Proper storage of livestock supplements is just as important as choosing the right products. Heat, moisture, and sunlight can degrade nutrients, reducing potency and even creating health risks. Follow these science-backed storage guidelines to maintain supplement quality and safety.

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6 Golden Rules for Supplement Storage

1. Control Temperature

• Ideal range: 50-77°F (10-25°C)
• Danger zones:
• Above 90°F (32°C): Destroys vitamins (especially A, D, E)
• Below freezing: Can separate liquid formulations

Pro tip: Never store supplements in uninsulated barns or metal sheds—they overheat!

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2. Block Moisture

• Powders & minerals: Use airtight containers with silica gel packs
• Liquid supplements: Check for cloudiness or mold (discard if present)
• Avoid: Humid areas near water tanks or washing stations

Common victims:

• Probiotics (lose viability in damp conditions)
• Vitamin C (oxidizes rapidly when moist)

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3. Stop Sunlight Damage

• UV light destroys:
• Vitamin A (up to 50% loss in 3 months of sunlight exposure)
• Riboflavin (B2)
• Omega-3 fatty acids

Solution:
✔ Use opaque bins (not clear plastic)
✔ Store in dark cabinets or original light-blocking packaging

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4. Prevent Contamination

• Rodents & insects: Can carry diseases into open supplements
• Chemical exposure: Keep away from:
• Fertilizers
• Pesticides
• Motor oils

Best practice: Dedicate a clean, pest-proof cabinet just for supplements.

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5. Organize by Expiration Date

• First-in, first-out (FIFO) system: Older stock used first
• Label clearly: Write purchase/opening dates on containers

Typical shelf lives:

Supplement Type	Unopened	After Opening
Vitamin premixes	1-2 years	6 months
Probiotics	18 months	30 days
Liquid minerals	2 years	3 months

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6. Special Cases

• Refrigerate:
• Certain probiotics (check label)
• Liquid vitamin B12
• Freeze:
• Fish oil capsules (prevents rancidity)
• Bulk yeast cultures

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3 Storage Mistakes That Waste Money

❌ Pouring leftovers back into original containers (cross-contamination risk)
❌ Storing near heat sources (water heaters, engine rooms)
❌ Ignoring clumping/caking (sign of moisture damage)

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When to Discard Supplements

✔ Odd smells (rancid = oxidized fats)
✔ Color changes (darkening = vitamin degradation)
✔ Mold growth (even small spots = toss entire batch)

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Farm-Tested Storage Solutions

At Allwright Investment Limited, we recommend:

• Vacuum-sealed mineral buckets with locking lids
• Desiccant-lined mylar bags for sensitive powders
• UV-blocking totes for field storage

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FAQ

Q: Can I store supplements in the feed room?
A: Only if temperature-controlled—most feed rooms get too hot/humid.

Q: Do plastic buckets leach chemicals?
A: Use food-grade HDPE (recycle code #2)—avoid PVC or thin plastics.

Q: How long do opened injectable vitamins last?
A: 28 days max—discard after to avoid bacterial growth.

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