If you’re looking for a good source of fat, rice bran is the answer. Stabilized rice bran is a byproduct of rice milling. Because it contains gamma oryzanol, it is a highly palatable source of fat for cattle. This article will help you understand the benefits of using rice bran for cattle feed. It can be a good substitute for soy products in beef and chicken feed.
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Stabilized rice bran is a co-product of the rice milling process
This is an excellent source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants. It is also used in poultry and pet feed. Its powerful enzyme system promotes rapid hydrolysis and deterioration of the oil, thereby transforming it into free fatty acids, glycerol, and lower PH. This makes it suitable for feed use in animals, including cattle.
The presence of stable rice bran (PRB) in a cattle feed formulation improves performance in weanling pigs. Researchers report that rice bran increases intestinal Lactobacillus spp. number and concentration. The findings are published in the Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Science. Although the research is preliminary, it demonstrates that rice bran improves weaning pig performance and can be a valuable co-product of the rice milling process.
It contains gamma oryzanol
During the first years of research, g-oryzanol was only recognized as a single component after extraction from rice bran oil. However, with the help of reverse-phase HPLC, 10 fractions were identified and their structures were determined. Among the major components, cycloartenyl ferulate, 24-methylenecycloartanyl ferulate, and campesteryl ferulate were identified.
Gamma oryzanol has a stimulating effect on growth, lean muscle mass, and strength. It is an antioxidant and affects the endocrine system, improving nutrient absorption and muscle to fat ratio. The crystalline powder contains ferulic acid, a powerful antioxidant that has many biological functions. Sterols play a central role in cellular function and are the building blocks of hormones.
It is a good source of fat
If your cattle’s diet is deficient in fat, rice bran can be used as a supplement. A single ton of rice bran can provide about 30 percent of the cattle’s daily ration. It’s an excellent choice as a finishing aid for market and show animals because it improves ensilage, rumen fermentation, energy availability, and palatability. Moreover, rice bran is used in breeding cattle during lambing, which helps them replace nutrients, fats, and proteins lost during lambing.
While rice bran is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, it is also low in saturated fats, which may impair animal performance. Rice bran is also a natural antioxidant, with a ferulic esther structure and a polyphenol called gamma-oryzanol. This substance is thought to help boost testosterone, a key growth hormone that regenerates muscle tissue.
It is palatable to cattle
Fermented rice bran increases the nutritional energy of a feed, and improves palatability in cattle. This medium is an excellent source of Pantothenic Acid and has the same nutritional energy as corn, when fed at the same rate. However, rice bran should be removed from supplements at least 30 days before the cattle are processed. Although it is highly digestible and palatable, it is still an effective conditioning aid.
NutraCea conducted an internal study on the rancidity of raw rice bran. They focused on the development of free fatty acids (FFAs), a good indicator of hydrolytic instability. Free fatty acids are formed from the hydrolysis of fat by an enzyme called lipase. When this enzyme is present, the rice bran develops a rancid end product. The high FFA content can lead to detrimental effects on animal health.
It is not fortified with vitamins and minerals
Rice bran is a highly nutrient-dense kernel that is only half the size of the grain itself. It is also highly susceptible to rancidity, particularly in warm, humid climates. Therefore, many manufacturers now stabilize rice bran with vitamin E or tocopherols. The result is a highly digestible and palatable food that provides a higher nutritional value than bare bran.
Because of its high calorie density, rice bran provides energy to the livestock. It is a palatable source of fat and contains several grams of fiber. It is also highly digestible compared to other starchy fibers, thereby reducing the amount of feed needed for optimal energy. Among other benefits, rice bran may protect against developmental orthopedic problems in horses. Its high content of fiber and protein makes it a highly palatable source of energy for equine athletes. In addition, it reduces the need for grain in horses with weight maintenance problems.
It can be used as an alternative to soy products
There are several advantages of rice bran as an alternative to soy products in cattle feed. This grain is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids and has many other beneficial effects on livestock. The oil extracted from rice bran is highly stable, and can be added to livestock feed as an additive. It is best to add rice bran to feed as soon as possible after it is processed. This will prevent rancidity and preserve the nutrition and nutrient value of the grain. Furthermore, the cost of rice bran makes it a very attractive ingredient to feed formulations.
Another important benefit of rice bran is its high fiber content. It contains 14-18% oil, which is helpful as a binder for mixed feeds. Rice bran can be used at higher levels than ordinary rice bran, as long as it has a crude fibre content of around 15 percent. The grain is usually adulterated with rice hulls and other substances to increase its fat content, and it should be checked before using it for cattle feed.
