Feeding Total Mixed Ration (TMR) on Production and Reproductive Performance of Lactating Dairy Cows: A Review

Abstract

The development of the dairy sector is economically important to many countries of the world. However, the dairy sector has faced many constraints due to the unavailability of quality and quantity of feed resources and their responses on growth, health and reproduction in dairy animals. The total mixed ration (TMR) is an alternate strategy to overcome the feed shortage of lactating cows by utilizing available feed resources effectively and efficiently. This review article elaborates the effects of TMR on the production and reproduction performance of lactating dairy cows. Interestingly, TMR feeding has a significant effect on the body weight, feed intake, feed efficiency, milk yield and composition and reproductive performances of lactating dairy cows. Feeding TMR to dairy animals was investigated to provide a balanced diet, reduce feed wastage and save labour cost and time. Hence, feeding TMR as per the animal requirement is more efficient as compared to traditional feeds.