Total mixed ration (TMR)

A total mixed ration combines forages, grains, protein feeds, minerals and vitamins into a single mix so that every mouthful has the same composition. It evens out rumen fermentation through the day and makes it possible to feed by group.

The weak points are practical: changes in forage dry matter that go uncorrected, over-mixing that destroys particle length, and sorting at the bunk.

Written for the 2026 edition of the library.