Protecting Your Investment: Your Guide to Proper Feed Storage

Nutrition is the foundation of equine health, performance, and longevity. Yet many horse owners overlook a critical factor that can make or break their feeding program: proper storage. Poor storage practices don't just waste money—they can rob feeds of essential nutrients, create dangerous mould and toxins, and even put your horse's health at risk.

Whether you're storing a few bags for your backyard horse or managing feed for an entire stable, understanding the science behind proper storage will help you maintain nutritional quality while protecting your horse.

The Hidden Enemies of Feed Quality

Before diving into storage solutions, it's important to understand what you're protecting against. Feed deterioration happens through several pathways, each capable of devastating nutritional value:

Oxidation occurs when feeds are exposed to air, breaking down essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A and E. This process accelerates in warm temperatures and can turn beneficial oils rancid, creating compounds that actually harm your horse's health.

Moisture is perhaps the most dangerous enemy. Even small amounts of moisture can trigger mould growth, which not only destroys nutrients but can produce mycotoxins—deadly compounds that cause everything from colic to neurological damage. Some moulds are invisible to the naked eye, making moisture control absolutely critical.

Light and heat work together to break down vitamins, particularly vitamin C and some B vitamins. Temperature fluctuations also encourage condensation, bringing us back to the moisture problem.

Pests including rodents, birds, and insects don't just consume your feed—they contaminate it with droppings and can introduce diseases. A single mouse can contaminate far more feed than it actually eats.

Creating the Ideal Storage Environment

The perfect feed storage environment maintains consistent cool temperatures, low humidity, and protection from light and pests. While few of us have ideal conditions, understanding these principles helps us make the best of what we have.

Temperature control is your first priority. Feed should be stored in areas that remain as cool as possible, ideally under 25C. Avoid storage areas that experience dramatic temperature swings, such as uninsulated barns or sheds with metal roofs. If you must store feed in areas with temperature fluctuations, consider insulation or ventilation improvements.

Humidity management requires maintaining relative humidity below 60 percent when possible. In humid climates, this might mean using dehumidifiers in feed rooms or ensuring excellent air circulation. Never store feed directly on concrete floors, which can transfer moisture upward. Instead, use pallets or elevated platforms to create an air barrier.

Ventilation prevents stagnant air while avoiding direct drafts that might introduce moisture or contamination. Cross-ventilation works best, with air intake low and exhaust high to naturally move air through the storage area.

Container Selection: Your First Line of Defense

The container you choose can make or break your storage efforts. While the original feed bags might seem convenient, they're designed for short-term storage and transport, not long-term protection.

Airtight containers are gold standard for concentrate feeds. Heavy-duty plastic bins with tight-fitting lids, galvanized steel cans, or purpose-built feed bins all work well. The key is ensuring a complete seal that keeps air, moisture, and pests out while keeping freshness in.

Size matters when selecting containers. Choose containers that can be emptied and refilled regularly rather than storing massive quantities for months. A good rule of thumb is to store no more than a 2-3 week supply of concentrate feeds at a time.

Material considerations are important for both durability and safety. Avoid containers that might leach chemicals into feed or that pests can chew through. Galvanized steel offers excellent protection but can be expensive. Food-grade plastic containers are more affordable and work well when properly maintained.

For hay storage, the principles remain similar but the scale differs. Hay should be stored off the ground on pallets, with adequate air circulation around bales. Hay lofts should be designed to prevent moisture accumulation, and hay should never be stored while still containing excess moisture.

Best Practices for Daily Feed Management

Proper storage extends beyond choosing the right containers and location. Daily management practices play a crucial role in maintaining feed quality.

First in, first out rotation ensures older feed gets used before newer purchases. Label containers with purchase dates and use the oldest feed first. This simple practice prevents feed from sitting too long and losing nutritional value.

Regular cleaning of storage containers prevents the buildup of oils, dust, and potential contaminants. Empty and wash containers monthly, allowing them to dry completely before refilling. This practice also gives you the opportunity to inspect for damage or wear.

Monitoring for problems should become part of your daily routine. Check stored feed regularly for signs of spoilage: off odours, visible mould, insect activity, or changes in color or texture. Any feed showing signs of deterioration should be discarded immediately—it's never worth the risk to your horse's health.

Quantity management prevents over-purchasing and subsequent spoilage. Calculate your feeding needs carefully and buy accordingly. While bulk purchasing can save money, those savings disappear quickly if feed spoils before use.

Special Considerations for Different Feed Types

Different types of feed have varying storage requirements and shelf lives. Understanding these differences helps optimize your storage strategy.

Pelleted feeds generally store well due to their low moisture content and compressed format. However, they can absorb moisture quickly once exposed to humid conditions, making airtight storage essential.

Sweet feeds containing molasses require extra attention to moisture control, as the sugar content can promote mould growth. These feeds also tend to attract pests more readily than plain grains.

Fat-supplemented feeds are particularly susceptible to rancidity and should be used quickly. The higher fat content means shorter storage times and more careful attention to temperature control.

Supplements often have specific storage requirements listed on their labels. Many require cool, dry storage and have shorter shelf lives than base feeds.

When Storage Goes Wrong: Recognising the Signs

Even with the best intentions, storage problems can occur. Recognising the early signs of feed deterioration can prevent serious problems.

Musty or sour odors often indicate mould growth, even when not visible. Sweet feeds that develop an alcoholic smell may be fermenting. Any off-odour should raise immediate concerns.

Visual changes including colour shifts, visible mould (which may appear as fuzzy growth or dark spots), or the presence of insects or rodent droppings all indicate compromised feed that should be discarded.

Changes in texture, such as clumping, excessive dust, or unusual moisture levels, can signal storage problems that affect both palatability and nutritional value.

The Bottom Line: Investment Protection

Proper feed storage isn't just about preventing waste—it's about protecting your investment in your horse's health and performance. Quality feed represents a significant expense, and proper storage ensures you get full value from every dollar spent.

More importantly, proper storage practices protect your horse from potentially dangerous toxins and nutritional deficiencies that can result from spoiled or degraded feed. The time and effort invested in creating good storage systems and practices pays dividends in horse health, performance, and peace of mind.

Remember, the most expensive feed in the world becomes worthless if stored improperly, while even basic feeds maintain their nutritional value when stored with care. 

If you are looking for excellent quality feed storage containers, then look no further! At Oakford Stockfeeds we stock a great range of feed storage containers, available in many sizes to suit your needs and budget. To view our range, visit us in-store or online!