06/01/2026
Writings by Tom-Providing animals a choice of foods can improve feed efficiency and health.
Cattle in feedlots are typically fed total mixed ration (TMR). However, feeding animals a TMR
may lead to inefficiencies in feed conversion, reduced gains and increased illness.
Providing animals, a choice of foods can increase intake, improve feed efficiency and decrease
costs compared to feeding a TMR.
For example, dairy cows offered strips of clover and grass produced 11% more milk and sheep
ate 25% more forage than those grazing a mixture of grass and clover.
Feed costs were reduced by 19% in cattle fed a choice of grains, hay and silage rather than a
TMR of those ingredients.
Offering sheep and goats a dietary choice resulted in increased average daily gain (ADG),
improved feed efficiency and reduced illness. Dairy goats given a choice of foods increased
intake of dry matter, energy and protein, increased milk yield and decreased weight loss
compared to goats fed a TMR.
Animals offered a choice of foods avoid over-ingesting nitrogen 👎, which reduces
concentrations of N in animal waste.
Dairy cows offered a choice of two rations selected a diet of 18% crude protein (CP) but
produced the same amount of milk as cows fed a 19.7% CP diet.
Sheep also select diets that meet their protein needs and avoid eating too much protein when
given a choice of foods.
Offering livestock, a choice of foods likely allows them to select a diet that meets their individual
needs.
Lambs selected for uniformity in age, s*x, and breed still vary in their food preferences. Genetic
variation among individuals can cause physiological (e.g., rates of nutrient uptake) and
morphological (e.g., size of digestive tract) differences that may affect intake and preference.
Variations in food intake and growth rate of cattle are often higher within a breed than between
breeds. The variations in food intake and growth rate of cattle are often higher within a breed
than between breeds.
Differences in fatty acid synthesis, absorption, and breakdown result in varying degrees of
fatness of livestock.
Animals with larger hearts and kidneys have higher metabolic rates and higher intakes. Level of
production also affects nutrient requirements.
Lastly, choice provides animals with variety. Animals prefer variety to monotony. Herbivores
often select a variety of foods that vary in nutrients, even though one food seems to best meet their needs.
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