how long does haylage last once opened?!

[amandaco2]

i know its a really silly question but ive mostly had mine on hay and only ever shared haylage with about 4 other horses.
would it go off before my two(mare and foal of 9months) can eat it?
they woiuld probably go through about one a week maybe it would lst longer?
cheers!
am
X

 

[K9Wendy]

Very much depends on the quality and moisure content of the haylage. If dry and haylike it will last a bit longer, but round bales of typical haylage should be used within a few days. When using small bale, once opened I used to fold it all up neatly so it was more airtight keeping it longer... You might stretch a full week, but as i said very much depends on the quality.

 

[cazza]

We make and use our own haylage, on the fields we have only a small number in we will allow a bale to last about a week, but once opened you need to remove all the plastic if it is not going to be eaten within a couple of days, as it is the air in the wrapped bale which will make it break down quicker so no wrapping and exposed will stop it breaking down too quickly and going off. You will find that the haylage will dry out quicker though.

 

[ihatework]

Depends on the size of the bale ....

but I think you would struggle to get through big bale haylage with 2 horses in a week.

 

[Louby]

Our supplier says in cold weather 10 days max but a week is better. Also agree to uncover it once open. We used to cheat and cut a round lid out of the wrapping just to put on the top with a brick on to stop it getting totally soaked but ours was gone in about 3 to 4 days.

 

[amandaco2]

thats what i thought!they are better suited to hay anyway as they are good doers!thanks everyone!
they would be getting it ad lib at night and in the field too.

 

[Theresa_F]

I personally prefer hay but my two boys get a bale of haylage for christmas and it last them 2 days - and that is with it given 50 - 50 with hay.

In terms of shelf life, when I did feed it, I used a bale on one horse within 3 days in winter, but I did feed ad lib and Miss Delia was not one to put on tonnes of weight/fizz up.

Longest I have ever had a bale open for was 5 days and would not personally go much longer than that, especially in hot weather.

 

[helenandshadow]

I would say maximum a week. I doubt they would get through a big bale that quick but small bales should be ok.

 

[chunk]

small bale 5-6 days large bail 6-8 days on my yard we use about 1 bail every 2 days hope that helped