Haylage doesn’t smell like haylage??

[Translationsneeded]

Just bought a load of small bales that were baled 6 weeks ago. Opened one today and it’s pretty dry and doesn’t smell like haylage.
It doesn’t smell bad at all and has a slightly sweeter smell than hay. Does it need longer to ferment or is some haylage just like this? I’ve only had the wet sweet smelling stuff before!
Anyone got any idea?

 

[AdorableAlice]

6 weeks ago was roasting hot so the haylage is likely to be wrapped hay with a dry content.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

6 weeks ago was roasting hot so the haylage is likely to be wrapped hay with a dry content.

I have just opened a big bale like that - and was very pleased to do so, it's stalky and takes them longer to eat.

 

[AdorableAlice]

I have just opened a big bale like that - and was very pleased to do so, it's stalky and takes them longer to eat.

and should keep nicely too.

 

[bubsqueaks]

Could I just ask if its okay to soak haylage to reduce sugar content?

 

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Thanks both. So this will be it now? (which is fine, I’ll just have to dampen it for my asthmatic!). Wasn’t sure if I was just feeding it too early and it would ferment more over time!

 

[Pearlsasinger]

Thanks both. So this will be it now? (which is fine, I’ll just have to dampen it for my asthmatic!). Wasn’t sure if I was just feeding it too early and it would ferment more over time!

It shouldn't be dusty.

 

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To be fair it’s not dusty just more like hay

 

[holeymoley]

Could I just ask if its okay to soak haylage to reduce sugar content?

Noooo this causes a secondary fermentation process and turns I rank. Depending on the grass used and when it was cut haylage can have less sugar than hay. Due to fermentation.

 

[JanetGeorge]

TBH, I wouldn't use haylage that had been wrapped for just 6 weeks - even if wrapped very dry. There is still a fermentation process and the smell is telling you it hasn't finished fermenting. If you HAVE to use it, unwrap the bale completely at least 24 hours before you need to use it - have it under cover - but let it breathe.

 

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Thanks janetgeorge I’ll do that. Any idea how long I should leave it?

 

[JanetGeorge]

Thanks janetgeorge I’ll do that. Any idea how long I should leave it?

lol, without seeing, feeling and smelling, you'd just get best guess. Ieally, 3 months for the unopened bales - but we have to live in the real world. Otherwise, open right up for 2 days before use - and try to avoid giving too much in one feed. Are horses at grass - and just getting a bit extra - or stabled?

 

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Mostly out at grass so just a small token when they’re in for a few hours. Great advice, thanks x