31 July 2010
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HORSE Magazine
Hay or haylage – what should you feed your horse this winter?
Wednesday 5 November 2008
The choice of hay or haylage often depends upon local availability, how many horses you have and bale size.
Well-made, good-quality hay is probably safer to feed to most horses and ponies, particularly if it is soaked.
Haylage is preferred for horses in hard work or with known respiratory conditions, but it must have fermented thoroughly and been made specifically for horses.
Haylage tends to contain higher levels of energy and protein and so fewer concentrates may be required.
However, it must be used within three to five days once the packaging has been opened, as it will deteriorate on exposure to air.
Any haylage that appears to smell 'off' or that is discoloured should be returned to the supplier – do not feed it to horses.
Mouldy haylage – or hay – should never be fed to horses under any circumstances.
- This is an extract from a horsecare article in Horse magazine. To read the feature in full, buy the December issue of Horse, on sale from 6 November.
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