Knowing the ins and outs of farming is an important thing for anyone beginning their work as a farmer. At the very least, there are three major things you should be aware of: superior livestock breeds, the cleanliness of the location and housing, and the animal’s digestion. A steady fodder supply for the livestock is a necessity that cannot be ignored. That is why we lean on support from both the environment and technology. To maintain weight and quality, feed is drawn from a variety of sources. One of the most effective ways to bring those sources together is a total mixed ration, or TMR.
This article looks at TMR as a feeding method rather than as a machine. If you are more interested in the equipment itself, our detailed guide to the TMR mixer covers how the machine works, the different types, and how to choose one. Here, the focus is on when TMR feeding makes sense and how to manage it well.
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What Total Mixed Ration Feeding Actually Means
A total mixed ration is a feeding method in which all dietary components, including the forage, grains, protein sources, vitamins, and minerals, are blended into a single uniform mixture. Because every mouthful carries the same balanced blend, the animal cannot pick out its favorite ingredients and leave the rest behind. This is the whole point of the method, and it is what separates a true TMR from simply putting concentrate and hay in front of an animal separately.
It is worth clearing up one common misunderstanding. A TMR is not a dry pelleted concentrate, and it is not made through a pelleting process. It is a moist, freshly mixed ration that includes wet forage such as silage, and it is prepared on the farm and fed the same day. The uniformity comes from the mixing action, not from any milling or pelleting.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of TMR
Advancements in agricultural technology continue to bring innovations that make farming both efficient and profitable. TMR feeding is one of them, and it carries clear benefits. It also has genuine trade-offs, which are worth understanding before you commit to the system.
| Advantages of TMR Feeding | Disadvantages to Consider |
|---|---|
| Each mouthful is nutritionally balanced, which supports better digestion and a more stable rumen | Every animal in a group gets the same ration, even though individual needs differ |
| Reduces selective eating, since grain, hay, and other sources are blended into one form | Buying all the components and the equipment can be costly up front |
| Cuts the labor cost of feeding, since one mix serves the whole group | Some forages such as long hay or straw may need pre-chopping with additional equipment |
| Improves feed efficiency for both higher and lower producing cattle within a group | Grouping is hard on small herds, so some cows may be over or underfed |
On the benefit side, it is tempting to quote dramatic numbers, but it is better to be realistic. Research summarized by the Merck Veterinary Manual and agricultural extension services points to a nutritional advantage of roughly 8 to 12 percent over feeding components separately, and properly balanced TMR programs commonly raise milk output by about 1 to 2.5 kilograms per cow per day. Those are meaningful gains, but they depend entirely on the ration being formulated and mixed correctly.
Grouping: Where TMR Feeding Succeeds or Fails
The single biggest factor that decides whether TMR feeding works for you is grouping. Because every animal in a group eats the same ration, you need enough animals to form sensible groups based on production level and stage of lactation.
This is why TMR is generally not practical for very small herds. Grouping is difficult when a herd has fewer than about 50 cows, and for cost-effective TMR feeding a minimum of three lactating groups, plus separate dry cow groups, is often recommended. If a herd has wide variation in milk yield or body weight but is fed as a single group, some cows will inevitably be overfed while others are underfed. That drives up feed cost, or it costs you milk.
Small operations are not shut out entirely. A single-group TMR can still work if you adjust the amount offered and top-dress extra feed for thinner or higher-producing animals. But it takes closer management, not less. As one common piece of advice puts it, TMR is not a substitute for good management. If anything, it raises the level of management skill required.
How the Mixing Fits Into the Bigger Picture
The mixer itself blends materials of different particle sizes, moisture levels, and densities until the result is homogeneous, meaning each portion of the finished ration has the same composition. That uniformity is the mechanical heart of the method, and the machinery that delivers it can run on either a horizontal or a vertical auger design.
But the ration is only as good as what goes into it. Forage usually makes up the largest share of a TMR, so the quality of your silage or hay sets a ceiling on the quality of the finished feed. Forage that was baled and sealed properly protects the nutrition you worked to grow, which is why good preservation upstream matters as much as good mixing at feeding time.
Making the Decision
Choosing to adopt TMR feeding comes down to a few honest questions about your own operation. How large is your herd, and can you form workable groups? Do you have the forage quality and the storage to feed a consistent ration every day? And are you prepared for the extra management that the system demands in exchange for its efficiency?
If the answers line up, TMR is one of the most effective feeding methods available. When you are ready to look at the equipment side, Jummos supports breeders and farmers with a full range of machinery, including trailed and stationary TMR mixers and the baler wrappers that keep your forage in top condition beforehand. Explore the range and see which product fits your operation.
Reviewed and updated by the Jummos Content Team on July 15, 2026. Milk yield and herd grouping figures were checked against current dairy extension and veterinary sources.