White spots on haylage - what does this mean?!!!!!!!

[Christmas Crumpet]

Further to my post yesterday about my haylage... someone said if the spots were creamy and white they were ok. These spots seem powdery to me. What does that mean? Should I throw away the whole bale? Is it dangerous? I can't find anything that says anything about white powdery spots of stuff on haylage on the internet. It only talks about creamy stuff!!

They are very small and are on the edges where the wrap has been. Because they are so small it was hard to tell whether they are creamy or powdery but I think they are def. powdery. Any ideas gratefully received!! Some parts where the white stuff is does smell a bit odd but then so does haylage!!!

 

[bethyboox]

If I was in any doubt, I would'nt use it, are you able to send it back to be replaced with another bale or a refund?

 

[SueEllen]

Mouldy.......dont feed the white bits.

 

[Christmas Crumpet]

So is it ok to feed the nice bits in the middle then? I keep having arguments with OH who very kindly brought me 30 bales home from work one day (he is a contractor and they make haylage all summer) and thought he'd solved all my soaking hay issues by bringing it home.

Obviously its not all covered in white spots - just on the outside and I am very conciencious (sp) about which bits he is fed. Anally so in fact!!

Just had another argument with OH about the white bits and not wanting to feed mouldy haylage to the horse. His answer is to keep feeding it and if the horse eats it then fine. I told him that he would be held responsible if horse dies. So cross!! I did pay for this haylage under the understanding it was very good quality. Its sh*t!!!

 

[SueEllen]

I wouldnt feed the mouldy bits. Sounds like you have plenty hopefully it'll just be the odd bit thats gone bad.

 

[BallyshanHorses]

The white is a natural by product of the fermenting process and is perfectly edible.
If it is hot or is bluemoulded then do not feed esp to pregnanat mares.

 

[Louby]

I was told off our haylage supplier that if it rubs off its fine. We sometimes get little bits of white dots and we just pull them bits off and feed the rest. If it smelt odd or was black mould then I wouldnt feed.

 

[teddyt]

If its white and in small patches it is probably yeast, which is due to the fermentation. It is fine for horses, actually beneficial.

If the bale was punctured before you opened it then it may be mould due to secondary fermentation. But you can smell the difference. In this instance the whole bale should be thrown out, it is not worth risking feeding just the inside. mould usually mats the haylage together too, whearas yeast doesnt.

For complete peace of mind you can send a sample to dodson and horrell and they can analyse it for you.

 

[TicTac]

I agree with Ballyshan and say that a small amount of white is ok as it is a yeast caused by fermentation ( had some today in one of my bales) But if black, green or slimy discard the whole bale. My feed merchent happily replaces any soiled bales I have.

 

[DunRoamin]

[ QUOTE ]
I agree with Ballyshan and say that a small amount of white is ok as it is a yeast caused by fermentation ( had some today in one of my bales) But if black, green or slimy discard the whole bale. My feed merchent happily replaces any soiled bales I have.

[/ QUOTE ]

We never throw whole bales away, but we obviously seperate the good from the bad, bag up the mouldy stuff, call our supplier (polo forage) and get it replaced or money off the next lot we order.