b'NUTRITION After mixing, the feed might be bagged or placed in a bin to be added to a tex-tured (a blend of ingredients in various grain to temperature and moisture in aforms) feed or shipped in bulk to a large steam chamber over time, before rollinghorse operation. it into a flake. At the end of the manufacturing pro-Rollinginvolves using a rolling mill orcess, many feed mills save several bags crusher to smash grain into a much finerfor quality control. They record the lots particle size.number and manufacture date so they Grindinginvolves using a hammermillcan refer to those bags if a problem arises or roller mill to crush grains until theyafter sale. are small enough to pass through holes in screens to create a variety of particleIn Summarysizes. With the variety of industry regulations LINDA SHERRILLExtrusioninvolves cooking grain underand the feed manufacturers quality con-pressure with high-temperature steam fortrol methods, horse owners can trust that a short period before exposing the graingreat effort has been made to ensure the to cooler air, causing it to pop. It is thenEach feed bag label includes a lot number thatsafety and quality of their horses feed.pushed through a die, which gives it aproducers can refer to for quality control. While feed manufacturing processes unique form and shape resembling petmay seem somewhat secretive and mys-food kibble. manufacturing plant and its productionterious to most horse owners, if owners Then ingredients get added into acapacity. Some mills might only mixare ever curious or have concerns about mixer, either by people doing the mea- 1,000 pounds at once, while others mixhow their feed is made I encourage them surements by hand or, as is more oftentons of feed at a time. Liquids, such asto reach out to their feed companys the case, by computerized equipment,oil for added fat or molasses for flavor,sales representative or nutritionist, says which helps ensure accuracy and trackscan be incorporated at different phasesThunes. Most companies are very willing ingredients. of mixing or sprayed on the feed rightto answer customer questions and deal Mixers vary in size based on thebefore bagging, says Thunes.with any concerns they may have. hTREAT YOUR HORSE RIGHT Low Sugar - Low StarchAll-Natural Forage-Based Treats Resealable bags for FreshnessHorses Love the Taste!DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE FOR YOURProud sponsor of:HORSE OR FIND A STANDLEE DEALER ATSTANDLEEFORAGE.COM48TheHorse.comTHE HORSE March 2018'