frequently asked questions

What is Haylage?
Haylage is a forage made for horses from grass that is cut earlier than hay, turned until the correct dry matter is achieved and then sealed in plastic. A natural fermentation process takes place, which preserves the grass and its nutrients and results in a dust free forage that is low in mould spores and highly palatable.

What are the benefits of EH Haylages?
- Higher dry matter than average bagged haylages.
- More haylage and less water per pack, therefore more kilos for your money.
- High fibre per mouthful so can be fed ad lib.
- Higher quality than traditional forages; essential nutrients are sealed in.
- Higher digestability and higher nutiritional value means less concentrate feed required, so you save money.
- No dust and low mould spores, so no need to soak, unlike hay.
- Helps ensure respiratory health, unlike hay.
- Excellent palatability - little wastage.
- Packed in easily handled bags of approximately 20kg. which comply with health and safety regulations.

Should I feed less E H Haylage than hay?
No, you need to feed more kilos of any haylage than hay in order to supply your horse with similar quantities of dry matter and fibre. Haylage contains a greater concentration of water than hay, at about 35% versus 15%. A net of 5kg (11lb) of haylage contains about 3.25kg of actual haylage and 1.75kg water whereas a 5kg net of hay contains about 4.25kg of actual hay and 0.75kg water. Underfeeding haylage can cause a fibre deficiency and ideally haylage should be fed ad lib. If your horse gains weight when fed ad lib E H Haylage, then ask for E H Hi-Fibre Haylage next time.

Isn't this a waste, haylage containing so much water compared to hay?
Absolutely not - for two main reasons. Firstly haylage is made from wilted rather than dried grass, so along with a higher water content there is less nutrient loss before baling, resulting in a nutritionally superior product. In addition the horse's natural diet is high in water - fresh grass can be as high as 80% water - and therefore a wetter forage is more natural.

My horse is turned out during the day and then stabled overnight. How much E H Haylage should I feed overnight?
Ideally you should feed forage ad lib; therefore you need to feed enough E H Haylage so that there is a little left the next morning. If you are worried that so much forage will cause weight gain, choose E H Hi-Fibre Haylage, which is higher in fibre and lower in energy and protein than the original E H Haylage. As a guide, a 15.2hh 500kg horse stabled for 12 hours overnight would usually eat between 7.5 and 9kg E H Haylage, and between 7 and 8.5kg E H Hi-Fibre Haylage.

Do I need to worry about the mice in my haylage storage area?
Yes you do! Mice will chew holes in the haylage bags, which breaks the airtight seal and spoils the haylage. Take care not to puncture the bags or allow mice near them. You will need to get rid of your mice.

How long will my E H Haylage keep after I open the bale?
As a guide, haylage keeps for up to seven days after opening. In hot weather, it is best to have finished the bag within 4 to 5 days, but in winter it will keep for longer. The 20kg bales of E H Haylage are smaller than many haylages, therefore are more suitable for single horse owners.

What's the difference between my local farmer's wrapped haylage and E H Haylages?
A great deal! E H Haylage has been developed over many years, specifically for horses. Everything about the production process, storage and distribution of E H Haylages from the grass varieties to the harvesting, the storage and delivery of the product are carried out with the highest levels of quality control. E H Haylages come with a nutrient analysis and full feeding instructions. E H Haylages are made by an expert whose entire business is making forage for horses.

But E H Haylage is more expensive than hay isn't it?
Per bale or per kilo E H Haylage is more expensive than most hay, but then again comparing them is not comparing like for like. E H Haylage is more nutritious than hay; therefore you don't need to feed as much hard feed with it compared to hay. E H Haylage is very palatable so there is less wastage than with hay. All hay should be soaked, so feeding E H Haylage saves time compared to feeding hay. E H Haylage can be stored outside, providing rodents are controlled. All factors considered, E H Haylage could work out more economical than feeding hay…

Haylage Plus

I already use a couple of supplements for my horse - should I keep feeding them when I start using EH Haylage Plus? I use a broad spectrum supplement and a skin supplement.
You can replace the broad spectrum with E H Haylage Plus; it is specifically formulated to be fed with E H Haylage. E H Haylage Plus contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids from micronised whole linseed and cold-pressed linseed oil; therefore it has health-promoting effects on the skin and you could try stopping the skin supplement and assessing your horse after a month. You’ll be pleased with the results!

What should I feed E H Haylage Plus with?
You can feed it on its own because it is very palatable. Alternatively mix it into a small amount of chaff. You can also feed E H Haylage Plus with a few pounds of hard feed.

I feed 2 kg of hard feed to my horse, plus 10kg of haylage overnight. She is turned out for a few hours each day, depending on the weather. She is a 15.3hh TB cross. Does my horse need E H Haylage Plus to balance her diet?
If you feed more haylage - you could try ad lib - you will probably find you can stop feeding the hard feed. In this case, you should feed E H Haylage Plus to balance her diet. If you choose to continue feeding the mix, then check the recommended amount for your size and type of horse. If you are feeding less than the recommended amount, then you can still add the E H Haylage Plus.

I have just swapped from feeding hay to Original E H Haylage. I was feeding my horse 6lb of horse and pony cubes with about 10lb of hay overnight, which my horse always used to eat up. What should I feed now?
If you feed your horse E H Haylage ad lib (as much as he will eat) you will probably find that you don't need to feed any hard feed. Add E H Haylage Plus to ensure a balanced diet.

For the past few months I have been feeding E H Haylage with a handful of coarse mix to my horse. She looks healthy and doesn’t lack energy for our twice-weekly hacks out. Why do I need to feed anything else?
A handful of coarse mix will not supply significant amounts of vitamins or minerals (micronutrients), and even the best quality forage may lack some essential nutrients including microminerals copper and selenium, and vitamin E. Shortages of micronutrients may not show obvious symptoms for some time, but eventually health will be compromised. Every essential nutrient must be supplied in the diet over the long term for optimal health and longevity. You should feed E H Haylage Plus to balance your mare's diet and make sure she receives all the essential nutrients she requires.

My horse has a dull coat. I feed E H Haylage but what can I add to help his coat?
Firstly you need to ensure your horse is receiving a balanced diet, which supplies all the essential nutrients. Shortages of microminerals such as copper or zinc can cause a dull coat. E H Haylage Plus balances a diet of E H Haylage and in addition is rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, which means it promotes a shiny, healthy coat and supple skin.