HomeMy WebLinkAboutWater damaged farm equipment and feed Mr. W. S. Allen
Agricultural Engineer
REHABILITATION OF FLOOD - DAMAGED FARM EQUIPMENT
Water and the foreign particles carried by it, such as sand, silt,
and clay, are extremely deterimental to farm tractors and equipment.
The equipment should not be allowed to stand any longer than necessary.
Delay may allow rusting and corrosion and the sticking of pistons or
other engine parts. Prompt cleaning may prevent serious, permanent
damage to your equipment.
Do not attempt to start any engine until you have completed a
thorough inspection to determine whether everything is in order. If
the tractor or engine has been completely submerged, do not even attempt
to turn over the engine or start it. Water and grit t :. roped in the
cy- 11ader may cause extensive damage if the engine is turned over.
[ horough cleaning and lubrication with clean oil and grease is
the "first -aid" treatment recommended for flood- damaged equipment.
Many implement dealers have steam - cleaning equipment which can be used
to clean tractor engines and transmissions thoroughly and quickly without
completely dismantling the engine or transmission. However, the work can
be done at home by careful cleaning with naptha, kerosene or some other
cleaner, followed by soap and hot water to completely remove all mud
and silt. For safety. do not use uasoline for cleaning! Coat cleaned
parts with light oil.
Thorough cleaning to remove all water and grit followed by lubrication
as recommended in the Operator's Manual for your equipment is the procedure
to follow for rehabilitating flood - damaged farm equipment. Call or visit
your County Agricultural Agent for additional details.
J. W. Davis, Jr. Uel D. Thoupson
Extension Dairy Husbandman Extension An.mal Husbandman
WATER-- DAI'iAGED FEED CONSIDERATIONS
Mixed feeds, grains and roughages which have undergone spontaneous
heating or become spoiled have relatively little feeding value for
livestock. The actual nutritive value of feed will depend on the extent
of damage. Feeds only wet can be fed safely. That which has heated or
become moldy or soured should not be fed to any class of livestock.
Wet feeds should be spread out and dried as quickly as possible. The
dried feeds then could be fed in limited amounts to cattle. Do not
feed moldy legume hays such as alfalfa and clover to any livestock.
Horses and sheep are highly susceptible to moldy feeds of any
kind and death losses may occur. noldy feeds should not be fed to swine.
Cattle are less likely to be affected by moldy feeds, but be cautious of
the amount fed. Extreme caution should be used in feeding spoiled protein
concentrates. Other spoiled feeds might be fed when mixed with as much
as 75 percent sound feeds. The beginning mix should consist of no more
than 5 to 10 percent of the spoiled feed. Beef cattle on full feed in
feedlots may be thrown off feed. Cattle on pasture will consume some of
these feeds after they are dried. Dairymen are cautioned about feeding
spoiled feed to producing cows because it is less palatable and will
lower milk production. Such feed mixtures as described for beef cattle
could be fed to dry cows and young dairy stock.
Feeds spoiled by hurricane or flood waters may carry harmful organisms
which could cause death. Feeds spoiled from simply getting wet from rain
would be less likely to contain such organisms. The inhaling of excessive
amounts of mold spores may cause certain respiratory and nervous disorders.
Some diseases are spread by water. Any feeds which have been damaged by
flood water may be contaminated, even when dried. Wateh for signs such as
nervousness, listlessness, going off feed and general unthriftiness. If
they are observed, contact a veterinarian.