound of as-fed wheat bran provides 0.89 lbs of actual dry matter. The crude protein content of 16% means that each pound of dry matter delivers 2.6 grams of crude protein. The TDN content of 67% indicates the proportion of the feed that is digestible and available for energy.
The cost of wheat bran at $180 per ton translates to $0.090 per pound as-fed or $0.101 per pound of dry matter. When evaluating whether to use this feed, compare the cost per unit of the nutrient you are trying to supply. If you need protein, calculate the cost per pound of crude protein. If you need energy, calculate the cost per unit of TDN. The most economical feed choice depends on which nutrient is the limiting factor in your ration and the relative prices of available feeds in your local market.
Storage requirements vary by feed type and moisture content. Feeds with less than 15% moisture (most dry hays and grains) can be stored in open-sided barns or covered stacks for months to years without significant nutrient loss. Feeds with higher moisture content require either airtight storage (silage, haylage) or must be consumed within days of delivery (wet brewers grains, wet distillers grains). Proper storage prevents mold growth, mycotoxin contamination, and dry matter losses that can significantly increase the effective cost per unit of nutrition delivered to the animal.
Always introduce new feeds gradually over a period of 7-14 days, increasing the proportion of the new feed while decreasing the old feed by equal amounts each day. Sudden dietary changes disrupt the microbial population in the rumen (for ruminants) or the hindgut (for horses), potentially causing digestive disturbances ranging from mild loose stools to life-threatening acidosis or colic. This gradual transition is especially important when switching between forages and concentrates, or when introducing high-starch feeds like corn or barley to animals previously consuming an all-forage diet.
Other Feed Types
Compare nutritional profiles and costs for all livestock feeds in our database.