Merits of Hollow-Core Large Round Hay Bales

Experiments comparing hollow-core and solid large round bales of high moisture alfalfa hay (20-30 % w.b.) for drying rate on a solar-heated, forced-air dryer showed that hollow-core bales dried more than 50% faster than solid bales of equal dry matter density and moisture content. Results encourage the use of hollow-core bales to develop more compact, simpler, cost-effective designs for solar-heated, forced-air dryers to preserve premium quality hay at reasonable cost in humid climates. Three new machine items will be required, including an attachment for balers to form hollow-core round bales.