It’s not simply about how feed is placed in a warehouse; proper feed storage management can preserve quality while preventing damage.

Feed warehouses are often viewed merely as temporary storage areas before feed is given to livestock. In reality, feed quality is determined not only by its formulation and production process at the feed mill, but also by how it is managed while on the farm. Seemingly minor mistakes, such as stacking bags directly on the floor, neglecting warehouse humidity, or failing to implement a stock rotation system, can lead to reduced nutritional quality, fungal contamination, and significant economic losses. Therefore, feed storage management is not merely a warehouse matter, but an essential part of maintaining livestock performance and health in the barn.

According to Windu Suradjaya Hudana, DVM, Technical Operations Advisor at PT Sido Agung Agro Prima, many problems encountered in the field actually originate from improper storage practices. In a written interview received by the Poultry Indonesia team on Friday (May 22), Windu discussed various important aspects of feed storage management, ranging from the technical requirements of an ideal warehouse and factors that accelerate feed deterioration to fundamental mistakes that are still frequently found on smallholder farms.

Ideal Feed Storage

Before discussing more complex feed-related issues, Windu emphasized that everything begins with the physical condition of the warehouse itself. A feed warehouse must be designed and managed with strict attention to several technical parameters.

“The ideal temperature for feed storage is between 18 and 30 degrees Celsius. Outside this range, nutrient degradation will occur much more rapidly. Air humidity is also important and should ideally be maintained below 75%. High humidity can be considered the feed’s main enemy because it opens the door to fungal growth and various other destructive organisms.”

In addition to temperature and humidity, Windu said that good air circulation is non-negotiable. Stagnant air inside the warehouse creates humid conditions that are ideal for pathogen growth. Therefore, proper ventilation must be a key requirement when planning the design of a feed storage facility.

“Feed must not come into direct contact with the floor. Pallets may seem insignificant, but they play an important role in maintaining feed quality. Besides serving as a base to improve air circulation, pallets also prevent feed from absorbing moisture from the floor surface. The ideal height is usually 5–15 cm, while stacks should be limited to a maximum of three pallets, with no more than six feed-bag stacks on each pallet,” Windu stressed.

He also explained the FIFO (First In, First Out) system. Feed that enters the warehouse first must also be the first to leave and be used. If the FIFO system is not implemented consistently, farmers may unknowingly provide feed that has already expired.

Factors That Reduce Feed Quality

When asked which factors most frequently cause feed quality to deteriorate during storage, Windu did not point to a single cause. According to him, the problem is multifactorial, with various factors interconnected and reinforcing one another.

“The most basic issue is improper storage management. Some may neglect the FIFO principle, while others have farm buildings that are no longer ideal, causing environmental conditions in the warehouse to accelerate the degradation of feed nutrients.”

Based on his experience, he has also encountered pest infestations. Windu explained that four major types of pests commonly threaten stored feed: fungi, mites, insects, and rats. Each causes different types of damage, but all are equally detrimental.

Among the various threats to feed quality, rats receive particular attention from Windu. Many farmers assume that losses caused by rats are limited to the feed directly consumed by the rodents. In reality, the problem is much broader.

“Rats, as members of the rodent group, have a habit of creating holes in feed bags. These holes cause feed to leak and spill, while also allowing other destructive agents, such as insects and fungi, to enter the bags. A single hole can open the door to a chain reaction of pest infestations.”

Furthermore, feed quality can also deteriorate through contamination. Rat feces, urine, and hair that fall into the feed are sources of contamination. Feed contaminated with rat waste must never be given to chickens under any circumstances.

On the other hand, among the many threats that can affect feed during storage, fungi and mycotoxins are considered by Windu to be among the most dangerous. He explained that fungal contamination in feed stored for too long poses significant health and economic risks.

This article is an excerpt from the Management section of Poultry Indonesia magazine, August 2026 edition. Read the full article in the Poultry Indonesia Magazine, August 2026 Edition, and for subscriptions or further information, contact us via WhatsApp or sirkulasipoultry@gmail.com.

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