Quality of haylage?

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chasingmytail

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I've always used hay but am considering changing to haylage. Having no experience of it, how do you know if it's good quality. Haylage at our yard comes in "slabs", is very dark, strong smelling. Is this good? Also, had horse on trial who had been on horsehage (spelling?) So put it on haylage. Horse was apparently a quiet laid back character but after a week went loopy.
Could it have been the haylage - definitely not the hard feed. Thanks for any advice.
 
Haylage should be fairly dry, and smell sweet. If it is strong smelling then it probably has too much moisture content and this is not good for the majority of horses as it usually produces much softer/runnier droppings. I would also be careful about the protein content of haylage, which is why it is generally better buying from a reputable producer than a local farmer who has decided to have a go. I know it is difficult this year and we can't be too picky.
Is does sound as though the change in haylage has affected your horse. Is their another source of haylage available that others aree using and you could look at?
 
You're welcome :) There may be other views on here that will dribble in so don't just take my word for it though.
At the moment I have 3 types of 'haylage' that I am using.
One is meadow hay really, but wrapped. Smells lovely and sweet, but no dust. The babies have this.
Two is from the same supplier, is definitely haylage seeds type, and although a little inconsistent with the moisture is good, the horses love it and the grown ups have this. I can't give it the babies as it is too rich for them. Both these come from a local farmer who has learnt how to produce what we horsey people want.
Third is from a Haylage company, is always top notch, consistent, comes protein analysed and I can feed it to them all.
It is worth trying to find some, but just be prepared to search around and definitely go with your nose. (Unless you are lucky and have found some really nice hay)
 
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