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There are those that would discount the value of TMR evaluation primarily due to issues of sampling variability. Having worked with quite a few nutritionists and researchers over the years it is our belief that with proper care, TMR’s can be sampled in a manner that yields a consistent sample for analysis.
In the laboratory, it is critical to sub-sample the submitted TMR sample properly, or preferably to dry and grind the whole sample followed by proper mixing of the ground material. At CVAS, for most TMR samples we will dry and grind almost the whole sample and then run the ground sample through a powder mixer to insure a homogenous sample.
TMR evaluations can provide a number of diagnostic insights. These evaluations will point out if there are inconsistencies in the analyses of samples used, in the quantities of materials mixed, or in the mixing process itself.
Perhaps one of the most significant opportunities in evaluating TMR’s is to evaluate consistency of results over time with a high frequency of sampling (weekly). The amount of variation seen in key nutrient values will point out whether there are problems in process control on the farm.
While chemistry is the laboratory approach of choice for critical diagnostic situations, NIR can be very effective at verifying consistency of TMR over time. NIR allows for a higher frequency of sampling as it is a much less expensive analysis to perform. Our “TMR – Control” packages listed below are significantly discounted given the frequency of sampling that is assumed in a process control program.
Click here for a PDF table of average nutrient values for TMR run at CVAS.
We believe that there is enough value in TMR evaluation as a diagnostic tool that we have added several new service packages to our line-up.
TMR Evaluation Services
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Below is a listing of some of the services available for evaluating TMR (Total Mixed Rations):
TMR Diagnostic: We have recently updated this service to include a variety of evaluations that may be of value when diagnosing problems. Evaluations are by wet-chemistry and include: DM, CP, Soluble Protein, Ammonia, ADF, NDF, peNDF (physically effective NDF – Mertens), 24 hour NDF Digestibility, Lignin, Fat, Starch, SPS (starch processing score), 7 hour Starch Degradability, Sugar, Ash, Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, Cl, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Lactic Acid, Acetic Acid, Butyric Acid, and the Penn State Particle Size Evaluation.
Charge: $139.00
TMR Control – N: This test set is designed to track consistency of TMR formulation over time and allows the manager to flag possible problems. Nutrient evaluations are by NIR with minerals analyzed by wet-chemistry and include: DM, CP, Soluble Protein, ADF, NDF, 24 hour NDF Digestibility, Lignin, Fat, Starch, Sugar, Ash, Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, Cl, S, Fe, Mn, Zn. Also included is an evaluation for peNDF, SPS (starch processing score), and the Penn State Particle Size Evaluation. Results can be easily tracked using our new internet data access and reporting system.
Charge: $37.50 (contracted for weekly evaluation, otherwise $47.00)
TMR Control – C: This test set is designed to track consistency of TMR formulation over time and allows the manager to flag possible problems. Nutrient evaluations are by wet chemistry and include: DM, CP, Soluble Protein, ADF, NDF, Starch, Ash, Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, Cl, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu. Also included is an evaluation for peNDF, SPS (starch processing score), and the Penn State Particle Size Evaluation. Results can be easily tracked using our new internet data access and reporting system.
Charge: $45.50 (contracted for weekly evaluation, otherwise $56.75)
TMR Mixer Evaluation: We will evaluate a set of five TMR samples to assist in assessing mixer efficiency. Nutrients reported are by NIR with minerals analyzed by wet-chemistry and include: DM, CP, Soluble Protein, ADF, NDF, Lignin, Fat, Starch, Sugar, Ash, Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, Cl, S, Fe, Mn, Zn. A summary report providing averages and standard deviations is available through our internet reporting system.
Charge: $88.00 (five samples submitted together)