Low Energy haylage is a high-fibre, low-energy and low-protein forage for horses. It’s typically produced from late-cut mixed species grass (at M&T, our Haylage Low Energy is made from second cut Timothy, Ryegrass and Meadow grass). It’s specifically designed to offer a lower calorie intake, whilst still providing essential nutrients and high levels of fibre, making it ideal for good doers, horses in light work or at rest, and horses prone to weight gain. 

Our Haylage Low Energy is made from premium second cut Timothy, Ryegrass and Meadow grass, grown in our fields in Yorkshire. It’s produced from second-cut mixed species grass to ensure a high stem-to-leaf ratio and lower protein and sugar levels than other haylages, whilst still providing high levels of fibre to aid digestion. 

Low-energy haylage is specifically grown to suit good doers, horses in light work or at rest, or horses prone to weight gain. This high-fibre, low-energy and low-protein nutritional profile is achieved through:

• Late Cut Grass – Grass is typically second-cut, meaning it’s harvested at a later stage of growth, which ensures it’s less rich than first-cut grasses. 
• High Stem-to-Leaf Ratio – Second-cut haylage contains fewer leaves and more stems, naturally resulting in a higher fibre content but lower energy levels. 
• Higher Lignin Content – As grass matures, lignin levels increase within the plant cell wall. Lignin is largely indigestible, which reduces overall digestibility and contributes to a lower digestible energy value.
• Reduced Crude Protein Content – As grasses mature, protein concentration naturally declines as the plant shifts from active growth towards structural development.

Yes, low-energy haylage can be an effective tool for weight management, particularly for less active horses, good doers or those prone to weight gain. It allows you to feed a higher volume of high fibre forage, without providing high levels of protein or energy. This supports natural foraging behaviour and helps to aid digestion.

Yes, low-energy haylage, such as M&T’s Haylage Low Energy, can be safely fed as a sole forage source. It’s particularly well-suited for:

• Leisure horses
• Good doers
• Native ponies
• Horses at rest 
• Horses in light work 
• Those prone to weight gain

Because it’s high in fibre, but low in energy and protein, low-energy haylage is a common alternative to meadow hay, especially for picky eaters who prefer the palatability of haylage or those with respiratory problems that require a clean forage option that’s low in dust. 

Haylage Complete contains higher levels of energy and protein compared to Haylage Low Energy. This makes it more suitable as a well-balanced haylage option, especially for horses in light to medium work, as well as poorer doers in lower levels of activity or breeding stock with higher nutritional requirements.

Speak to our nutritionist, Briony, to learn more about our range of haylage and other forage options – she will be happy to offer tailored recommendations on what’s right for your horse or pony. 

M&T’s Haylage Low Energy is supplied in small haylage bales weighing approximately 17–20kg. Our full haylage range (Haylage Complete, Haylage Elite and Haylage Low Energy) can be supplied in small bales, which are easy to transport and store. 

Yes, low-energy haylage is suitable for horses in light work or at rest, especially those that are prone to weight gain, good doers, horses with metabolic issues or native ponies. It provides high fibre with a lower overall energy content than other haylages, and makes a palatable, dust-reduced and highly digestible alternative to hay. 

For horses in moderate work, we typically recommend Haylage Complete, which offers slightly higher energy levels, and for sports or competition horses, or those in heavy work, we recommend Haylage Elite. However, every horse is different and has their own unique nutritional needs, so these are only guidelines. If you’re looking for tailored nutritional advice about which of our haylage options is right for your horse or pony, please get in touch with our nutritionist, Briony.