Hay / Haylage - Feed & Supplements 

Hay and haylage are both commonly used as forage for horses, providing essential fiber and nutrients in their diets. However, they are processed differently and have some distinct characteristics: 

 

Hay is dried grass, legumes, or other plants that are cut and then air-dried or dried in the sun until the moisture content is low enough to prevent molding. 

It is typically baled and stored in a dry place to maintain its quality. 

Hay comes in various types, including grass hay (e.g., timothy, orchard grass, brome grass) and legume hay (e.g., alfalfa, clover). 

Horses generally enjoy eating hay, and it is a staple in their diets. It provides them with fiber, which aids in digestion and helps prevent issues like colic. 

 

Haylage is also made from grass or legumes, but it is harvested with a higher moisture content compared to traditional hay. 

Instead of air-drying, haylage is baled and sealed in a plastic wrap, allowing it to undergo fermentation. This process results in the production of lactic acid, which preserves the forage while retaining more nutrients. 

The higher moisture content and preservation process give haylage a slightly different texture and appearance from hay. It tends to be more compact and often has a sweet smell due to the fermentation. 

Haylage is generally more nutritious than hay, as it retains more vitamins and minerals, but it can be more challenging to manage because it requires proper storage to avoid spoilage.