Feedstuff Handling, Storage,

And Feeding Systems

For Livestock
Feedstuffs for Livestock destination. Feed delivery vehicles also vary in capacity and
Livestock feedstuffs include forages and grain-based number of separate storage compartments on a single trailer.
and coproduct feeds. Grazed forages generally make up the On-farm facilities impact feedstuff-handling
bulk of livestock diets in Mississippi, but stored forages and capabilities. Feedstuff delivery vehicles must be able to
grain-based feeds are also used, particularly during winter. navigate to and from on-farm delivery sites easily. Narrow
Feedstuff storage, handling, and feeding characteristics gates, poor road surfaces, and driving obstructions can
affect which feedstuff is the best choice for an operation. limit on-farm feed-receiving capabilities.

Handling Considerations Storage Considerations

Handling capabilities and producer preferences Sacking feeds is useful for feeding and storage in
for feedstuff handling may determine whether or not a many cases, but it typically costs extra. Some feedstuffs
particular feedstuff is a good choice for a particular beef are conducive to storage in upright bins, whereas other
cattle operation. Not all commodity feeds flow through feedstuffs require storage areas such as commodity shed
auger systems effectively. Some feeds require special bays. The bulkiness and associated storage space required
handling. For example, fuzzy whole cottonseed does not for a given volume of feedstuff varies (Table 1).
flow easily. Whole cottonseed coated in cornstarch flows
better but typically costs more. Table 1. Feed Storage Requirements for Selected
One often overlooked characteristic of feedstuffs is Livestock Feedstuffs.
Feed Storage Requirement
percent moisture. Some high-moisture feeds, such as wet
Feedstuff lb/bushel lb/ft.3 ft.3/ton
distiller’s grains and silages, are attractive on a cost per ton
Wet brewers grains 81 65 31
basis, but they have handling limitations. High-moisture
Whole corn 56 45 44
products tend to bridge up and not flow as smoothly as
Soybean meal 52 42 48
drier products. These products can also corrode handling Soybean hulls, pelleted 50 40 50
systems and storage facilities. Be sure to factor in the cost Cottonseed meal 47 38 53
of hauling large proportions of water in high-moisture Corn silage 44 35 57
feedstuffs. Excess moisture effectively adds to the cost of Corn gluten feed 41 33 61

other feed nutrients, including energy and protein. Hominy feed 35 28 71

The type of truck necessary for hauling a specific Soybean hulls, loose 35 28 71
Oats 32 26 77
feedstuff depends on whether auger transport is possible
Whole cottonseed 31 25 80
and the type of storage facilities to be loaded. Common feed
Wheat midds 25 20 100
delivery truck types are hopper bottom, dump, and walking
Rice bran 25 20 100
floor trailer. The type of storage facility receiving delivery
Cottonseed hulls 19 15 133
may prohibit or require the use of a specific delivery vehicle Dried brewer’s grains 19 15 133
type. Truck auger height must be able to reach the openings Dried distiller’s grains 19 15 133
in top-loading feed storage bins. Additional equipment, Peanut skins 14 11 182
such as a tractor with front-end loader bucket or portable Cotton gin trash 9 7 286
auger system, may be needed to move feedstuffs to a storage
 Storage life is an important consideration in feedstuff mixtures of mineral and vitamin supplements. Inconsistent
selection. For example, wet distiller’s grain has a relatively mixtures can be toxic to livestock. The same can be true for
short storage life. The humid, warm Mississippi climate is feed additives. Incorporate all premixes into the rations
not conducive to long-term storage of feeds that rapidly according to label directions.
mold or spoil. Be aware of the physical characteristics of Careful calculation of how much of each ingredient
feedstuffs, such as high moisture content, that increase to add to a final blend is critical to producing a safe and
the likelihood of quality losses, deterioration, or spoilage. effective feed product. Decimal place errors, miscalculations,
Feedstuff usage rates should match the acceptable storage or feed mixing errors can put livestock feeding programs
window of the feedstuff supply. and animal health at risk. Always check the mix consistency
Feed storage facilities do not need to be fancy or for any noticeable differences or any ingredient separation.
expensive. They just need to be functional and well- Submit samples of the total mix for nutrient analysis to
maintained. To keep feed storage facility development costs compare formulated values to actual values. Be sure to read
down, commodity sheds can be made from existing ranch and follow feed additive label instructions carefully.
structures. Secondhand feed storage bins can be repaired Feeder type impacts feed choice. If feedstuffs are
and installed to reduce costs. likely to cake or flow poorly in bulk self-feeders, select
Refer to MSU Extension Publication 2540 Hay Storage: alternate feedstuff or feeding methods. Check self-
Dry Matter Losses and Quality Changes for a detailed feeders frequently to ensure that feed is flowing without
discussion on storing forages. obstruction. An obstruction might cause animals to miss
meals and go hungry. Problems occur when obstructions
Feed Delivery Considerations break free and livestock engorge themselves on the feed
On-farm feed mixing and delivery systems also they have been missing.
determine the selection of feedstuffs. Particle size and Some feed ingredients should not be fed free-choice
other mixing characteristics can affect the flexibility of to livestock. Because of acidosis risk, high-starch and
including a specific feedstuff as part of a mixed feed. high-energy feeds are not recommended for use in a self-
Effective salt-limited feedstuffs require a consistent feeder unless a limiter is used in the ration. Likewise,
blend of salt and feed so that salt does not settle out to self-feeders that allow unlimited access to feedstuffs are
the bottom of the mixture. Therefore, protein meals such not suitable for some classes of livestock or management
as soybean meal and cottonseed meal are good delivery scenarios. In addition, even feeds that will be fed free-
agents for salt because of their fine particle size. choice eventually must be limit-fed initially. Introducing
The physical properties of hay play a role when is used new feedstuffs often requires a step-up program where
in grinder or mixing systems. If hay is coarse and has a feeding amounts are gradually increased over time. This
lot of stems, it may “fluff up” in the grinder and not allow means that bulk feeder use must be managed properly or
for a good mixture or good chop. If a loose mineral or other feeding methods used.
other feed that is denser or smaller in particle size is mixed Feeder construction affects what feeds and type of
into such a situation, the mixture may separate. Feeding livestock can be fed in it. Metal feeders can corrode when
this separated product may harm the performance and exposed to salt-containing feeds or high-moisture feeds,
digestive health of livestock. In these cases, add water to such as wet distiller’s grains. Some classes of livestock, such
the mixture with care. Feed this mixed feed within 2 to 3 as bulls, can physically damage feeders. Feeders should be
days, or it may spoil or mold. designed to resist damage from livestock, to prevent animal
Similarly, mineral and vitamin supplements have small injuries on damaged feeders, and to ensure durability.
particles and should be mixed with other feed ingredients as Replacing damaged feeders increases operational costs.
a small part of the final product. They are often purchased Feeder design impacts animal access to feedstuffs and
as premixes. These premixes must be mixed with other their ability to waste feedstuffs during feeding. If feeders
feed ingredients to achieve a consistent mixture. Some are overturned by animals, feed waste can become a major
mixing equipment is not capable of achieving the necessary problem. Some feeders are designed to protect feedstuffs

