Nutritional patterns and use of TMR (total mixed ration) in cattle enterprises in muğla province

Various feeding methods are used in cattle farming. Among these methods, the Total Mixed Ration (TMR) system is recommended for its applicability and minimizing the risk of metabolic issues in animals. The nutrition of dairy cattle should be based on a ration prepared according to the animal's needs at different stages. Otherwise, feeding throughout the year with a single ration can lead to undesired outcomes in livestock farming. Especially during the lactation period of dairy cattle, feeding should be adjusted according to postpartum periods. It is important to group the fattening animals according to periods and prepare TMR according to their needs. Encountering metabolic issues during the adaptation of animals to feeds is a significant problem in farms. This situation can lead to productivity losses and increased costs. It is important for TMR to be easily adjustable in situations where the animal's needs are high. Similarly, incorporating different roughage or concentrate feeds into rations in different periods becomes easier with TMR implementation. For this purpose, in our study, 100 different small cattle farms randomly selected from different districts were visited by sampling method, and the necessary information was collected through face-to-face interviews about whether TMR was used during the visits, its usability and advantages in the business. As a result, within the framework of the findings obtained in the study, a socio-economic structure has emerged in which the middle age group carries out animal husbandry activities and sees it as a source of income, family businesses are in the majority, and the level of education is low. Straw again appears as an indispensable feed raw material, and feed mixtures appear to consist of corn silage and alfalfa. Breeders using TMR think that mixture preparation is beneficial in terms of business economy. However, the number of businesses that do not prepare mixtures is not small. Therefore, it can be said that the use of TMR should be expanded in the region. Key Words: TMR (Total Mixed Ration), Muğla, Cattle Farms