Maintaining, Repairing and Troubleshooting Agricultural Equipment and Supplies

Proper storage of stock feed is critical for the continued prosperity of your agricultural operation. In general, if the feed is not stored correctly, the quality of the material will deteriorate. As a result, your livestock will not obtain enough nutrients from the feed. Over time, your animals might experience malnutrition, stunted growth and vulnerability to disease. On the other hand, proper feed storage will ensure preservation of the food and minimise the cost of replacing spoiled material. Here are practical tips for storing your stock feed for the best results.

Store in Sealed Container

You should think about storing your bagged feed in a plastic container with a sealing cover after opening the product. If the opened bag is left open, contaminants will flow into the feed. Moreover, the structure of the feed will degrade and precious nutrients will be lost. When you have a container, you will not only protect the feed, but you'll also find that the handling of the feed will be convenient. For the best results, you should remember to always use all the old feed in your container before opening and pouring in another bag.

Protect from Sunlight

You should protect your stock feed from direct sunlight. This form of protection is essential for bagged feed as well as material in your sealed container. In general, constant exposure to sunlight will cause the deterioration and subsequent loss of minerals and vitamins incorporated in the products. Also, the heat can cause the build-up of condensation in the bags and containers. Over time, mould will grow in the material, contaminating the livestock feed. You should look for a covered and cool room to store the food material for optimal preservation.

Ventilate the Room

You should place your feed in a well-ventilated shed or room. If the shed is not adequately ventilated or is completely sealed, the general temperature of the space will rise. As a result, the deterioration of the feed will accelerate. You should also note that the lack of ventilation means high humidity. If the feed absorbs moisture from the surrounding, there will be a decline in quality. The feed might lose precious nutrients which are valuable to your livestock. The taste and smell might change, making the animals less receptive to their meals. In addition, prolonged exposure to moisture will shorten the shelf life of your feed.

Finally, you should avoid placing your bags of feed directly on the floor because moisture can be absorbed from the ground. Instead, you should elevate the bags using pallets.