Haylage (Baleage) — Livestock Feed Analysis
Haylage, also called baleage, is forage harvested at higher moisture than dry hay and wrapped in plastic to undergo anaerobic fermentation. With 14% crude protein and 60% TDN at 45% dry matter, haylage captures more nutrients than dry hay because it can be harvested at an earlier, more nutritious stage of maturity without the risk of rain damage during field drying. Haylage is widely used in dairy operations and increasingly popular in beef and horse operations, particularly in humid climates where drying hay to safe moisture levels is difficult. The fermentation process creates organic acids (primarily lactic acid) that preserve the forage and can improve palatability. Haylage must be consumed within 2-3 days of opening to prevent spoilage and heating. It should not be fed to horses more than 1-2 days after opening due to the risk of botulism from Clostridium organisms.
Which Animals Can Haylage (Baleage) Feed?
The table below shows how Haylage (Baleage) performs as a sole feed source for each of the 20 livestock species in our database. At 14% crude protein and 60% TDN, this feed meets the protein requirement for animals needing up to 14% CP and the energy requirement for animals needing up to 60% TDN. In practice, feeds are rarely used as the sole source; this analysis helps determine where haylage (baleage) fits in a mixed ration.
| Animal | Needs CP | Needs TDN | As-Fed/Day | CP Met? | TDN Met? | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef Cow | 7% | 52% | 53.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $64.00 |
| Dairy Cow | 16% | 70% | 108.9 lbs | No | No | $130.67 |
| Horse | 10% | 55% | 48.9 lbs | Yes | Yes | $58.67 |
| Meat Goat | 10% | 55% | 11.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $14.00 |
| Dairy Goat | 14% | 65% | 13.3 lbs | Yes | No | $16.00 |
| Sheep | 10% | 55% | 11.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $14.00 |
| Pig (Sow/Boar) | 14% | 75% | 26.7 lbs | Yes | No | $32.00 |
| Pig (Grower/Finisher) | 16% | 80% | 16.7 lbs | No | No | $20.00 |
| Chicken (Layer) | 16% | 70% | 0.4 lbs | No | No | $0.53 |
| Chicken (Broiler) | 20% | 78% | 0.7 lbs | No | No | $0.80 |
| Turkey | 22% | 75% | 1.9 lbs | No | No | $2.33 |
| Duck | 16% | 70% | 0.7 lbs | No | No | $0.84 |
| Rabbit | 16% | 65% | 0.6 lbs | No | No | $0.75 |
| Llama | 10% | 55% | 14.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $16.80 |
| Alpaca | 10% | 55% | 6.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $7.20 |
| Donkey | 8% | 50% | 16.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $20.00 |
| Bison | 7% | 52% | 80.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $96.00 |
| Elk | 12% | 60% | 44.4 lbs | Yes | Yes | $53.33 |
| White-tailed Deer | 12% | 60% | 11.1 lbs | Yes | Yes | $13.33 |
| Miniature Horse | 10% | 55% | 13.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $16.00 |
Cost Comparison with Similar Feeds
Selecting the most cost-effective feed requires comparing both the as-fed price and the price per ton of dry matter. The table below compares Haylage (Baleage) with other feeds in the silage category and common reference feeds. The cost per ton of dry matter accounts for moisture content, providing a fair comparison between feeds with different moisture levels.
| Feed | DM % | CP % | TDN % | $/Ton | $/Ton DM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grass Hay | 88% | 8% | 52% | $150 | $170 |
| Alfalfa Hay | 90% | 18% | 58% | $250 | $278 |
| Corn Silage | 35% | 8% | 70% | $50 | $143 |
| Haylage (Baleage) | 45% | 14% | 60% | $80 | $178 |
| Whole Corn | 88% | 9% | 88% | $220 | $250 |
Feeding Guidelines for Haylage (Baleage)
When incorporating haylage (baleage) into a livestock feeding program, consider the following nutritional characteristics. With a dry matter content of 45%, each pound of as-fed haylage (baleage) provides 0.45 lbs of actual dry matter. The crude protein content of 14% means that each pound of dry matter delivers 2.2 grams of crude protein. The TDN content of 60% indicates the proportion of the feed that is digestible and available for energy.
The cost of haylage (baleage) at $80 per ton translates to $0.040 per pound as-fed or $0.089 per pound of dry matter. When evaluating whether to use this feed, compare the cost per unit of the nutrient you are trying to supply. If you need protein, calculate the cost per pound of crude protein. If you need energy, calculate the cost per unit of TDN. The most economical feed choice depends on which nutrient is the limiting factor in your ration and the relative prices of available feeds in your local market.
Storage requirements vary by feed type and moisture content. Feeds with less than 15% moisture (most dry hays and grains) can be stored in open-sided barns or covered stacks for months to years without significant nutrient loss. Feeds with higher moisture content require either airtight storage (silage, haylage) or must be consumed within days of delivery (wet brewers grains, wet distillers grains). Proper storage prevents mold growth, mycotoxin contamination, and dry matter losses that can significantly increase the effective cost per unit of nutrition delivered to the animal.
Always introduce new feeds gradually over a period of 7-14 days, increasing the proportion of the new feed while decreasing the old feed by equal amounts each day. Sudden dietary changes disrupt the microbial population in the rumen (for ruminants) or the hindgut (for horses), potentially causing digestive disturbances ranging from mild loose stools to life-threatening acidosis or colic. This gradual transition is especially important when switching between forages and concentrates, or when introducing high-starch feeds like corn or barley to animals previously consuming an all-forage diet.
Other Feed Types
Compare nutritional profiles and costs for all livestock feeds in our database.