TMR Feeding in India — Stopping Selective Eating
How mixing bhusa, green chari/berseem, and concentrate together prevents subclinical rumen acidosis and boosts daily milk yield.
The Problem with Component Feeding
Many small dairy farmers practice component feeding—giving dry wheat straw (bhusa), green grass (chari/berseem), and concentrate mix separately at different times. Cows naturally select the tastiest part first (the concentrate) and leave the dry straw. This rapid grain intake causes a sudden acid spike in the rumen (subclinical acidosis), reducing overall digestibility and feed intake.
What is Total Mixed Ration (TMR)?
TMR is the practice of thoroughly blending dry fodder, green fodder, concentrates, bypass nutrients, minerals, and water into a single, uniform mixture. Because every mouthful contains the exact same ratio of fiber, energy, and protein, rumen microbes receive a steady, balanced diet. This prevents selective sorting, stabilizes rumen pH, and improves fiber digestion by up to 15%.
How to Mix TMR on the Farm
First, chop dry wheat straw (bhusa) and green fodder to a length of 1 to 2 inches. Mixing very long straw allows cows to sort through it. Mix the dry ingredients (concentrate, mineral mixture, bypass fat) with the chopped fodder. Add just enough water to make the mixture moist (45-50% moisture)—this binds the fine feed particles to the straw, making it impossible for the cow to separate them.
Economic and Yield Benefits
Switching to TMR increases dry matter intake (DMI) and raises milk fat levels because the cow consumes a consistent amount of effective fiber alongside energy. Farmers in Punjab and Haryana report up to 1.0 to 1.5 litres of extra milk per cow daily and improved dung consistency within two weeks of adopting TMR.
Chop fodders to 1-2 inches, mix thoroughly with concentrates and water to prevent sorting, and feed as a single blend to stabilize the rumen and boost milk fat.