When grain goes bad it gets really powdery and dry. I learned this because I got a bad bag of grain and luckily Pam (my barn owner) gave me her opinion. On her advice I took a bag of it to Diess Feed and Seed in Eugene and talked with Mike (the owner). He told me that it was absolutely bad and to throw it away.
Mike said a few days before that the high fat grains are hard to keep around in the summer because they go bad very quickly. Especially the ones with flax in them. He orders it from an air conditioned warehouse, but his place isn't air conditioned (and most feed stores I have been to aren't). So, word to the wise, don't buy your high fat content grain in bulk, buy it as you need it.
This may be the reason Precious keeps going off her grain, so I am going to go buy her a new bag. I have always bought 3 or 4 bags at a time and stored them. I still have one left that I bought in July, so I think it may be spoiled after sitting in my van for some time (in the heat) and then in the tack room.
I learn something new every day!
5 comments:
I had the same thing happen to me 2-3 years ago. I was buying a great complete feed in pellet form but it turned to dust in the bottom of the feedbin under its own weight in the heat of summer.
Mine had a definite fermentation smell from the mollasses in the feed.
We switched to rolled oats for awhile, which don't break down in the heat... but they also don't provide as much for vitamins, minerals and energy either.
I think we got lucky this summer because we were feeding it quick enough that it didn't have time to start to ferment before we used it.
Have you considered having an old fridge in the feedroom? We often have one to keep supplements, medicines and other perishables. Many people just throw out old refrigerators when they get a nice new one, so you can pick them up for 'free' (cartage) - but take out all the shelves and they hold a lot. It'll cost you a little in extra power but save a lot in thrown out feed and supplements.When the motor finally gives out you can still use them as a rodent proof store cupboard.
I like the fridge idea! A little impractical for a boarding barn (maybe an old commerical fridge), but excellent for a couple horse situation! I did use a fridge recently to store my beet pulp that was already soaked. I am still researching to see if that is a good idea.
Yes, certainly a large operation wouldn't be helped by refrigeration (in which case you build your grain store like a concrete wine bunker - or better yet you use straw bale construction which provides excellent insulation). With regards to soaked beet - the trouble with keeping soaked beet is fermentation, so keeping it chilled in the fridge for several days will save you from that hassle. If you aren't specifically trying to provide water content you can also grind your pellets and feed dry (or for those horses prone to choke it just add water and it will soak almost immediately).
Ohh, grinding. That is a good idea. But the fridge has worked well so far. I'm pleased with the result (actually haven't needed the fridge, its so cold right now, but will in the summer!)
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