[poppy2012]

question is - we have 8 acres to make hay or haylage,
will my goats be ok on haylage all the time - or is it a must that they have hay???
the only pull is haylage is easier and quicker...
 

[Anke]

I prefer to feed hay to my goats, and haylage to my sheep. The problem is that haylage, can cause listeriosis, if not made very well (bits of earth etc in it). Goats are quite susceptible to it and it is often fatal (see earlier threads from Roxy).
 
However I have fed horsehage when desperate (and short of hay), and they absolutely love it. From what this summer looks like, I think that will be the only solution this winter anyway....

[Anke]

Oh and I forgot - large bales of haylage go off quite quickly. Hay keeps much better, even in large bales.

[tizaala]

If you only have a couple of goats then you are better off with hay unless you have other animals to help eat a round bale quickly. Keep checking for any signs of heating or mould after opening the wrap. any doubts then don`t use it. you could end up with a lot of wastage to dispose of. if it opened for more than three or four days then chuck it out. Good dry hay is far less wasteful.

[poppy2012]

thank you guys, i think we will stick to my original choice of hay , then perhaps i can sell some on:)

[Anke]

thank you guys, i think we will stick to my original choice of hay , then perhaps i can sell some on:)

Where in the country are you??? Can I put in an order now... ....
 
We had again  torrential rain today, had to dig channels in front of the goat house, as otherwise would have flooded... Only got soaked completely three times today...