Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Primary Mineral in Brans
Brans are the richest source of:
- Calcium
- Phosphorus — Correct Answer
- Both a & b
- Copper
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Phosphorus (P)
Brans (wheat bran, rice bran) are the richest commonly used feed ingredients in Phosphorus (P). However, a critical caveat: most phosphorus in brans exists as phytate (phytic acid), which has low bioavailability in monogastric animals (pigs, poultry) unless phytase enzyme is added.
Mineral Composition of Brans
| Parameter | Wheat Bran | Rice Bran |
|---|---|---|
| Phosphorus | High (1.1–1.3%) | High (1.5–1.8%) |
| Calcium | Low (0.13%) | Low (0.1%) |
| Ca:P ratio | Very low (imbalanced) | Very low (imbalanced) |
Clinical Relevance — Bran Disease
- Horses fed high-bran diets develop Osteodystrophia Fibrosa (Big Head Disease) due to high P and low Ca in bran → secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism.
- Phytate P requires phytase enzyme supplementation for monogastric bioavailability.
- Brans also contain anti-nutritional Arabinoxylans (wheat) and β-glucans (barley/oat bran).
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Calcium → brans are notably LOW in calcium; Ca is found in green forages and limestone.
- Both a & b → Ca is deficient in brans; only P is high.
- Copper → brans contain some Cu but are not the richest source; liver is richest in Cu.
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
