Feed & Additives
The first step in feed quality management is to recognize that everything that is entering the animal through feed has the potential to impact beef quality.
Adopting a philosophy that mistakes and errors can occur then looking for critical control points in the 
production process makes the feed quality control process a simple matter of common sense and routine checks of the system.
Some things to be aware of:
- Bacteria and natural organisms that may grow during feed storage.
- Fluids leaked from feed processing equipment can cause contamination.
- Vilolative antibiotic residues can result from improper mixing or not following withdrawal times of medicated feed additives.
- Chemical contamination during feed storage can occur.
A basic part of producing cattle is selecting the proper feed ingredients. Properly balanced rations containing all required nutrients with high quality feedstuffs will determine, to a large extent, your success in raising efficient, wholesome, and high quality beef products.
Most purchased feeds do not present quality problems. However, you should inspect feed and feed ingredients for unusual color, odor, mold, high temperature damage, excess moisture, and foreign matter. Feedstuffs should be free of mycotoxins, molds, and chemicals and meet the nutritional requirements of the animal.
Storage/Disposal
Store all equipment, fluids, solvents, etc. separate from the feed storage or feed production areas. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for use and disposal and keep records of all handling and storage activities. To avoid accidental livestock poisonings, consider all chemicals as potential hazards and store them away from feed storage and mixing areas.
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Montana Beef Quality Assurance,
821 N. 27th St., PMB 159,
Billings, MT 59101,
406-896-9068(o), 406-671-0851(m)
cpeck@montana.edu
Montana Beef Network,
119 Linfield Hall
Bozeman, MT 59717,
406-994-4323,
mharbac@montana.edu