Total Mixed Ration (TMR) Feeding: A Smarter Way to Keep Dairy Cows Healthy and Productive

Feeding dairy cows the right way plays a crucial role in their health, milk production, and overall performance. One of the most effective feeding methods used by dairy farmers today is Total Mixed Ration (TMR). But what is TMR, and how does it benefit your herd? Let’s explore.

Why Proper Nutrition Matters

Healthy cows come from healthy diets. A good cow ration should include:

  • High-quality forages
  • Balanced grains and protein sources
  • Essential vitamins and minerals

These nutrients support milk production, growth, and reproduction. However, it’s not just about feeding cows—it's about feeding them right. Balanced rations help avoid nutrient excess or deficiencies, improve digestion, and support optimal cow performance.

What is a Total Mixed Ration (TMR)?

A TMR is a carefully blended feed mix that combines all necessary nutrients into one uniform mixture. It typically includes:

  • Forages
  • Grains
  • Protein sources
  • Minerals and vitamins
  • Feed additives

TMR ensures that every bite your cow takes is nutritionally balanced. It also reduces feed sorting and improves consistency in intake.

Benefits of TMR Feeding

  1. Balanced Nutrition in Every Bite
    Cows get all essential nutrients in each mouthful, reducing pickiness.
  2. Improved Digestion
    TMR stabilizes rumen pH and supports better feed breakdown and nutrient absorption.
  3. Higher Milk Yields
    Correctly balanced TMR can increase milk production by 1 to 2.5 kg per cow per day.
  4. Labour and Cost Efficiency
    TMR systems save time, reduce manual labor, and allow precise control over feed quantities.

Challenges of TMR Feeding

  • High Initial Cost: Requires a mixer with weighing tools, which can be expensive.
  • Not Ideal for Individual Feeding: All cows in a group get the same ration.
  • Equipment Requirements: Dry forages may need chopping before mixing.
  • Group Management Needed: Cows need to be grouped by similar production and body weight levels.

Ideal Cow Groups for TMR Feeding

To make TMR most effective, divide cows into groups with similar needs:

  1. Pre-fresh Dry Cows (2–3 weeks before calving)
    High-fiber, nutrient-rich diets to prepare for birth and lactation.
  2. Fresh Cows (1–21 days after calving)
    Rations rich in fiber and energy to support the start of lactation.
  3. High-Producing Older Cows (21–180 days in milk)
    Nutrient-dense rations to maintain peak milk production and support reproduction.
  4. First-Lactation Heifers
    Separate group helps reduce competition and promotes better growth and consistent production.
  5. Mid-Lactation Cows (180–250 days in milk)
    Balanced ration with slightly less nutrient density.
  6. Late Lactation Cows (250 days in milk until dry-off)
    High-forage rations to support milk production without over-conditioning.
  7. Far-Off Dry Cows (220–260 days pregnant)
    High-forage, protein-balanced diets to prep for next lactation.

Formulating and Adjusting TMR Rations

Formulate rations based on the group’s dry matter (DM) intake and aim for slightly higher than average milk production to support growth and health.

Example: If a group averages 26 kg of milk per day, formulate for 31 kg/day.

Moving Cows Between Groups

  • Move cows to the fresh cow group post-calving.
  • Shift to a high-production group after 14–21 days, depending on health.
  • Move to the lower group if:
  1. Milk production drops 10%+ below group average.
  2. Body condition score exceeds 
  3. The cow is pregnant.

Pro Tip: Move cows in groups and during feeding times to reduce stress and social tension.

Daily Monitoring for TMR Success

  1. Check Feed Dry Matter (DM)
    Test silage and wet feed moisture 1–2 times per week. Use a moisture tester to avoid over- or under-feeding.
  2. Track Group Size Daily
    Feed amounts should match the number of cows.
  3. Adjust Daily Intake
    Weather and environment affect how much cows eat—adjust TMR accordingly.
  4. Order of Adding Feeds in Mixer
  • Auger mixers: Concentrates → Ensilaged forages → Dry forages
  • Vertical mixers: Dry/long forages → Grains → Concentrates → Ensilaged forages

   5. Mixing Time
          Over-mixing can break down fibres too much. Mix for 3–5 minutes after the final ingredient.

Best Feeding Practices

  • Feed TMR twice daily (morning and evening) for better freshness and intake.
  • Push feed toward cows at least 6 times a day to ensure access for all.
  • Watch for Sorting: Keep DM content between 50–55% to reduce cows sorting grain from forage.
  • Monitor Feed Refusals: Consistency in leftover feed helps track intake and adjust ration.

Final Thoughts

Feeding a Total Mixed Ration is a modern, proven way to support the health, milk production, and efficiency of your dairy operation. While the system requires planning, investment, and management, the long-term gains in productivity and cow health can be significant.

If you’re ready to upgrade your feeding strategy, TMR might just be the key to unlocking your dairy farm’s full potential.

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