<%@LANGUAGE="JavaScript1.3"%> Swine Health Management - Feed  
   

Management of the Feed Bin

Feed Bulk Bins:  Bulk-bin management is essential to keep feed as fresh as possible. Try to run the bin empty between each feed delivery.
Hygiene: (Try to run the bin empty between each feed delivery.)

  • Monthly:
    - Inspect each bin
    - Check for leaking seams on the bin
    - Check for porous, rusty areas
     -Examine inlet and exit mouths of augers
  • Spring and autumn:
    - Run bin empty once a month
    - Dust the bin with a mould inhibitor
  • Every 6 months:
    - Pressure wash interior
    - Allow to dry thoroughly before refilling
    - Fumigate to ensure eradication of all insects and mites
    - Watch staff health and safety when fumigating and entering feed bins

Purpose:

1. To prevent mould development:
  Mould can cause:
    Palatability problems
    Palatability problems
    Loss of nutrients
    Feed wastage
    Performance and health problems
    Loss of profit
2. Reduce mite contamination:
  Mites can cause:
    Reduced nutrients
    Food wastage
    Loss of profits
  Detection of mites:
    Mites are not visible to the naked eye.
    They may be detected as pink/brown "dust" at the base of bins.
    If you suspect mites, pinch the "dust" into a peak. If live mites are present the peak will soon collapse.
    Some mites have a distinctive smell which is often more evident if the "dust" is rubbed between the fingers.
3. Reduce medicine residues:
  Augers often leave residual feed in their housing because the screws must have clearance (See Figure 1).
    Figure 1: The residual feed is represented in brown.
    Figure 2: Movement of feed out of a bin occurs directly above the discharge point.  The remaining feed then cascades down the slope of the crater that is subsequently formed.  Failure to completely empty bins before refilling will result in residual feed retained in the bin.
   

Figure 3. This figure demonstrates the typical feed flow in a feed bin with brown areas illustrating where the feed is most likely to remain and contaminate the next batch.

Bagged Feed:

  1. Storage:
    -     Cool and dry, below 18 degrees C
    - On pallets, not on the floor
    - Away from strong smelling products such as oil or disinfectants
  2. Bags should be stock controlled, always use the oldest deliveries first.
  3. Store should be vermin proof.
  4. Ensure all feed barrows are covered at all times.
  5. Note the expiration dates on the products (generally 3 months or 9 months with milk products).