Researchers : A.A. Angeles, K.J.S. Ty, M.M.Loresco, A.M. Tapia, M.S. Galang, S.S. Capitan and E.M. Agbisit Jr.

Funding Agency : National Dairy Authority (NDA) and BENACORN

ABSTRACT

The study aims to determine the effect of feeding total mixed ration (TMR) on lactating cows compared with the traditional feeding of roughage and concentrate. A 3-month TMR feeding trial was conducted at the ADSC Dairy Farm, UPLB with the following treatments: 12 HF X S milking cows divided into two groups: Treatment 1- fed with soilage (ad libitum) + concentrate (NLT 16% CP) at 1 kg / 2L of milk and Treatment 2 – fed with TMR (NMT 16% CP, ad libitum). Feeding was conducted in four weeks. Feed and milk samples were analyzed using standard methods.
The conclusions were as follows: 1) There is a need for nutrient intake consistency; 2) Rations should be designed to effectively deliver nutrients; 3) TMR may consistently provide the required nutrients to maintain the level of milk production (has a tendency to increase), maintain milk quality and maintain body condition (and subsequent performance). The study shows that TMR can be a potential substitute to conventional feeding systems.