Handling and storing horse feed during the hot and muggy summer months can be a challenge. The equine nutritionists at Barastoc and Kentucky Equine Research offer the following tips:
Don’t buy more feed than you can use up in 10 to 14 days.
It may be difficult to resist but try to avoid taking advantage of specials that give a free bag if you buy a certain quantity (e.g., buy 10 get one free). It’s not a bargain if you lose several bags to spoilage.
Store feed in a cool, dry, well ventilated place, away from direct sunlight.
If there is a window in your feed room, consider putting in an air-conditioner over the summer months. Alternatively, if you don’t have a window but have a door that shuts tightly, you could run a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air.
Allow air to circulate around the bags to avoid a build-up of internal heat.
Never set bags directly on the floor, especially concrete, as the bag will draw moisture and spoil the feed. Pallets are ideal because they allow air to circulate underneath. If possible, set the bags up on end and slightly apart to allow added circulation all the way around (top, bottom, and sides). In areas with a lot of heat and humidity, the bags should not be stacked more than four high. Leave space between the stacks for air circulation. Additionally, allow any heat within the bags to be released by giving them a good shake.
If you have space issues or prefer to use storage bins, try to avoid plastic bins, as they restrict air movement or galvanised steel bins as they have a tendency to sweat on the inside. If bins are used, be sure to clean out any remains of older feed before adding new feed.
Many feeds, including all those formulated by Barastoc and Kentucky Equine Research, contain sufficient mould inhibitor and antioxidants for protection during the summer months.
However, sometimes summer heat and humidity can cause spoilage in stored products. In general, pelleted feeds keep longer than textured (sweet) feeds. The molasses in sweet feeds may become spoiled, and pelleted feeds can mould. Feeds that are higher in fat can develop a rancid odour fairly rapidly in the heat and must be used up quickly.
Always check any feed before offering it to your horse.
Horses have a very sensitive sense of smell. If you can smell that something is going bad, you can be sure that your horse can, too. If the horse won’t eat it, dispose of it, if it’s too late and your horse has eaten spoiled feed, you may see signs like diarrhoea or a loss of appetite. Most importantly, watch for indications of colic (horse looking at its flanks or kicking at its belly, patchy sweating, lying down and getting up repeatedly). Call a veterinarian if the horse seems uncomfortable.
Barastoc feeds are bagged in breathable polypropylene, contain mould inhibitors and antioxidants and should be stored in a cool, dry, well ventilated place, away from sunlight. For more information contact Ridley AgriProducts on 1300 666 657.