What is total mixed ration in terms of animal husbandry?

In animal husbandry, a total mixed ration (TMR) is a diet for livestock that consists of a mixture of roughages, concentrates, and additives in proper proportions to meet the nutritional requirements of the animal. TMR is typically formulated to provide the animal with a balanced diet, with the correct proportions of energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins.

TMR is often used in intensive livestock operations, such as dairy farms, where it can help to improve animal performance and reduce the risk of nutritional deficiencies. TMR is also commonly used in feedlots, where it can help to reduce feed costs and improve the efficiency of feed conversion.

The benefits of feeding TMR include:

* Improved animal performance

* Reduced risk of nutritional deficiencies

* Increased feed efficiency

* Reduced labor requirements

* Improved manure quality

TMR is a versatile feed that can be used to feed a variety of livestock, including cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and pigs. The type of TMR fed to an animal will vary depending on the animal's age, size, and nutritional requirements.

To formulate a TMR, the following factors need to be considered:

* The nutritional requirements of the animal

* The availability and cost of feed ingredients

* The palatability of the TMR

* The mixing and feeding equipment that is available

Once the TMR has been formulated, it needs to be mixed thoroughly to ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The TMR can then be fed to the animals either as a complete diet or as a supplement to other feeds.