Milne Feeds Guide to Storage & Handling
The manufacturing of commercial stock feed is a very complex and involved process. It all starts with the selection of numerous ingredients that are best suited for the particular animal the ration is designed for. The form of these ingredients can range from cereal and grains to powder substances, with coarser materials being ground to a more suitable size. Once all the ingredients are in the required form, these ingredients are then mixed together, then go through a pelleting process where steam is added to facilitate the pelleting process and enhance the digestibility. After pelleting, the feed is passed through a cooler, to cool the pellets to ambient temperature. The cooled pellets are then ready for despatch, storage, and eventual use.
The unique nature of pelleted feed necessitates special storage requirements. Unlike grains and cereals, pellets can be hygroscopic and are likely to absorb and release moisture as the surrounding atmosphere changes. Pellets should be stored in a waterproof ventilated silo to accommodate the special needs of pellets. Silos should also be regularly emptied and cleaned, at least every six months. Most silo manufacturers will be able to advise you on the right storage silo for pellets. It is not advisable to store pellets in sealed silos. Storage of pellets in a shed is acceptable, provided normal precautions are taken to prevent any contamination of the feed (vermin, fertiliser, water, etc). For optimal performance pellets should be used within 90 days from date of manufacture.
The unique nature of pelleted feed necessitates special storage requirements. Unlike grains and cereals, pellets can be hygroscopic and are likely to absorb and release moisture as the surrounding atmosphere changes. Pellets should be stored in a waterproof ventilated silo to accommodate the special needs of pellets. Silos should also be regularly emptied and cleaned, at least every six months. Most silo manufacturers will be able to advise you on the right storage silo for pellets. It is not advisable to store pellets in sealed silos. Storage of pellets in a shed is acceptable, provided normal precautions are taken to prevent any contamination of the feed (vermin, fertiliser, water, etc). For optimal performance pellets should be used within 90 days from date of manufacture.
Handling
Although Milne Feeds' pellets are manufactured to high quality standards, they may be prone to breaking up with repeated handling. It is therefore advised that the correct equipment be used when handling pellets to minimise the chance of breakage. Pellets can also be dusty, so remember to use the correct safety equipment, especially in confined spaces.
Silo Safety & Handling
- It is advisable to regularly inspect your silo for any damage, so as to eliminate the possibility of moisture contamination.
- Safety cages and ladders should also be checked regularly to minimise possible injury to staff.
- Ensure the silo hatch and access ladder are not accessible to unauthorised persons.
- Hatches and covers should form a water-tight seal.
- Ventilation equipment should be checked to ensure that it is in working order and not leaking.
- Regularly clean out the silo to remove any pellets that may have become lodged on the silo walls.
- If you need to enter into the silo, ensure you are wearing the correct safety equipment.
- Remove any obstructions around the silo (trees, wire etc).
- If you have more than one silo, Milne feeds will supply you with numbers to stick onto your silos so that our drivers can deliver the feed into the correct silo.
For further information regarding the storage and handling of pellets please contact your Milne Feeds representative or our sales team on 9351 0700
