This study was designed to determine the effect of adding a molasses-based liquid feed (LF) supplement to a total mixed ration (TMR) on the feed sorting behavior and production of dairy cows.
<Research Document>
Total mixed rations are designed to be a homogenous mixture that provides dairy cattle a balanced supply of nutrients within a day and across multiple days within a given stage of lactation. Unfortunately, cows fed TMR will often preferentially select (sort) for the grain component and discriminate against the longer forage components (Leonardi and Armentano, 2003). Excessive sorting of TMR can result in over-consumption of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates, increasing the risk of SARA (DeVries et al., 2008).
<Research Document>
Total mixed rations are designed to be a homogenous mixture that provides dairy cattle a balanced supply of nutrients within a day and across multiple days within a given stage of lactation. Unfortunately, cows fed TMR will often preferentially select (sort) for the grain component and discriminate against the longer forage components (Leonardi and Armentano, 2003). Excessive sorting of TMR can result in over-consumption of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates, increasing the risk of SARA (DeVries et al., 2008).
