Poultry feed storage conditions can pose challenges for both poultry farmers and feed producers. Adhering to proper storage conditions can lead to significant improvements in breeding unit costs and flock performance. Failure to observe these conditions often results in damage to feed collections on many farms. This issue is particularly critical now that livestock and poultry inputs have been liberalized. This article aims to outline suitable conditions for grain storage warehouses and methods to enhance the shelf life of grain quality. Thank you for reading.
The importance of proper storage of poultry feed
Poultry feed should be stored in a cool, dry and dark place to prevent corruption and performance loss during storage. Inputs with special sensitivities should be stored according to the provider company’s instructions. Correct storage of poultry feed can save breeding unit costs, prevent nutrient spoilage, and increase feed productivity. Improper storage can lead to mold growth, oxidation of fats, and infestation by harmful insects.
Conditions of poultry feed storage
Various facilities are available for storing poultry feed, including different types of storage silos with unique conditions and features. Each of these silos can be recommended based on the specific conditions of each farm, and we will discuss some of them below.
Feed storage in ground storage
Poultry feed storage warehouses are typically designed differently based on the weather conditions of each region. However, due to weather fluctuations, they are enclosed sheds and insulated horizontal silos that prevent moisture, heat, insects, and rodents from entering.
To reduce moisture penetration and maintain a suitable temperature (24 °C), appropriate heat-radiating insulations are utilized in poultry feed storage warehouses. The floor and walls of the warehouse are insulated with various materials such as concrete, tiles, etc., to prevent moisture penetration. The surfaces of the insulation on the walls and floors of the warehouse are mostly smooth for easy disinfection.
The warehouse should be designed according to the geographical area and the angle of sunlight to prevent direct sunlight exposure to the feed. The floor of the warehouse is at the same level as the outside area for easier entry and exit of vehicles. However, the lower part of the entrance door is covered with aluminum sheets to prevent rodent penetration. Storage warehouses are typically located near the entrance door of breeding farms for convenient transportation.
Poultry feed storage should be divided into different sections with good air circulation, taking into account the storage of various feed inputs. It is important to note that by dusting and disinfecting the warehouse (floor, walls, ceiling), the spread of contamination can be significantly reduced. During storage and unloading, the feed should be kept at an appropriate distance from the walls and floor.
Vertical silos for storing poultry feed
Silos are another method of storing feed. The dimensions of these equipments are designed according to the capacity of the hall and the nutritional needs of the herds for 4-5 days. Thick wall material is considered with the aim of increasing the useful life of these structures. Additionally, galvanized sheets are used with the aim of non-reactivity.
During the installation of silos, there is no need for a roofed space; due to easier emptying, they have an emptying slope of about 60 degrees. They are covered and closed to prevent the entry of insects and moisture, and they prevent the penetration of temperature with various insulations. In feed storage silos, blowers and air suckers are often installed to prevent mold growth and fat oxidation.
Poultry feed storage capacity
The required space for feed storage is depending on the capacity and purpose of production. In large herds, the amount of feed storage increases. Typically, 200 square meters of space is needed for every 10 thousand chickens, and an additional 20% is added to this infrastructure for every additional 10 thousand chickens, based on the specified criteria.
How long can I store poultry feed in the warehouse?
An important point to consider during storage is paying attention to the production and expiration dates of the products. The feed is arranged in the warehouse based on the expiration date, following the principle of “first inputs are first outputs.”
Grinding and mixing of the ingredients make poultry feed susceptible to contamination by fungi and insects, therefore will be limited and complicated storage of feed. The average shelf life of the feed ingredients is 4 months, but pellet feed, due to thermal processing, can last up to 6 months. Proper storage techniques such as removing humidity, reducing temperature, and ensuring proper air circulation in the warehouse can help maintain the quality of feed until consumption. If the feed becomes contaminated, its storage time may expire before the feed’s official expiry date, requiring it to be destroyed.
A solution to increase the shelf life of poultry feed
There are many factors and methods that can be used to increase the storage time of feed. This issue can be very important in management discussions of poultry houses because it reduces the waste of feed. On the other hand, it can reduce the traffic of vehicles needed to carry goods to farms. This point can have a positive impact on compliance with biosecurity issues. Therefore, in the following, we will discuss some issues related to the increase in food consumption.
Dealing with mold (toxins)
Contamination of feed by fungi inevitable. When suitable conditions are provided, fungi begin to grow rapidly and contaminate the feed. The mycotoxins produced by these fungi have many negative effects on poultry and are not suitable for consumption. For example, mash feeds are susceptible to mold due to the grinding and destruction of the outer membrane of the seeds. Molds grow with moisture availability higher than 65 and 75%. The function of toxins can be prevented by using toxin binder compounds in feed.
Dealing with feed oxidation in storage warehouse
Fats in poultry feed spoilage by being oxidized. By providing proper ventilation and production, it is possible to prevent the reduction of feed quality. Oxidized feed has an unpleasant smell and taste, and the birds refuse to eat it. Increased temperature and unfavorable ventilation are the main factors of feed fat oxidation. Spoiled feed causes the bird to lose weight and stop growing. In addition to controlling storage conditions, the oxidation of fats can be prevented to some extent by using antioxidant compounds.
Strategies to deal with pests, rodents and birds in poultry feed storage warehouse
Poultry feed must be stored at a suitable height from the floor and walls. Furthermore, the space below the floor can be clearly seen and the air can be exchanged easily. Because in addition to poultry, insects and vermin also like ready feed. They tend to hide in dark spaces and multiply quickly. They cause to transfer contamination to the feed and reduce the quality of the feed. Often, poultry feed is stored on wooden pallets to prevent moisture penetration and rodent attacks. These pallets also create good air flow. In addition, storing feed in bags or suitable silos can minimize the access of insects to feed.
To deal with the entry of insects, rodents and birds, security measures such as installing nets on the windows and doors of the warehouse prevented them from entering the warehouse to some extent.
