Rice By-Products

Rice by-products refer to the secondary materials obtained during the processing of rice into polished white rice. Common rice by-products used in animal feeds include rice bran, rice hulls, rice polish, and broken rice. These materials vary widely in nutrient content and functional characteristics depending on the degree of processing and the specific part of the grain utilized.

In equine nutrition, the most commonly used rice by-products are rice bran and rice polish. Rice bran is the outer layer of the grain removed during milling and is high in fat, fiber, and B-vitamins. Stabilized rice bran is often used as an energy source and for its fat content, especially in performance or weight-gain diets. Rice polish includes fine particles of bran and endosperm and may also contribute moderate energy and nutrients. Both must be stabilized (heat-treated) to prevent rancidity due to high oil content.

Rice hulls, on the other hand, are the indigestible outer coverings of the rice grain and are sometimes used to increase fiber and bulk in feeds, though they offer little nutritional value