Preserving Boluses for a Long-term Supply

Boluses are a traditional form of pills which are usually given to farm animals to supplement their diet or as medical treatments. They can also be taken orally or dissolved in a ration of feed to supplement feedstock rations. It is important to preserve boluses in order to maintain their efficacy.

Benefits of Boluses

Boluses offer several benefits to farm animals. For instance, they make it easier to administer targeted doses of vitamins and other nutrients that may be difficult to provide in a regular feed ration. In addition, boluses are an efficient and cost-effective form of medication, making them a popular choice for treating livestock conditions such as intestinal worms and coccidiosis.

Preservation Methods

Preserving boluses is essential for preventing spoilage and safeguarding their effectiveness. Whether you’re storing boluses for a few days or a few years, the following methods will help maintain their quality.

Keep Them Cool

Boluses should be stored in a cool, dry location. Ideally, the temperature should remain between 2-8°C. Make sure to keep the boluses away from any sources of heat or light, as these will activate the medication and lead to spoilage. Additionally, any moisture must be kept away as it can cause mold or bacteria contamination.

Store in Airtight Containers

Preserving boluses in airtight containers will keep them safe from moisture and bacteria and keep their potency for longer. Make sure that the containers you are using are air and light-tight. Glass or hard plastic containers lined with foil and closed with a tight-fitting lid are the ideal options. For extra protection, you can also wrap your boluses in foil before placing them in the container.

Keep Humidity At A Minimum

High humidity can also reduce the efficacy of boluses, so make sure to store them in an area with low humidity. A desiccant packet in the container will help to keep moisture away.

Re-seal The Container After Use

It is important to always re-seal the container after use. This will prevent the boluses from becoming contaminated with dirt or bacteria, as well as to maintain their potency.

Make Your Own Boluses

If you don’t want to rely on store-bought boluses and prefer to make your own, here’s a quick and easy recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

– 1 cup barley flour
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon calcium carbonate
– 1 teaspoon Epsom salts
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together barley flour, vegetable oil, calcium carbonate, Epsom salts, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon.
3. Spread the dough on an ungreased baking sheet to about 1/4 inch thickness.
4. Cut the dough into rounds using a biscuit cutter or glass.
5. Place the rounds on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned.
6. Let cool and store in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Preserving boluses is essential for maintaining their effectiveness. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your boluses will remain fresh and potent for long-term storage. Whether you buy or make your boluses, make sure that they are stored in a cool, dark and dry environment in an airtight container.