Feed question - normal vs premium haylage?

[kit279]

Quick question - for those of you who feed haylage, do you feed the premium stuff (higher energy/protein) or the normal rye stuff (higher fibre, lower energy)? And why?

I've got to get my haylage in for the winter for the Thoroughbreds - they had the premium stuff last year and did very well on it but they're likely to do less work this year although I don't want them to lose condition as they live out all year 24/7 and just have it ad lib in the field.

Any thoughts?

 

[ShaniceG]

I'd feed the lower energy if there not being worked as much! They won't lose condition if you've got good grass, or hay on top to suffice

 

[martlin]

I generally buy the higher fibre version, as I feed a variety of horses and like them to have ad lib forage. The main difference between the 2 types is not different grasses, it is the time of cut, so the lower calorie stuff is normally second cut, not quite sure how much of that will be available.

 

[kit279]

Thanks - it'll have to be haylage, not hay as not got the storage for the quantity of hay I'd need. Am leaning towards getting the higher fibre lower energy stuff but wondering if they'll drop weight on it. Hmm - not sure!