HARRISBURG, Pa. – Research shows that feeding a total mixed ration (TMR) helps a dairy cow achieve maximum performance, and in turn, helps a dairy producer become more profitable. Feeding a nutritionally balanced ration as a TMR allows cows to consume as close to their actual energy requirement as possible, which helps drive greater performance.
In the Center for Dairy Excellence and Penn State Extension’s recent dairy producer survey, it was found that an estimated 21 percent of Pennsylvania dairy producers do not use TMR for their herds. To better understand barriers and reasons why producers are not using a TMR, the Center has created a short, follow-up survey for dairy producers to share insight on their feeding strategies.
The survey includes the following types of questions:
- How many lactating, dry and replacement cows do you have?
- What type of milking parlor do you use?
- How is your milking herd currently housed?
- Are you working with a nutritionist to formulate diets for your herd?
- Do you currently use TMR?
- If you are not using TMR, what is your reason for not using it? If you have barriers to adopting this technology, what are the barriers?
The survey can be completed anonymously in less than five minutes. Visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/tmr-survey to take the survey online. You may also call Allen Hess at the Center at 717-346-0849 to take the survey over the phone or receive a printed copy.
The vision of the Center for Dairy Excellence is to serve as a catalyst for a vibrant Pennsylvania dairy industry by empowering and supporting Pennsylvania dairy families and businesses to thrive. Visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org to learn more.
“At the Center for Dairy Excellence, we’re always looking for ways to not only support Pennsylvania dairy farm families, but to help them remain competitive and successful,” said Melissa Anderson, programs and operations manager at the Center for Dairy Excellence. “Our hope is to use the input dairy farmers share in this TMR survey to better understand how we can support the dairy farmers we work with when it comes to nutrition and feeding strategies.
