Storing your livestock supplies, especially feed, is a necessary step in maintaining freshness and protecting the food from pests. Without the proper precautions, you must replace the inventory to prevent making your animals sick. Here are several strategies to ensure you protect the food supply.

What Are the Best Ways to Keep Livestock Feed?

1. Check the Environment

To keep your feed at the highest quality, select a storage area that receives plenty of ventilation and is out of direct sunlight. If you store the livestock supplies outside, keep them in partially covered area and put the containers on pallets or bricks to prevent moisture on the ground from seeping inside. Also, avoid areas where water will flow toward the storage to reduce the risk of mold.

2. Keep It Inside

Since the feed will naturally attract pests and rodents, keeping it inside a shelter is the safest option. For example, if you have a climate-controlled basement that is sealed from leaks, placing the food here will keep it away from vermin and moisture troubles. Alternatively, keeping the feed in a barn and off the ground will prevent most pests from reaching it. If you have cats, they can even help prevent mice.

3. Use a Silo

Silos are one of the oldest ways farmers have protected their feed. Metal options are the best, as critters cannot burrow through the strong material to feast on your food supply. This is also a permanent, cost-effective option that you can use for many years, providing a reliable way to reduce moisture issues.

4. Try Metal Cans

When you have a smaller property and like the idea of using metal as a deterrent, metal trash cans will have the same effect. Rodents cannot easily eat through them and the metal is better for storage than plastic because it resists water. Additionally, you can clean and sanitize these smaller containers quickly, and you do not need specialized chemicals to do so. However, make sure the cans you purchase have tight-fitting or locking lids.

5. Revitalize a Freezer

An old freezer or refrigerator is an excellent option for storage. These appliances offer a tight seal and you can easily fit them inside a barn, garage, or basement. Furthermore, you don't need to power them to be effective. If your feed remains in bags, you can set up the appliance conventionally; however, for loose feed, turn the device on its back so that you can access it easily and prevent messes.

When you need high-quality livestock supplies and feed, contact Bethel Feed & Supply Pet & Garden Center. They have been serving Ohio residents in Clermont and Brown counties since 1984, providing horse feed, pet supplies, and field fencing. Their knowledgeable team can help you find the perfect products for your home or farm. Call (513) 734-2246 to speak to a team member. Visit them online for a look at their products.