Cereal By-Products

Cereal by-products are the residual materials left after the primary processing of cereal grains such as wheat, corn, rice, barley, and oats. These by-products include items like wheat bran, rice bran, corn gluten feed, oat hulls, and barley middlings. The specific nutrient composition of cereal by-products varies depending on the grain of origin and the method of processing.

In equine nutrition, cereal by-products are commonly used as economical sources of fiber, energy, and, in some cases, protein. They are often included in pelleted or textured feeds to improve bulk, support hindgut fermentation, and contribute to dietary energy without relying solely on whole grains. Some by-products, like wheat bran and rice bran, are palatable and can also aid in enhancing feed intake.

However, these ingredients must be used with attention to their mineral content—particularly phosphorus levels, which can be high relative to calcium.