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IG037: Feed Storage in Agricultural Facilities

IACUC Guideline Number: IG037, Approved By: IACUC, Approval Date: 8/14/2025, Version: 1

Purpose:

This document outlines the standards for inspection, expiration, and proper storage of animal feed at Michigan State University (MSU) agricultural facilities. Unless otherwise approved in an IACUC protocol or Description and Operating Guideline (DOG), the following must be adhered to.

Guideline:

Feed Inspection Upon Arrival and Expiration:

  1. Inspect all animal feed upon arrival for damage, spoilage, infestation, and expiration dates.
  2. All stocks should be rotated so that the oldest stock is used first.
  3. Discard expired feed appropriately. When determining expiration, consider the following:
    1. Bagged feeds (including vitamins, minerals, and milk replacer) need to be used or discarded by the manufacturer's expiration date. If there is no expiration date available, discard within 12 months of received date. Clearly label with the date, prioritizing the expiration date.
    2. Exceptions may be made for certain products, such as minerals or vitamins, that remain stable under proper storage conditions. Justification should be documented in the IACUC protocol or DOG and include storage details or a feed analysis confirming continued quality.

Feed Storage:

  1. All bagged or bulk feed should be stored in designated areas that are clean, dry, and maintained under an active pest management program to ensure feed quality is not compromised. While separate storage is preferred, feed may be kept within animal housing areas if it is securely stored out of animals’ reach to prevent contamination or spoilage.
  2. Bulk feed storage areas are to be maintained to prevent chemical, moisture, or vermin contamination.
  3. Feed bags are stored off the floor and maintained away from the wall for access to promote sanitation and avoid harboring of pests.
  4. Opened feed bags are to be stored in a vermin-proof, labeled container that can be easily sanitized.
  5. The year of harvest must be accessible for harvested feed (i.e. corn, corn silage, haylage, hay, etc.). Signs displaying the year of harvest are not required, however the year of harvest or the date received should be available if requested.
  6. Signs displaying the date of receipt are not required for bulk feed, however the date received should be available if requested.
  7. Spoilage may occur when feed is stored outdoors and exposed to variations in weather. Staff are to be appropriately trained in assessing feed quality. This can be through visual inspection or monitoring of animal health. Adjustment of feeding practices may be needed. If animals show reduced intake or other concerns, the feed will be replaced, assessed, or modified accordingly.

References:

  1. Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching. 4th 2020.
  2. Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 8th Edition, National Research Council, 2011.