This article was originally shown in the Spring 2020 issue of OMAFRA’s Dairy Goat Digest and authored by Phillip Wilman, Raw Milk Quality Program Coordinator, OMAFRA
Most dairy goat farms will have livestock feeds delivered to their farm, whether in bags, totes or bulk form. The following tips will help maximize the quality and safety of the feed and minimize incidents of contamination.
DO:
- Check each delivery for accuracy:
- ensure bags or totes are properly labelled, and contain the feed ordered
- check weigh bills for bulk feed to ensure correct volumes were delivered to the correct bins.
- Label all bins AND fill pipes clearly to ensure that all delivery drivers know where to unload.
- Keep all feed areas secure, clean and tidy. Remove spilled feed regularly. Ensure rodents and other pests are kept from the area and that livestock have no access.
If you suspect errors in delivery or feed formulation, or that a medicated feed was delivered when or where it should not have been, contact your feed supplier and nutrition advisor as soon as possible.
DO NOT:
- Utilize feed that has become mouldy or spoiled.
- Wait to report an issue with the quality, quantity or type of feed delivered.
- Assume that the feed ordered is the feed delivered.
Your operation and livelihood depend on the health of your livestock, and the quality of the milk they produce. Taking a few minutes to verify feed orders and deliveries can prevent significant impacts to milk production, milk quality and livestock health.