Full explanation
TMR eliminates selective feeding (where cows pick concentrates and leave forages) — stabilizing rumen pH, reducing acidosis risk, and boosting DMI by 1–2 kg/day. Key parameters: (1) NDF (Neutral Detergent Fiber) 28–32% — too low risks SARA, too high reduces DMI; (2) Starch 22–26%; (3) peNDF (physically effective NDF) ≥21% — forage fraction >4 mm, critical for rumination; (4) NEL 6.8–7.1 MJ/kg DM; (5) Crude protein 16–17%. Mixer wagons: vertical (John Deere, JF Kuhn, SILOKING, Trioliet) — most common in Ukraine; horizontal (RMH Mixtron) for hard feeds. A new 16 m³ vertical mixer (serving 150–200 cows) runs USD 35–65k, used USD 15–30k. Loading rules: (1) forages bottom, concentrates on top for knife pickup, (2) dry + wet ingredients alternated, (3) mix time 3–5 min.