Hay or haylage?
Which is the best forage for your horse? HorseHage answers
CHOOSING BETWEEN HAY and haylage is a decision often made simply on cost, but with so many products on the market these days, how can you be sure you’re making the right choice? Here are some factors that may help you decide:
Hay is normally the cheapest type of forage. Usually locally-produced, it can be inconsistent as quality and hygiene is dependent on the type of grass harvested and its dry matter at the time of baling, as well as the weather conditions during harvesting. A dust-free forage is more important than nutritional value, as hay with a low nutritional content can be supplemented with either a bagged forage and/or concentrates. It should have a clean, sweet smell and a greenish colour. Hay shouldn’t be fed if it’s musty or dark. PROS Cheap Easy to handle
CONS May contain dust, even mould spores Unlikely to have nutritional analysis Higher sugar content than bagged forage Must be stored undercover