Futtertanks

Futtertanks are storage containers used to hold and dispense animal feed on farms and in related facilities. They are designed to protect feed from moisture, pests, and contamination, helping to maintain quality and reduce waste. Futtertanks come in a range of sizes from small, domestic units (tens to hundreds of liters) to commercial installations (several cubic meters).

Common materials include food-grade plastics such as HDPE, and metals like stainless steel or galvanized steel. Plastic tanks are lightweight and corrosion-resistant; metal tanks offer higher durability and load-bearing capacity. All materials intended for feed storage should be food-grade and resistant to wear and cleaning agents.

Design features may include tight-fitting lids, sealed gaskets, and venting to minimize moisture ingress, as well as measurement marks, pour spouts, and sometimes gravity-fed outlets or auger mechanisms. Placement considerations include keeping tanks elevated off the ground, sheltered from direct sun and heat sources, secure anchoring to prevent tipping, and providing adequate ventilation and cleaning access.

Fill and cleaning procedures should follow hygiene practices: inspect feed for signs of mold or moisture, clean the interior regularly with appropriate cleaners, and dry thoroughly before refilling. Regular pest control and inspection for cracks or rust are recommended.

Futtertanks are used in livestock housing, poultry houses, feed mills, and aquaculture settings, often as part of a larger feeding or storage system. They are typically governed by general food-storage hygiene standards applicable in agriculture.