Total mixed rations have come into their own in the cattle, poultry, hog and pet industries. In the horse industry, however, TMRs are virtually non-existent.

The Equine Science Center had a productive year, with many milestones. Dr. Karyn Malinowski, Equine Science Center Director, and Diana Orban Brown, Communications Director, outlined the progress made and current projects.

Draft cross weanlings fed forage based total mixed rations with restricted starch and sugar (NSC) had higher feed efficiency and growth rates than predicted by NRC (!989) and than those fed high NSC concentrates and moderate quality hay. Restriction of NSC will not prevent or resolve all cases of developmental orthopedic disease (DOD) but may help in weanlings with insulin resistance (IR: high plasma insulin responses to glucose challenges). However, not all IR weanlings will develop DOD, regardless of ration.

A cubed total mixed ration (TMR) of alfalfa, other hay and added nutrients for horses is a healthy alternative to feeding hay with commercial feed supplements, according to university research. It could also provide hay growers with a new marketing opportunity. With the price of hay, the availability of good hay and the variability of getting it, feeding horses is becoming increasingly difficult.

With feed and hay prices on the rise in portions of the country, some owners might need a more economical ways to feed their horses without skimping on nutrients. At a recent veterinary convention one researcher introduced a relatively uncommon and cost-effective feeding option.