Square Baled Haylage- Which Size To Buy??

[Holzdweaver]

Never had to think about so many things concerning haylage xD

Until recently i was on a livery yard where i paid a set amount each week and i had as much haylage as i wanted morning and night. But now i rent my own field iv been enquiring about haylage over the winter and had no clue just how many things i need to think about!

I have a choice of first cut or second cut
They told me first cut was lower energy but higher fibre and second cut was lower fibre but higher energy.

Now my tb is wintering out and i want to give him adlib haylage, when i say adlib he isnt going to munch off the bale, il be giving him fresh every morning and night into a wooden freestanding hay manger. He will also be on hard feed.

I also have a choice of 2' (100kg) 3' (150kg) or 4' (200kg) bales...

Anyone have any clue of how long these size bales would last one horse?
I dont want to have to throw a lot away because it has gone bad, thats pretty wasteful

Is anyone on here in a similar situation and can give me some advise?

 

[be positive]

During the winter an opened bale will last about 10 days without going off
so work out roughly how much the horse will eat and buy the appropriate size.
Maybe get a mixed load and start with the smaller bales and use the bigger ones once the weather get worse,I got through so much during the snow, feeding it ad lib it wouldnt of had time to go off.
I would opt for the higher fibre,lower energy if it is a good doer, they higher energy if poorer.