Rice bran is the outer layer of the rice grain, removed by polishing brown rice to become white rice. It is a highly nutritious product that is a rich source of energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and fibre, therefore a valuable ingredient to add to feed to boost the nutritional content.
Nutritional Benefit of Rice Bran
The health and productivity benefits of rice bran in livestock feed are well documented, having been well researched in Australian and international studies.
Rice bran contains:
- A highly digestible form of concentrated energy.
- A rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids for heart and blood vessel health.
- A good source of natural vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect tissues against oxidative damage and also supports immune function.
- A range of trace elements important for bone, cartilage and joint health, and for improving immune function and metabolism.
- A source of the essential amino acids including methionine for hoof integrity, and lysine for building muscle protein.
- A high rice bran oil content (up to 20%), which provides a dense source of energy. Using oil as an energy source conserves glycogen reserves in muscles, helping to delay fatigue and improve stamina.
- Gamma oryzanol is a natural anabolic plant compound, which promotes muscle development and definition.
The rice brain oil contained in rice bran may enhance the digestion of starch in the small intestine, for rice bran oil slows the rate of digestion through a horse’s stomach and intestinal passage. This allows for more time for complete digestion of starch and helps reduce the risk of acidosis, colic and laminitis, which are associated with the fermentation of starch in the horse’s hindgut.