Total mixed rations (TMRs) seem to be the feeding method of choice, at least for nongrazing situations (Spain et al., 1993). Despite the need for an extra piece of equipment
(maybe more), the benefits in animal performance have been shown to far outweigh the
costs of implementing the concept. The principles of TMRs caught on a few decades
ago, but developments in the implementation and preparation are continuing. There are
many configurations of equipment and layouts which accomplish TMR delivery. Many
producers are beyond the question of "should I use TMR?"; the question now is "what is
the optimal way to deliver my TMR?".