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from rain damage. Even covered feeders sometimes allow Management Concerns
feedstuffs to get wet, so place feeders carefully to block as Feed handling, storage, and delivery equipment must
much rain as possible. be maintained and kept clean for proper feed use and
When offering feedstuffs to livestock, make sure to animal safety. Feed may cake and mold along the walls of
provide enough trough (bunk) space for the size, class, bulk storage bins and feeders. Long-term feed storage or
and number of animals to be fed. At least 12 inches of storage under less than ideal conditions may cause spoiled
linear trough space per calf or 18 inches of linear trough feed. Rusty or corroded feeders may have sharp edges
space per mature cow is recommended. Social hierarchy that are dangerous to livestock. Wooden feeders may have
and dominance behaviors exhibited by “boss” animals hazards such as broken boards or protruding nails.
can reduce feeding opportunities for more timid animals. Thorough equipment cleaning requires more than
Observe animals closely during feeding and be sure that just emptying the containers prior to refilling. It often
all livestock in the herd can access feedstuffs. Providing means scraping and rinsing equipment interiors. Repair
additional trough space or increasing spacing between and maintain equipment routinely. Patch holes to protect
individual feeders may be necessary. feedstuffs from rain, wind, rodent, bird, and insect damage
Timing of feed delivery is also important. Inconsistent and to limit feed waste. Metal feeders may need rust
feed delivery, such as skipping feedings or feeding protection and paint applications.
erratically, can lower livestock performance and may put Before beginning a new feeding regime, take time
animals at risk for digestive problems. Breaking a single to evaluate the capability of the facilities at hand. The
daily feeding into multiple smaller feedings, such as twice nutritional value of the feedstuff is important, but it is
a day feedings, offers production benefits in some cases. In not the only factor in proper livestock feeding. If bins,
other cases, the benefits are small and outweighed by the equipment, or feeders are in disrepair and feeds cannot be
added labor requirements. Proper feed bunk management stored, handled, and delivered properly, the nutritional
also involves recognizing when to maintain, increase, needs of livestock may not be met. Making optimal use
or decrease feeding quantities based on feed amounts of feedstuff helps ensure that the feeding system is safe
consumed or left in the trough between feedings. Work and economical. For more information on livestock feed
with a qualified nutritionist to determine the best feeding handling, storage, or feeding or related topics, contact your
strategy for the operation. local MSU Extension office.

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Reference
Galyean, M. L., K. J. Malcolm-Callis, D. R. Garcia, & G.
D. Pulsipher. 1992. Effects of varying the pattern feed
composition on performance by programmed fed beef
steers. Clayton Livestock Res. Ctr. Prog. Rep. No. 78.
N.M. Agric. Exp. Sta., Las Cruces.

Publication 2570 (POD-11-17)

Reviewed by Brandi Karisch, PhD, Associate Extension/Research Professor, Animal and Dairy Sciences. Written by Jane A. Parish, PhD, Professor and
Head, North Mississippi Research and Extension Center; J. Daniel Rivera, PhD, Associate Extension/Research Professor, South Mississippi Branch Ex-
periment Station; and Holly T. Boland, PhD, former Assistant Extension and Research Professor, Prairie Research Unit.

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