Volume 17, Issue 1 (3-2026)
Res Anim Prod 2026, 17(1): 100-109 |
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Eftekhari M, Aghashahi A, Chegini M. (2026). The Effect of Using Total Mixed Ration (TMR) Silage on the Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Blood Parameters of Holstein Lactating Cows. Res Anim Prod. 17(1), 100-109. doi:10.61882/rap.2026.1522
URL: http://rap.sanru.ac.ir/article-1-1522-en.html
URL: http://rap.sanru.ac.ir/article-1-1522-en.html
1- Animal Science Research Department, Qazvin Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Qazvin, Iran
2- Animal Science Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
3- Managing Director (CEO) of Pars Daneh Arya Animal Feed Factory, Qazvin, Iran
2- Animal Science Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
3- Managing Director (CEO) of Pars Daneh Arya Animal Feed Factory, Qazvin, Iran
Abstract: (355 Views)
Extended abstract
Background: Currently, the conventional feeding method for dairy cattle, even in small and medium-sized farms, is a total mixed ration (TMR). TMR is made by adding the concentrate to the forage portion of the ration and mixing them together. Preparing a TMR requires access to formulated rations and the use of equipment such as grinders and mixers; in addition, machinery, storage facilities, and labor are necessary. Typically, providing these tools and facilities is not easy for small and sometimes medium-sized farms. Under these conditions, if the TMR feed is ensiled in a wet form, these shortcomings can be largely overcome. Overall, the technology of TMR silage facilitates feeding management and allows the use of ensiled wet feed over time. The present experiment was conducted in this regard to investigate the effect of using TMR silage on the performance, blood parameters, and digestibility of dairy cows in mid-lactation.
Methods: For this experiment, 16 multiparous Holstein dairy cows (with an average parity of 2.8 parity and 78 days in milk), whose health was certified by a herd veterinarian, were divided into two homogeneous groups of eight cows each based on milk production levels, days in milk, and parity. Each group was randomly assigned to one of two experimental diets (including a control diet and a diet prepared as TMR Silage). The chemical composition of the prepared TMR Silage was determined for pH, dry matter, crude protein, ash content, and neutral detergent fiber on days 0, 28, and 56. The total duration of the experiment was 40 days; the first 10 days served as an adaptation period for animals to adjust to their housing and experimental diets. Throughout the experiment, daily feed intake was measured by subtracting leftover feed from the amount offered. Daily milk production and its components (fat percentage, protein percentage, lactose percentage, and somatic cell count) were measured biweekly. To assess the impact of the diets on nutrient digestibility (including dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber), fecal samples were collected directly from all animals' rectums during the last five days of the experiment. On the final day of the experiment, blood samples were collected from all animals via venipuncture to evaluate treatment effects on blood parameters including glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and total protein.
Results: Based on the results obtained from this experiment, parameters related to the prepared silage indicated that high-quality silage was produced. The use of feed in the form of TMR Silage did not significantly affect dry matter intake; thus, treatments were similar in this regard; however, milk production showed a tendency to increase (P = 0.10). Except for fat percentage in milk that increased due to using complete feed silage (P=0.05), other milk components, including protein percentage and lactose percentage, as well as somatic cell count, were not affected. Feeding TMR Silage increased the apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (P =0.04) but had no effect on the apparent digestibility of other nutrients, including dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein. Among blood parameters, including glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and total protein concentration, only glucose concentration significantly increased with TMR Silage intake (P = 0.05).
Conclusion: The results from this study indicate that using TMR Silage led to a non-significant increase in milk production in dairy cows while improving the apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and increasing both milk fat percentage and blood glucose concentration. Overall, it can be stated that utilizing TMR Silage has advantages in feeding dairy cows and can serve as a viable strategy for their nutrition; however, further research is needed in this area.
Background: Currently, the conventional feeding method for dairy cattle, even in small and medium-sized farms, is a total mixed ration (TMR). TMR is made by adding the concentrate to the forage portion of the ration and mixing them together. Preparing a TMR requires access to formulated rations and the use of equipment such as grinders and mixers; in addition, machinery, storage facilities, and labor are necessary. Typically, providing these tools and facilities is not easy for small and sometimes medium-sized farms. Under these conditions, if the TMR feed is ensiled in a wet form, these shortcomings can be largely overcome. Overall, the technology of TMR silage facilitates feeding management and allows the use of ensiled wet feed over time. The present experiment was conducted in this regard to investigate the effect of using TMR silage on the performance, blood parameters, and digestibility of dairy cows in mid-lactation.
Methods: For this experiment, 16 multiparous Holstein dairy cows (with an average parity of 2.8 parity and 78 days in milk), whose health was certified by a herd veterinarian, were divided into two homogeneous groups of eight cows each based on milk production levels, days in milk, and parity. Each group was randomly assigned to one of two experimental diets (including a control diet and a diet prepared as TMR Silage). The chemical composition of the prepared TMR Silage was determined for pH, dry matter, crude protein, ash content, and neutral detergent fiber on days 0, 28, and 56. The total duration of the experiment was 40 days; the first 10 days served as an adaptation period for animals to adjust to their housing and experimental diets. Throughout the experiment, daily feed intake was measured by subtracting leftover feed from the amount offered. Daily milk production and its components (fat percentage, protein percentage, lactose percentage, and somatic cell count) were measured biweekly. To assess the impact of the diets on nutrient digestibility (including dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber), fecal samples were collected directly from all animals' rectums during the last five days of the experiment. On the final day of the experiment, blood samples were collected from all animals via venipuncture to evaluate treatment effects on blood parameters including glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and total protein.
Results: Based on the results obtained from this experiment, parameters related to the prepared silage indicated that high-quality silage was produced. The use of feed in the form of TMR Silage did not significantly affect dry matter intake; thus, treatments were similar in this regard; however, milk production showed a tendency to increase (P = 0.10). Except for fat percentage in milk that increased due to using complete feed silage (P=0.05), other milk components, including protein percentage and lactose percentage, as well as somatic cell count, were not affected. Feeding TMR Silage increased the apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (P =0.04) but had no effect on the apparent digestibility of other nutrients, including dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein. Among blood parameters, including glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and total protein concentration, only glucose concentration significantly increased with TMR Silage intake (P = 0.05).
Conclusion: The results from this study indicate that using TMR Silage led to a non-significant increase in milk production in dairy cows while improving the apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and increasing both milk fat percentage and blood glucose concentration. Overall, it can be stated that utilizing TMR Silage has advantages in feeding dairy cows and can serve as a viable strategy for their nutrition; however, further research is needed in this area.
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