Willoughby House
Livery Stables
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All
our haylage is produced at Willoughby Farm from purpose grown, weed-free,
quality ryegrass leys. It is cut and turned just like hay, but instead of
being allowed to dry out completely, it is baled at 30 – 50 % moisture
content and then immediately wrapped.
The
wrapping excludes all the air from the bale. This encourages naturally
present bacteria and yeast to break down the sugars - a mild fermentation
process occurs – preserving the grass and retaining up to 90% of the
feeding value of fresh pasture.
The end product is very palatable, moist haylage, rich in nutrients and
totally dust free.
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It is very appealing to horses so is good feed for poor ‘doers’.
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It is excellent feed for horses needing to gain condition.
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It’s dust free and ideal for horses suffering from respiratory problems, coughs, COPD etc.
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Haylage does not contain the spores and moulds commonly found in most hay.
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Haylage does not need soaking in water.
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Haylage can be stored safely outdoors.
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Our haylage is in handy sized bales of approximately 25kg allowing for easy movement and minimal wastage.
Some useful points to bear in
mind when feeding our haylage:
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Haylage contains more nutrients than hay so you will probably need to feed less concentrates to balance the diet.
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Haylage contains more moisture than hay, so will weigh more for equal amounts of dry matter. When calculating haylage rations the extra moisture content must be taken into account.
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Haylage is more densely packed and so its volume will look a lot less so care must be taken not to over feed.
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Haylage should be introduced gradually, as with any new feedstuff, to allow the horses digestive system to adapt.
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Once opened, a bale of haylage must be used within 7 days. Unopened bags can remain unspoilt for up to 18 months.