Hay vs. Haylage

[olop]

What are the pros and cons of hay & haylage??

My YO buys both in but just wanted to know the actual difference & which is actually better to feed??

My boy has a thing for haylage at the minute & would rather eat that than his own dinner So it could end up costing me less in hard feed if I switch him over to haylage & increase the ration.

Thanks all

 

[L&M]

I prefer haylage because:

- Curently cheaper than hay and easier to get hold of.
- Higher nutritional value so less hard feed required.
- Higher moisture than hay so no need to soak.
- Easier to handle and less wastage.
- Can be stored outside.
- No dust
- My horses prefer the taste!

The only problem I have is when competing over the summer. As we have good grazing the horses are out 24/7 we don't have any haylage bales open at this time of year. To combat this I buy in approx 20 bales of hay so that I don't have to open a bale and waste haylage in the summer.

Therefore the advantage of hay is that once a bale is open, it will last for as long as you need it. Also my horses are in full work so haylage is appropraite, but for a horse in less work or prone to weight gain, may have too high a nutritional value.