Tips for Properly Storing Your Horse Feed and Hay

Maintain Feed Freshness: The freshness of your horse's feed is vital for their health. Exposure to moisture or humidity can lead to mold growth, which can contaminate the feed with mycotoxins. These toxins can cause serious health issues, including neurological symptoms, organ damage, and respiratory distress. To prevent mold formation, store feed in sealed containers that protect it from environmental elements.

Prevent Access to Grain: Horses are prone to overeating grain if given the opportunity, which can result in conditions like laminitis or even death. Prevent access to grain by storing it in sealed containers or secure bins. This not only safeguards your horse's health but also ensures they receive the appropriate portion sizes according to their dietary needs.

Protect Hay from Moisture: The biggest challenge in storing hay is managing moisture content. Hay stored directly on the ground or exposed to rain can quickly become moldy, reducing its nutritional value and palatability. In extreme cases, moisture-laden hay can even combust and pose a fire hazard. To mitigate this risk, store hay in a well-ventilated area off the ground, ideally in a hay loft or storage shed.

Prevent Nutrient Degradation: Improper storage conditions can lead to nutrient degradation in both feed and hay. Exposure to weather conditions, humidity, or prolonged storage times can cause the breakdown of essential nutrients, reducing the feed's overall nutritional value. To preserve the nutritional integrity of your horse's diet, store feed and hay in a dry, cool environment away from direct sunlight.