Bran
the skins or husks of ground maize, wheat, rye, or other grain, separated from the flour. The outer skin, or coarse bran, is very indigestible, owing to the presence of a layer of silica. The inner skins, called pollards, are more nutritious, containing from 12 to 15 per cent. of nitrogenous matter, matter, and from 20 to 30 per cent. of starch. Unless, however, they are ground very finely, they are apt to set up irritation of the bowels and diarrhea. Though rich in nitrogen, bran appears to possess but little nutritive power. It may be of use to those who are well fed, and need a laxative. It is largely employed in the feeding of horses and cattle, and in brightening goods during the processes of dyeing and calico printing.