Haylage for Horses

[keepondreamin]

Here in Canada, feeding haylage isn't a well accepted practice due to risks of botulism (although we do vaccinate for it as recommended by our vet), spoiled feed due to our weather conditions, and just a general lack of knowledge on producing, proper curing and packaging etc. (Although we do have some very good, reputable ones!).

My question is based on a concern (through lack of knowledge) on what I am seeing every time the yard/barn managers open a new bale (4x5 round bales). I am seeing a lot of white debris throughout the bale(s). To me, it looks like powdery mildew. However, I am told that it is in fact yeast. Are they one in the same? Any solid articles or research somewhere that could help educate me?

Sincerely,
From across the pond.

 

[L&M]

The white powder is usually yeast and on commercially produced bales in the uk, often says to ignore the white specks.

If it was mould, the surrounding haylage will smell off/sour, whereas with the yeast, it should smell normal. Maybe try emailing Marksway who make 'Horsehage' as I am sure this yeast is mentioned on their packaging.

Hope that helps!?

 

[keepondreamin]

Thanks for the quick reply. What I see I can't really describe as "white specks". Here is a link to an image from the web that is representative of what I see when the bales are opened. Is it yeast? Is 'yeast' the same as 'white powdery mildew'?

http://equineink.com/tag/hay/

 

[OLDGREYMARE]

That pic looks like proper mould,best avoided.The yeast marks are only specks and are supposed to be harmless.

 

[L&M]

If it is the same as the first picture, that is mould and not yeast. Yeast on haylage is very 'white' and usually powdery, although can look a bit cob webby too if that makes sense?!

What does it smell like? Mould is usually quite obvious...