A system of total mixed ration for cows is a dedicated diet intended to improve the performance of the animals. It is arguable the most common choice many farmers opt for in the world, about providing cows that are indoor-housed and high producing with a quality feed.
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Strategic Implementation of TMR
The system was first developed in the 50s. Today, it is the one method that has been widely adopted by farmers to feed their animals. The reason why this method has come to be accepted by many is the fact that a total mixed ration for cows revolves around feed that is nutritionally balanced regularly.
This means that the cows can take in food to meet their energy requirements. This also allows the cows to maintain their physical characteristics all the time. The feed is processed in such a way that the size of the particles is relatively suitable for the cow’s rumen function.
Combining total mixed ratio for a cow with good feeding management can help farmers achieve the best possible performance from the animals they care for.
Good Feeding Management Steps
There are three steps to accomplish this:
- The inventory of forage and feed needs to be monitored regularly. The forage and feed should be given to the appropriate animal group.
- Forages and feeds should be tested several times within the year. They can also be tested whenever noticeable changes manifest.
- The formulations of the ratio need to be updated by basing them on several aspects such as: the prices of current feeds, the changes of moisture in the forages, feed ingredients of high moisture, current bodyweight, body condition scores, percentages of milk fat and milk protein, and milk production.
TMR system can benefit from several strategies. Separate batches of total mixed ration for a cow can be prepared for different groups. Cows can be segregated into fresh, early-/mid-/late-lactation, and far-off/close-up dry ones. This specific strategy that focuses on multiple groups can help meet the needs of targeted animals.
Separating Cows Based on Characteristics
Cows can also be separated based on other characteristics, including:
- Health
- Nutrient requirements
- Age
- Status of reproduction
- Days in milk
- Actual or fat-corrected milk.
A farm manager should decide upon which strategy to use based on different aspects of the farm operation, research, and the personal preferences of said manager.
Advantages of TMR
One of the advantages of a total mixed ration for cows would be improved efficiency in feeding the animals. Each serving of the TMR will come with an appropriate ingredient amount, making up a balanced ratio. The environment inside the rumen of a cow would then be ideal and stable, friendly enough for the internal microbes.
The feed should also be sufficient in carbs content as well as nitrogen. Accuracy in formulation and feeding can be greatly improved using a TMR system, provided that the system is managed properly. Feed scales can be implemented to ensure each feed ingredient is controlled in its quantity.
A total mixed ration for a cow can be prepared using a mixer, either wagon-mounted or stationary. All components that support the mixing equipment, such as load cells and scales, must always be in their top working performance all the time. Mixers are also available in a variety that comes with a feature to tackle long hay. Still, this isn’t something recommended as the machine will also reduce other forages whose particles are already small into something else even way smaller.
Disadvantages of TMR
The system of total mixed ratio for cows also bears some disadvantages, though. Mixing equipment that is required in preparing a TMR often calls for extra expenditures. Over-mixing and under-mixing are the most common challenges that farmers must deal with. Left unattended, these two will lead to inefficiency for the cows to processing the feed given to them.
Get the Best TMR Mixer from the OEM Factory in China
If you wish to prepare a TMR for the cows on your farm, you should begin with finding the right kind of device. And Jummos is the right OEM factory for TMR mixer to start. We will provide you with the information you need to select the right equipment. Visit our official website for complete pricing and shipping requirements. We handle the shipping to many countries, and we deal with providing only the best products for our customers and clients for decades.