Total mixed rations could be an option for modern cattle feeding
Feeding cattle isn’t just about filling the bunk; it’s about delivering balanced nutrition in every bite. One approach that’s become central in many livestock operations is the total mixed ration, or TMR.
Beth Kegley, a professor of animal science at the University of Arkansas, has studied beef cattle nutrition and stocker cattle health since joining the department in 1996.
She explained that TMRs are designed to provide cattle with all the nutrients they need in one mixture.
“Theoretically, every bite would be a formulated and balanced diet for that animal,” Kegley said.
Kegley went on to explain that by evenly blending forages, grains and supplements, a TMR allows producers to control what goes into each ration and how much cattle consume.
“You are controlling everything that animal eats, the ratios of different ingredients, versus letting them graze and supplement themselves,” Kegley said.
This precision can improve feed efficiency and reduce waste, helping producers get the most out of their resources.
However, Kegley emphasized that TMRs aren’t ideal for every producer, noting that they can require careful planning and daily effort.
“It doesn’t necessarily simplify management,” she said. “You have to know your ingredients, formulate diets appropriately and deliver feed daily. There are simpler systems with different goals.”
While TMRs are most common in dairy herds and beef feedlots where cattle are confined and fed multiple times per day, most cow-calf operations rely on pasture grazing supplemented with minerals or protein when needed.
“That’s the beauty of the grazing cow, she’s doing the work to get her feed,” she said.
Still, TMRs can be useful during winter feeding or drought, when forages are limited.
“Some producers grind hay and add grain or supplements to make a TMR when there’s nothing to graze,” she noted.
To implement a full TMR system, producers also need to consider the investment in infrastructure. Feed bunks or fence-line feeders are necessary for consistent feed delivery, and a feed mixer, whether a pull-type or truck-mounted unit, is essential to blend ingredients accurately.
While some producers own their equipment, others may opt to rent or hire out mixing, but either way, Kegley said she believes it’s an investment.
“It takes specialized and often expensive equipment, but it can keep cattle healthy through tough conditions,”Kegley said.
To cut back on expenses, for smaller producers without mixers, some TMR principles can still be applied. Limiting hay while supplementing with grain or a pre-mix allows for more control over intake, as long as changes are made gradually.
“You just have to adjust cattle slowly and make sure there’s enough bunk space for everyone to eat,” she said.
The University of Missouri Extension webpage emphasizes the importance of consistent feeding practices, noting that “we must be accurate and consistent with feed calls and feeding time” to avoid digestive upsets when forage is limited.
Ultimately, TMRs represent a balance between efficiency and practicality.
“A TMR delivers the nutrients the cow or calf needs in the correct proportions in every bite,” Kegley said.
