CONVERSATIONS ASK YOUR NUTRITIONIST ABOUT YOUR TMR CONSISTENCY SUPER POWER Total mixed rations (TMR) should be as consistent as the sun’s rising and setting. That doesn’t happen by itself though. As producers and their advisors meet in the conference room (or kitchen), the conversation will turn to any of a number of factors that can cause un- wanted variations in the herd’s TMRs. By John Miller The beauty of properly prepared TMRs is that each bite contains exactly the same proportion of forages and concentrates. Every mouthful delivers a balanced ration. With today’s use of wet ingredients – water, light whey, molasses, etc. – unwanted variations can occur if wet ingredients are not properly applied and mixed. 1) What differences can occur? The TMR’s uniformity suffers when wet ingre- dients are improperly added. Consider a recent sce- nario with a mid-lactation diet that contains liquid whey (see Table 1). Once the TMR was delivered ■ John Miller to the feed bunk, fi ve samples of approximately is a regional sales manager in Califor- 1.5 lb. each were taken at different locations. Each nia for Diamond sample was put through a 3-box Penn State Par- V. Contact him by ticle Separator and each fraction was analyzed for email jmiller@ diamondv.com or moisture. FYI phone (559) 731- 7146 or visit www. diamondv.com. 2) How are cows affected? Anytime TMRs are not consistent, cows are af- fected. Consistent TMRs nurture highly effi cient Please turn to page 43 Table 1. Variation in dry matter levels in mid-lactation TMR with liquid whey Dry Matter (%) Sample # Top Middle Bottom Average 1 48.9 53.7 53.2 51.9 2 55.0 55.3 56.0 55.4 3 47.9 46.4 49.3 45.3 54.9 55.0 45.6 55.2 56.3 48.5 53.1 54.0 Efficient dairies use efficient energy and EnerGII is the smartest energy solution on the market – dramatically improving herd condition, managing total costs, and predictably improving ROI. Delivering in Your Time of Need. EnerGII predictably improves milk production and body condition, throughout the crucial periods of summer heat. It’s so powerful, just 1⁄2 pound of EnerGII reliably delivers 2.5 lbs. of milk – so you know we’ll be there when you need us, like any good hero would. For more information or to find a distributor near you, visit us on the web at VirtusNutrition.com/EnerGII, call 1.800.225.4519, or email TheEnerGIIDifference@VirtusNutrition.com 52.4 Ave. DM The Brains to Improve the Brawn. 51.7 5 EnerGII ® creates immediate results and sustains them – in research trials and on thousands of dairies throughout North America – dependably delivering energy to all the right places. EnerGII is rumen inert and safely packs more than 2.5 times the energy of corn without upsetting rumen balance! 47.9 4 250% More Powerful Than Corn. 51.9 EnerGII ® and Virtus Nutrition™ are trademarks of Virtus Nutrition, LLC. www.dairybusiness.com