The Determination of Chemical and Microbiological Characteristics of Total Mixed Ration Feeds Used in a Dairy Cattle Farm

Authors : Melek Sezgin, Fisun Koc

Pages : 106-114

Doi:10.55257/ethabd.1714116

View : 31 | Download : 60

Publication Date : 2025-12-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The study was conducted over a 10-month period in a private dairy farm where a Total Mixed Ration (TMR) feeding system was implemented. The research material consisted of TMR samples taken from the mixer wagon and feed bunks. The mixer wagon used in the farm had an average capacity of 1 ton, and the TMR composition included grass hay, straw, triticale, sunflower meal, corn silage, molasses, salt, a vitamin-mineral premix, and dairy concentrate feed. In the collected TMR samples, several analyses were conducted, including pH, dry matter (DM), water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), and microbiological evaluations such as lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and mold counts. Additionally, during each sampling period, ambient temperature and temperature fluctuations at the feed bunks were recorded. The results of the study highlighted the critical importance of feed bunk monitoring, particularly during periods of high ambient temperatures. These findings emphasize the need for more frequent and careful feed management practices under elevated thermal conditions to maintain feed quality and animal performance.
Keywords : Toplam rasyon karışımı, Küf, Maya, Sıcaklık

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