Changed to haylege...............

[Toby_Zaphod]

My horses have been fed hay for years but over the last few weeks I've changed from feeding hay to haylege & noticed that my horses seem to be drinking alot more in the stable............ is this normal? They didn't drink very much when on hay.

 

[tallyho!]

It probably tastes different. Haylage is also higher in sugar, acids, starch etc and so when chewed it is stickier than hay (only know this from seeing the calves spit it out!) so needs washing down more.

More drinking is a good thing

 

[Miss L Toe]

I find it depends on the hay and the haylage, nothing to bother about, just keep water clean and fresh.

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

Thanks for the repliers, I didn't think there was a problem but just wanted to check on peoples experiences.

 

[L&M]

I usually find the opposite - our horses drink less with haylage as it has a higher moisture content.

I wouldn't be concerned though.....

 

[tallyho!]

I think this is also why horses on haylage have sloppier poos.