Hay vs. Haylege

[Horsesforlife]

I know there must be another thread on this in the past, but could someone please tell me what the advantage of haylege is?
I would assume that haylege is the hay that is cut and not allowed to dry out and cure, like hay. Do you have to watch it more, to make sure it isn't molded? Can anyone tell me the process to make it? What is the cost compared to hay? Lots of questions to answer, sorry!

[Jay.o]

we have haylage.
it isnt allwed to dry up and packed when just cut with some sort of sweetener on it to make them eat it. it smell lovely !
we give them not as much of haylage as they would hay as this is a bit more richer for them and if ate in huge quantities can [only can] get laminitus !

you can store it in the packing for up to a year or more sometimes. but once opened or got a hole in it, it has to be used within 5-7 days. and yes we have had one pack out of like 1000 that was mouldy.

this can be stored outside all weather but hay cant.

[virtuallyhorses]

We don't have haylage here (NZ) but a product called chaffhage - same diff except ours is chaffed (chopped) and lightly molassed and then tightly compressed into vacuum sealed bags. The process to make it is like allowing hay to complete 1/2 of a silage fermentation process (wilted I think they call it)- then before it can become completely fermented its vacuum sealed. When you take it out its still green and moist.

If you are considering using one over the other the advantages of a haylage\chaffhage type product over hay would be dust\spores which can affect many stabled horses. Because the haylage products are moist, partly fermented grass they aren't dusty.

BUT there is a big cost difference. Hay is a much cheaper option and you would have to look at the nutritional content of haylage - chaffhage (here) is very high protein - its lucerne (alfalfa) and I would have thought far too rich to be the sole forage product for a horse. It will not store forever once opened, as the fermentation process can start up again in warm conditions.

I use both chaffhage and hay. I consider hay to be the horse's 'staple' diet over winter and use the chaffhage as the basis of grain feeds (dinner) because its convenient for me, yummy and nutritious for him. We can get about 4 different mixes of chaffhages here - with grains, molasses etc etc

The Great Hage Company (http://www.horsecountry.co.nz/1024/horsecountry.asp)
If you can't find any UK links with info on haylage - try our local chaffhage company - they have info on the products and equine nutrition and digestive systems.

[Horsesforlife]

That is interesting! Thanks for the replies. I don't even know if you can buy haylege around here, but I still had some questions on it, in case the choice ever came up.
I will have to check out that link. Thanks!

[virtuallyhorses]

Quick apology from me, horsesforlife - I didn't even look at where you were from and prattled on as if you were UK based.

Here's a US link http://www.haylage.biz/