What Losses Can Be Suffered If Feed Is Not Correctly Stored

Quantity

• Birds and rodents will eat the feed or, carry it away.
• Loose roaming animals might eat the feed.
• Human theft.
• Fire could destroy feed that is not stored away.
• Insects can turn grains into dust.
• The wind blows loose meal away.

Quality

• Birds, rodents and other animals eating freely will contaminate the feed with a danger of disease transmission to livestock.
• If the feed gets wet, it will become mouldy and is then dangerous to feed to pregnant animals. It is likely that it will need to be discarded or used to make compost
• High temperatures can turn oily/high fat feeds rancid.
• Open containers of molasses attract rodents that may fall into them and drown.
• If feed storage is such that the identity of the feed/mix is lost, it means that the feed may have to be discarded if it contains potentially dangerous substances such as antibiotics or urea.
• Always work on a FIFO (First in - first out) basis, so that feeds do not become too old.

What Can Be Done To Ensure Proper Storage of Feeds

• Ensure that feed storage area are waterproof.
• If the feed is stored loose, ensure that area is protected from wind, rain and pests/loose roaming animals.
• Store high-cost feeds/supplements that can easily be loaded, in an area that can be safely locked.
• Small quantities of feed can be stored in plastic bins or drums.
• Make sure that the fire control apparatus is available and working.
• Stack bags/bales in such a manner that cats can get to the rodents, but that the rodents do not have "nice" hiding places.
• Ensure an active rodent control program (use cats, dogs, baited traps, eco-friendly poison).
• Always keep stock control sheets up to date.