Haylage | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Low-Moisture Silage (Haylage)

Definition and Production:

• This is a type of preserved forage that falls between hay and silage, known for its moisture content of around 45-55%. It is typically derived from grass and/or legumes.

Production Process:

• The forage is harvested at a higher moisture content than regular silage.
• The silos must be well-constructed and airtight to facilitate anaerobic conditions, preventing spoilage by mold, oxidation, or heating.
• Air exclusion is crucial for the success of making low-moisture silage.

Advantages:

• Haylage has a pleasant aroma and is highly palatable, offering animals a high-quality feed.
• Animals typically receive more dry matter (DM) and nutritional value compared to silage from the same harvest.
• In adverse weather conditions for hay drying, partially dried forage can be converted into haylage.

Disadvantages:

• Requires fine chopping, thorough packing, and complete airtight sealing, which is more critical than with traditional silage.
• Haylage is more susceptible to excessive heating, which can reduce protein digestibility compared to silage.
• Despite challenges, it is relatively easy to prepare and store in gas-sealed silos topped with plastic until feeding.

Nutritive Value:

• The nutritional content of haylage depends on the crop's growth stage at harvest and the percentage of dry matter present, influenced by the weather conditions during growth.