Haylage - how much mould is acceptable?

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brightmount

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I've got a dilemma, the haylage that is currently supplied by my yard owners inclusive of my livery is pretty nasty looking to be honest. Previously it came in wrapped bales, was pale in colour, smelled sweet, and if there was any mould it would only be a corner, but this is from a different supplier, it's big round bale stuff, and it's darker in colour, looks like wilted grass with a strong fermented odour, plus there are a lot of pockets of mould, especially towards the middle.

Am I being over-sensitive? I already bought a bale of hay from my feed merchant a few weeks ago, as I didn't like the look of it, but I don't want to create bad feelong with the YO. However, I'm about to go and get some more of my own hay. But maybe it's not necessary, and haylage is fine to feed with added mould :-S

Would you suggest I save my money, or is my horse at risk? She's not over keen on it I have to say.
 
Nope don't feed haylage with mould, especially if ti's warm. I would talk to the YO and see what she says. Maybe she could contact the supplier of the haylage and he may take it back. I know if any haylage comes in to my yard and when opened is mouldy the supplier takes it back and gives me a new bale.

Best of luck and dont worry about offending anyone. You got to do whats best for your horse :)
 
if its mouldy its no good. Only fit for cows at best.
A strong sweet odour usually comes from meadow haylage rather than pure grass haylage, generally ok to feed but couldnt really comment on what you have without seeing it/smelling it for myself.
 
brightmount said:
I've got a dilemma, the haylage that is currently supplied by my yard owners inclusive of my livery is pretty nasty looking to be honest. Previously it came in wrapped bales, was pale in colour, smelled sweet, and if there was any mould it would only be a corner, but this is from a different supplier, it's big round bale stuff, and it's darker in colour, looks like wilted grass with a strong fermented odour, plus there are a lot of pockets of mould, especially towards the middle.

Am I being over-sensitive? I already bought a bale of hay from my feed merchant a few weeks ago, as I didn't like the look of it, but I don't want to create bad feelong with the YO. However, I'm about to go and get some more of my own hay. But maybe it's not necessary, and haylage is fine to feed with added mould :-S

Would you suggest I save my money, or is my horse at risk? She's not over keen on it I have to say.
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Alittle bit of white mould on otherwise good sweet smelling haylage is fine, if the haylage is dark brown and smelling, that's not good also if there is any black mould never feed it, also if the smell is even slightly tobacco'ish then don't touch it.
 
Having known 2 horses who have died of botulism caused by rank haylage. I would not take the chance! If you have no choice, and your yard owners are being blasé, saying there isn't a problem, then put a sample into a bag and take it to your vets for testing.
 
i would'nt risk killing a horse for a few quids worth of haylage.

speak up about your concerns, it may help others, who thinking the same thing

i always bin anything that looks remotely suspect
 
Bought some hay. My horse was very thankful!

So now I have numpty questions, as hay and haylage has always been in unlimited supply on my yard, I've never had to think about shortages and seasons, but my usual feed supplier had run out and looked at me as if to say, 'you'd be lucky'. So I went to the next feed supplier, and they had a few bales left, but were clearly looking me up and down and thinking, 'she's not one of our regulars, do we let her have it?' (They did but I only have a little car!).

When does this year's hay hit the shops?
 
brightmount said:
Bought some hay. My horse was very thankful!

So now I have numpty questions, as hay and haylage has always been in unlimited supply on my yard, I've never had to think about shortages and seasons, but my usual feed supplier had run out and looked at me as if to say, 'you'd be lucky'. So I went to the next feed supplier, and they had a few bales left, but were clearly looking me up and down and thinking, 'she's not one of our regulars, do we let her have it?' (They did but I only have a little car!).

When does this year's hay hit the shops?
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Its normally left for 6weeks minimum after it has been baled before sold... so depends when they cut!

Also just to let you know if you can brush the white off with a quick swipe its not mouldy & it's ok. Oh & some of our haylage was had a lot of dark in it (its the type of plant) & has smelt quite strong when its warm days. But at the end of the day better to be safe than sorry!
 
If the mould is a white, creamy stuff then it's just yeast, which is a natural byproduct of the fermentation process...it's fine.

But the haylage should smell sweet...if it smells bad then it probably is ;)
 
I guess if it wasn't alright, my horse would probably be dead by now, as she has had it for quite a few weeks, it just seems particularly bad right now. But she prefers the nice hay I bought her. She was just standing looking at the damp pile of mouldy grey stuff she had been given this morning, but didn't waste any time filling her face with the hay!
 
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