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The Island of Anglesey is ideal for growing grass; with a high rainfall, the Gulf Stream ensuring we’re one of the warmest parts of the UK throughout winter and gentle prevailing winds cooling us during the summer heat waves.
It is our intention to produce a high quality, safe, equine specific haylage of medium digestibility. The haylage is analysed at several points in the production process and can be delivered to your doorstep.
We aim to keep our prices competitive so that the costs of feeding your horses effectively with high quality forage can be minimised.
Our haylage is grown on equine specific grassland and is produced especially for horses. Soil scientists have advised us that the treatment of grassland for horses should be different to that required for sheep and cattle, particularly in relation to the pH and the calcium to phosphorus ratio.
There is a movement in grassland production away from monoculture, the growing of a single species, mainly Tetraploid Ryegrasses, to one of meadow grassland which contains many different varieties and species; in addition, they can also contain many different types of herbs. The thinking behind this is that, as the sward is more palatable and as each species contain different levels of minerals, trace elements and nutritional properties, it acts as a medicine cabinet; as a result the animal is healthier, vets bills are reduced and the dependence on mineral supplements are lowered.
Ryegrass is the highest yielding grass and is the easiest grass to ensile - make into haylage. We have decided to change our reseeding programme from 2 – 3 year ryegrass leys to good old fashioned meadow grasses with a variety of different herbs and lose some quantity in favour of quality.
We use an organic based mineral fertiliser which releases the nutrients slowly and, very importantly, has added trace elements and sulphur (now 4th in importance after nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). This product is more expensive than conventional mineral fertilisers but we consider the extra investment worthwhile in terms of the quality of the finished haylage and its impact on the environment.
We harvest when it’s hot and sunny, and with gentle prevailing winds the grass becomes ready for baling and wrapping very quickly. We only cut around 1.25 hectares (3 acres) at a time since the bales needs to be wrapped as quickly as possible after baling. The wrapping process is the most time consuming and therefore controls the output. This care and attention helps preserve the nutritional value and improves the fermentation process and the quality of the finished haylage.
We follow very strict quality controls to reduce possible contamination by ensuring no animal manure is present on the grass and soil doesn’t contaminate the crop at harvesting. We don’t sell a crop for the equine market if it has been rained on between cutting and wrapping.
Our haylage is made fresh; as soon as the grass is ready, it is baled and wrapped. Many products on the market are first made into large bales then, later on, taken to the processing unit and re-packaged, which results in an aerobic (secondary fermentation) taking place.
When baling and wrapping, we apply strict standards of quality control. For example: the wrapping should be completed within 2 – 4 hours of baling to preserve nutritional values; high density bales; 8 layers of highly tensioned top grade wrap; all which helps to ensure good fermentation and longevity. The bales are then stacked on a pallet and then the pallet wrapped in a clear pre stretched film.
In order to achieve our desired high quality haylage, our aim is lower levels of nitrates in the grass at harvesting and a sugar level which will ensure a good anaerobic fermentation.
Although 6 to 8 weeks is an accepted period to allow for fermentation, we prefer a minimum of 12 weeks.
Higher Digestibility:
Typically harvested 2 to 3 weeks earlier than our own haylage crops, when the grasses are earlier in their growth stage and leafier. The protein and sugar levels are higher and intake may have to be controlled. Often fed to horses in hard work, although there is also an argument that, since such horses tend to have a high intake of hard feed, they could benefit from a haylage where the intake could be greater to help reduce boredom, stable vices and digestive problems.
Medium Digestibility:
Typically harvested when most of the seed heads have emerged and the grass is not as leafy; protein and sugar levels are lower but the sugar levels are still sufficient to ensure a good fermentation. This results in a good all round haylage, which we think is suitable for most horses as it can help ensure all the benefits a sufficient forage intake provides.
Lower Digestibility:
Typically harvested later on in the season when sugar and protein levels are much lower. The grass is stalkier and may not have sufficient sugar content to ensure good quality fermentation.
In cases where owners require haylage for weight prone horses or lamanitics, it may be relevant to consider the type of grass grown for production. Timothy is a species particularly suitable for these horses but we do not produce this type of haylage on our farm.
High Dry Matter – Almost-Hay. Haylage can be made too dry at any time of the year but lower digestibility haylage is probably more prone to this. Almost-Hay usually smells quite sweet, which can lead buyers to think its quality is better than it really is.
Horses definitely prefer haylage that is more moist, we aim for 55% dry matter. A dry matter range between 50 – 65% is ideal and should always have at least a minimum of a basic and a moulds analysis to ensure no contamination is present and the correct levels of good fermentation acids are present and that harmful acids and micro-organisms are not.
- Our detailed Laboroatory Analysis including PDF documents of the results
- what makes haylage fro White Beach Farm special
- order online with a simply form
- our quality promise and contact details page
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