Changing forage can cause a ration to become incorrectly balanced, resulting in decreased milk production or health problems in cows. To correct the imbalance, many farmers adjust the amount of each ingredient in their TMR, feeding the cows as if their herd had expanded by two to five cows. However, there are some common misconceptions about TMR cattle feed. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits and common misconceptions.
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Misperceptions about tmr cattle feed
Many people have misconceptions about TMR cattle feed. This type of feed is formulated to provide consistency to the rumen bacteria, which helps with fermentation and overall cow health. However, minor inconsistencies in TMR feed can cause problems for cows, including reduced milk production and reproductive issues. Some farmers choose to use TMR in the wrong way, causing their herd to be underweight and die prematurely.
TMR is not the only alternative to commercially produced cattle feed. It can be a more profitable alternative, and a properly prepared ration will pay for itself in the long run. The use of TMR is defined in the DAS 94-25, a document developed by B. P. Lammers, A. J. Heinrichs, and V. A. Ishler in 1994.
Benefits
One of the many benefits of TMR is the ability to incorporate less-palatable ingredients. It eliminates the guesswork of providing separate ingredients, and provides better formulation for optimal nutrition. Additionally, TMR allows you to customize your feed for specific groups of cows. By using a TMR cattle feed, you can avoid wastage and maximize milk production. Listed below are the three most common TMR components.
To ensure optimal results, TMR is fed to dairy cows twenty-four hours per day. This feeding regimen should be located within 100 to 300 feet of the cows, where they can be easily accessed and stimulated by the feed. The feed bunk should be emptied of leftover feed regularly. Ideally, only about 5 percent of the offered feed will be left in the feed bunk by the time the next feeding occurs.
Monitoring of dry matter intake
Dry matter intake is often estimated or predicted by producers. However, this method of calculation is not a perfect science. There are many factors that influence dry matter demand, including the animal’s body weight, environment, and other conditions. To estimate the dry matter intake of cattle, producers can use a dry matter intake calculation worksheet developed by the National Research Council (NRC).
For example, a high-producing Holstein cow should eat 52 pounds of dry matter per day. Similarly, a low-producing or late-lactation cow should consume 3 percent of her body weight per day, or about 39 pounds of dry matter per day. Similarly, young stock and mature cattle consume less dry matter per pound of body weight, but equate to higher total dry matter pounds. For these reasons, it is important to monitor dry matter intake in cattle feed.
In addition to nutrient levels, cattle feed efficiency can be measured through different methods. In one study, researchers in Tennessee monitored thirteen dairy herds for 14 months. They also recorded variables like days in milk, dry matter intake, milk yield, milk fat percentage, pH level, and forage level. They found that the efficiency of feed was significantly affected by temperature, days in milk, and dry matter intake. High fiber and forage content caused cows to become full, which can decrease milk yield.
Component feeding
In order to meet nutritional goals in dairy cows, TMR provides balanced rations that are well-balanced. The system also allows for more efficient feed utilization. Cows consuming TMR feed maintain the appropriate roughage and physical particle sizes. The feed is digested faster and efficiently, so cows receive more energy and stay healthier. The following are some key benefits of component feeding. If you are considering changing to TMR for your dairy herd, here are some tips:
First, make sure the TMR is composed of quality ingredients. Secondly, make sure the components are formulated accurately based on cow performance. The wrong components can contribute to structural deficiencies and excessive wastage. Make sure to read the ingredients label and consult your veterinarian if necessary. Always use the correct formula based on the type of cattle and herd. The wrong mix will not give the best results and may cause mastitis and acidosis in your cattle.
