More than 40 farmers of a dairy farming group called Gelegphu Om Detshen were taught how to prepare total mix ration (TMR) feed for their dairy cows. Total mix ration is a form of cow feed prepared by mixing forages, grains, protein seeds, minerals and vitamins.
The mixture is formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of dairy cows.
Samgay Tshering from the Regional Livestock Development Centre in Zhemgang was one of the resource persons for the one day training programme. He says apart from ensuring optimal milk production, the TMR feed is also known to improve the health of the cow and improve growth and reproduction.
It will also help farmers cut down feed expenses. “We want to enable them to prepare feeds for their dairy cows instead of depending on factory processed feeds. Our main objective is to improve milk production,” said Sangay Tshering.
Farmers said they will switch to TMR feed now that they know how to prepare it. “We spend a lot of money buying Karma Feeds at the moment. I think this will no longer necessary,” said Sonam Drapka, a dairy farmer from Gelegphu Gewog.
The day-long training on TMR feed preparation was organised by Sarpang Dzongkhag Livestock Office in collaboration with the Regional Livestock Development Centre in Zhemgang.
