Welcome to July! We are in the full swing of summer with heat and humidity in many regions of North America. The higher temperature and moisture levels common this time of year can make feed freshness a challenge, requiring extra attention to how feed is stored. Read on for a few tips on storing horse feed for freshness, and see how well your barn is set up to store feed.
Many of us purchase feed by the bag and transfer the contents into a container which is kept in a feed room or designated area of the barn or shed. The container that feed is kept in as well as the location of the container play an important role in how well the feed stays fresh.
If possible, use of a waterproof, seal-able container to store your feed. The container should be able to keep pests such as mice and insects from enjoying an “All You Can Eat Buffet” on your dime. A waterproof container will insure the feed stays dry if there is unexpected water leakage into the area.
The location that the feed bin or container is kept is also important. If you have a designated feed room or area in your facility, check to see that it is not exposed to unnecessary moisture such as a leak in the roof or sweating pipes overhead. Elevating the bin off the floor will help keep feed dry should there be rain-in or minor flooding. Also, check to see if your feed bin is sitting in the hottest part of your barn or shed. For metal sided buildings, this could be the South or West wall which receive the strongest of the sun’s rays and tend to hold heat longer. Relocating the bin to a cooler or dryer area will go a long way in keeping your feed fresh.
Whenever possible, try to practice inventory management of feed in the form of FIFO; an acronym which stands for First In First Out. FIFO is a method to manage the freshness of perishable goods such as produce, baked goods or dairy products. The premise can also be applied to feed, where feed already in the bin is fed prior to the feed that was just purchased. Also, between feed rotations, periodically wash and thoroughly dry the container to help get rid of build-up at the bottom. Using this method can ensure that the feed you are scooping has not aged beyond its ideal shelf life.
Taking some time to check these few steps will go a long way in keeping your horse feed fresh. Stay tuned for a future post regarding factors that impact the shelf life of your feed! Until then, happy riding!
Can you discuss weevils… details about what they are, how they get in feed, how to get rid of them.
It is a good idea to put the bag the feed is purchased in into your storage container. Most feed bags are paper with a moisture liner. This assures you there will be no left overs from your last bag.
Great idea!!! Will try it myself!
My name is John and I run a non profit horse shelter and we feed five diffrent types of Nutrena feed. As part of our quality control we place a one ounce sample from each lot number in a small zip lock bag with the tag off of that bag . We date it and whoever takes the sample put there name on it and we keep the sample for one month. WE also feed by weight, not by the scoop.
Hey Everyone – Great comments & suggestions for anyone managing a feed room! I’ll add the topics of bugs in feed and weighing (not just scooping) the feed to the list for future blog posts! Thanks ~ Gina T.
Your picture shows the “plastic” garbage cans…. I have been told that the materials used to make the bins can leach into the feed. I was advised to use only the tin-type garbage cans…… your thoughts???? Thanks.
Hi Elaine – Great observation. I’m not aware of any research behind plastic leaching into feed from the bin, but it could be possible. I actually line my bins just to make it easier to clean out after rounds of feed, so that’s one possibility to prevent, or of course you absolutely could use the metal garbage cans you mentioned. If I find any research on the topic, I will post it back on to here for you to see!
Thanks ~ Megan C.
What the best way to secure lids on a metal trash can-like feed bin?
Hi Mary-
Thanks for stopping by the Feed Room! You ask a great question – to keep the pests and critters out of your feed, you definitely want the lid to fit nice and snug. Critters like raccoons are notorious for ‘breaking in’ to even the most sophisticated containers! If you are having trouble securing the lid, you might consider adding a weight on top for extra security. Or, depending on the configuration of the trash can, you might try a pinch-type of device like a cooler clip or a clamp. I hope this helps – if you have more questions, please let us know!
Thanks~ Megan C.
I left bags of feed in my car for a few days in 90 – 100 temps. Should I just throw it away? Afraid to make horse sick.
Hi Sandra,
Horse feed is manufactured to withstand some exposure to extremes of temperature. This year has been testing that process in many parts of the country! The two issues that extended exposure to high temperature creates are potential fat rancidity and mold. Textured feeds have a lower tolerance for extended high temperatures than pelleted feed.
To understand if the feed is safe for your horse, you will need to visually examine and smell the feed. If it smells normal and appears normal, it should be OK to use.
If there is any fat rancidity, the horses will generally not consume as they are much more sensitive to the off aroma than you or I might be.
If there is any visible mold or clumping, do NOT feed it and return it to your dealer. You are correct in being cautious.
Best~
Megan C.
hi Megan C. Is there any consideration and differences on the location of feed room ? for example location of feed room near/inside stable building and outside stable building. is there any difference? thanks
Hi Hafiz,
Thanks for your question! A feed room set up as an interior room to a building with ventilation and insulated walls and ceiling will help to reduce temperature swings. A climate controlled room (heating and air conditioned) would be even better. But most importantly frequent rotation of the feed in your bin(s) is the best way to insure your on-farm feed supply stays fresh.
Hope this helps~
Megan C.