Ensiling Total Mixed Ration for Ruminants: A Review

Abstract

The interest of ensiling total mixed rations (TMR) for ruminants reemerged in the last decades. In many situations, ensiling TMR has been a sustainable alternative to efficiently handle wet byproducts in ruminant diets. An ensiled TMR typically has a markedly higher aerobic stability than its respective fresh TMR. Ensiling a TMR increases ruminal protein degradability due to proteolysis during storage. An increase of feed efficiency by ruminants fed ensiled rations have been reported, due to the improved starch digestibility in TMR silages containing cereal grains. This manuscript brings an overview of the main nutrient transformations during the ensiling of TMR and their feeding value for ruminants.