Total Mixed Ration (TMR) Feeding System

1. Introduction

Total Mixed Ration (TMR) is a feeding method where all the feed ingredients—forages, concentrates, minerals, vitamins, and feed additives—are thoroughly mixed into a homogenous blend. This mixed ration is fed to dairy or beef cattle to provide complete, balanced nutrition in every bite.

TMR is increasingly used in commercial livestock production systems due to its efficiency in improving milk yield, animal health, and feed utilization.

2. Objectives of TMR Feeding

• Deliver a balanced diet with every mouthful to prevent selective feeding.
• Maximize dry matter intake (DMI).
• Improve milk yield and quality.
• Enhance rumen function and microbial efficiency.
• Minimize digestive disturbances (e.g., acidosis, bloat).
• Reduce feed wastage and labor.

3. Components of a Total Mixed Ration

A balanced TMR contains the following components:

4. Steps in Preparing TMR

1. Formulate the ration based on:
   • Animal category (e.g., high-yielding lactating cows, dry cows, heifers)
   • Nutritional requirements (CP, TDN, minerals, vitamins)
   • Locally available feed resources
2. Weigh ingredients accurately.
3. Chop long-stem forages to 1–3 cm length for uniform mixing.
4. Use a feed mixer wagon or machine to blend the ingredients thoroughly.
5. Distribute the TMR to feed bunks or troughs—usually twice daily.

5. Nutritional Composition of an Ideal TMR for Dairy Cows

Note: Adjustments needed based on milk yield, lactation stage, breed, and environment.

6. Types of TMR

• High-forage TMR: Used for dry cows, low-yielding cows, and heifers.
• Balanced TMR: Used for lactating cows—optimized for milk production.
• High-energy TMR: For high-yielding cows in early lactation.

7. Advantages of TMR Feeding

8. Challenges and Limitations of TMR

9. Monitoring and Management

To ensure the effectiveness of TMR feeding:

• Monitor milk yield and composition regularly.
• Check body condition scores (BCS).
• Observe feeding behavior and bunk cleanliness.
• Adjust formulation as per forage analysis or seasonal variation.
• Regularly service mixers and weighing systems.

10. TMR in Tropical and Subtropical Regions

TMR is adaptable to tropical countries using local ingredients like:

• Silage from sorghum, maize, or Napier grass
• Agro-industrial byproducts: rice bran, cottonseed cake, wheat bran
• Crop residues: treated wheat straw, sugarcane tops

Use of urea-molasses treatment, ensiling, and pelletized feed blocks can help improve feed quality and simplify TMR preparation.

11. Conclusion

TMR feeding is a scientific, efficient, and performance-driven system that enhances productivity in commercial dairy farming. When properly formulated and managed, it supports:

• Optimal animal health
• Higher milk yield
• Better feed efficiency
• Reduced labor costs

Despite its challenges, especially in low-resource settings, TMR can be adapted using local feed resources and cooperative models, making it a transformative tool for modern dairy enterprises.