FROM THE FARM REPORT: THE VALUE OF A TMR AUDIT

This past January I had the opportunity to attend the GPS Dairy Consulting Bootcamp in Minneapolis, MN. During this program we were exposed to ration formulation software, consultative selling techniques, reviewed our own personality profiles and explored several topics relevant to a career in dairy nutrition consulting. The topic of a TMR (Total Mixed Ration) Audit was discussed, and I was reminded of the value that such evaluations can bring to the dairy. An audit is a good reminder for everyone involved in the feeding system, or another system that is being evaluated of the expectations and goals of the dairy. It allows the person feeding the cows, if not the producer themselves, the producer and the nutritionist to take a step back, reevaluate the feeding system and work collaboratively to problem solve issues that arise in real time on the dairy.

Feed costs on a dairy account for about 50% of a dairy’s total cost. Therefore, how we manage and deliver feed should be the most accurate to minimize waste, improving in the consistency of what is delivered to the dairy cow and hopefully eliminate unnecessary cost to the dairy itself. A TMR Audit helps evaluate the efficiency of the feeding system with these goals in mind. Originally developed by Diamond V Mills, the TMR Audit concept has since been adapted by many organizations, but all versions share one objective, to improve cow health and performance. The key areas that are typically evaluated in an audit include silage and feedstuff management, TMR load preparation, TMR consistency within and between loads and feed bunk management (Stone and Oelberg, 2016).

Oelberg (2016), outlines steps that should be evaluated when managing silage and feedstuffs. These steps include defacing just enough feed to feed out that day to avoid excessive secondary fermentation, removing any moldy or spoiled silage, and avoiding large amounts of loose silage at the bottom of the pile when feeding is complete. Oelberg (2016) also outlines ten factors in the TMR loading and mixing process that can contribute to variation. These factors include worn mixer augers, kicker plates and knives, un-level mixers, mixing time after the last added ingredient, loading position on the mixer box, load size, hay quality and processing, loading sequence, liquid distribution, vertical mixer auger speed and forage restrictor settings on vertical mixers. It’s recommended that a TMR Audit is completed once or twice a year (Dill, n.d.). Having an outside evaluator complete the audit provides a fresh set on eyes and a new perspective on the dairy. Although the dairy could complete a TMR Audit on its own, there are certain tools that are necessary such as a Penn State Particle Separator to sample multiple times along the feed bunk for a better understanding of the consistency of the diet being fed to the cow. In addition, consultants are incorporating the use of technology, such as cameras to understand the behavior of the cow, the management of the feed bunk and ensuring equipment is operating properly in real time. Overall, understanding and routinely evaluating these factors allows nutritionists and producers to collaboratively maintain a consistent and precise feeding system, ultimately supporting cow performance and improving the dairy’s bottom line.

The QR code at right links to the article referenced by Dr. Oelberg. Additionally, more resources regarding TMR Audits can be found from various sources such as Pennsylvania State Extension and Progressive Dairy magazine for example.

— Victoria Blaney

vblaney@whminer.com