Haylage confusion ....???

[kimky]

Just wondered how long does haylage keep for ....? if it is not undone.....? basically like this :

http://www.strathornfarm.co.uk/images/hayledge_baled.jpg


and square bales ...?

 

[Hornby]

If made and stored properly (double wrapped and stored outside with no rats / birds attacking the plastic) the answer is over a year...the farmer makes mine for me (takes care that it is at the correct stage of dryness) and stores it in my yard on concrete...sweet and the horses love it

 

[Gucci_b]

The haylage preservation process involves the forage being wilted rather than dried, then baled and wrapped or bagged to exclude air. Naturally occurring beneficial bacteria ferment the soluble carbohydrates in the grass, preserving it and creating a palatable, dust-free product that is ideal for feeding to horses. No moulding occurs in well-made haylage after wrapping, so total mould count is very low providing haylage is fed within several days after opening. Nutrient losses from haylage as it wilts are much less than those lost from hay during drying, so the end product is more nutritious. Haylage was developed from silage made primarily for cattle, which is a protein-rich forage that is often low in fibre. Nowadays, haylage made specifically for horses is a more suitable higher fibre, lower protein and energy product.

 

[henryhorn]

At least a year unless the mice or birds have made minute holes in it.
Even the white mould bit can often hide decent stuff further inside the bale, but never feed any with blue on!