As a key product providing comprehensive nutritional support for growing pigs, the storage conditions of growing pig compound premix feed are crucial to preventing nutrient loss. Scientific and reasonable storage management not only maintains the stability of active ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in the feed but also prevents nutritional value decline due to mold, oxidation, and other problems, thus ensuring the healthy growth of growing pigs.
Temperature is the primary factor affecting the stability of the nutritional components in growing pig compound premix feed. High temperatures accelerate the oxidative decomposition of vitamins in the feed, especially heat-sensitive components such as vitamins A, D, and E, whose activity is significantly reduced at high temperatures. Simultaneously, high temperatures promote the growth of microorganisms, increasing the risk of mold and further damaging nutrients. Therefore, the storage environment should be kept at a low temperature, avoiding direct sunlight and high-temperature exposure. If necessary, cooling equipment such as evaporative coolers or air conditioners can be used to ensure the feed is within a suitable temperature range.
Humidity control is also a critical aspect in preventing nutrient loss. High humidity environments cause feed to absorb moisture and clump, affecting palatability and providing conditions for the growth of mold and bacteria. Mold growth consumes nutrients in feed and produces toxic metabolites such as aflatoxin, seriously threatening pig health. Therefore, the storage environment should be kept dry, with relative humidity controlled within a reasonable range. Humidity can be reduced by installing dehumidifiers, using moisture-absorbing materials, or improving ventilation to prevent feed from absorbing moisture and becoming moldy.
The impact of light on the nutritional components of growing pig compound premix feed is also significant. Ultraviolet rays in sunlight can damage the structure of vitamins in feed, reducing their biological activity, especially photosensitive components such as vitamins A, D, and B vitamins. Prolonged exposure to light can also accelerate the oxidative rancidity of fats in feed, producing off-odors and harmful substances, affecting pigs' feed intake and health. Therefore, feed should be stored in a cool, dark environment using opaque bags or containers, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight or strong light.
Good ventilation in the storage environment is equally important for preventing nutrient loss. Good ventilation reduces ambient humidity, removing heat and moisture generated by feed respiration, preventing mold growth and nutrient loss caused by excessively high local temperature and humidity. Meanwhile, ventilation reduces the accumulation of harmful gases and maintains a fresh air environment, which is beneficial for the long-term preservation of feed. Therefore, storage warehouses should be designed with reasonable ventilation systems, regularly opening ventilation windows or using mechanical ventilation equipment to ensure smooth airflow.
Pest and rodent control measures during storage are also crucial to preventing nutrient loss. Pests and rodents not only directly consume feed, causing quantity losses, but also contaminate feed through excrement and carcasses, spreading diseases and further damaging nutritional components. Therefore, storage warehouses should implement effective pest and rodent control measures, regularly cleaning warehouse walls, crevices, and corners, sealing leaks, and conducting fumigation treatments to effectively control pests and rodents.
The selection and management of storage containers also significantly impact nutrient loss. Well-sealed, moisture-proof, and light-proof packaging bags or containers should be used for storage, avoiding the use of damaged or aged containers. Furthermore, the "first-in, first-out" principle should be followed during storage, prioritizing feed that was received earlier to prevent spoilage due to prolonged storage. For opened feed packaging, the bag opening should be sealed promptly to prevent moisture absorption and contamination.
Regular inspection and monitoring are essential to ensure effective storage conditions and prevent nutrient loss. A regular inspection system should be established to monitor and record the temperature, humidity, and feed condition of the storage environment in real time, and to address any abnormalities promptly. Simultaneously, regular quality testing of the feed should be conducted to assess its nutrient retention, providing a scientific basis for adjusting storage conditions.
