Haylage question

[Mansel]

How long would you keep using the same big round bale of haylage for?

At my yard the farmer makes haylage and a few of us chipped in for a bale thinking we would use it in a week or so, but there's still loads left, thats been just over a week now, it's quite a dry bale and still seems quite fresh, but just wondering whether I can just keep using it til it doesnt smell as good? I know the small silver moor bales have to be used up within a few days but this big bale seems to be lasting better...?

 

[Angua2]

depending on the size of the bale, I have usually got though them in 3 - 4 weeks. Never had a problem with them going off

 

[L&M]

Mine are stored in a barn so easily last 3 weeks, but helps as the haylage is quite dry to start with.

I would go on the smell, and if you suspect it is heating up, pull it apart and spread it out to stop it fermenting more.

 

[Mansel]

Brilliant thanks, I hadn't realised it would last so long, that makes it a lot more economical, it's good quality and quite dry to start with, so i guess thats a bonus.