What does TMR stand for?
Total Mixed Ration, which is both a concept and way of life. The TMR Concept considers they way cows eat and makes it easier for farmers to ensure the correct nutrients are being consumed. Dairy farmers know the quality of feed helps ensure the quality of the milk. Cows are a little bit like kids. They pick through their ration and pick out the tasty smaller grains. For nutritionists this is a cause for concern because the cow’s rumen will drop significantly in PH. This causes acidosis (upset tummy) or laminitis which at the barn level manifests into sore feet. Both conditions can become chronic or acute with serious impacts on production in the herd. Traditionally farmers have fed their cows hay followed by wet silages, then grains, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This is an extremely labor intensive and ineffective method because it creates a poor ration environment and acidosis. With compromised nutrition levels farmers are forced to spend money on extra feed, veterinary costs and
