This study was carried out to evaluate the physical characteristics of total mixed rations (TMR) prepared in Korea for improving productive effectiveness of dairy and beef cattle. The 40 samples of commercial TMR for dairy and beef cattle in 6 municipals were collected and analyzed for chemical composition and physical properties. There were significant regional differences (p<0.05) in dry matter and crude protein contents of TMR for dairy and beef cattle. In roughage value index (RVI), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content, and physically effective NDF (peNDF)1.18 content, there were no regional differences in TMR for dairy cattle, but there were significant regional differences (p<0.05) in TMR for beef cattle. Thus the results from this study support that because RVI, NDF content, and peNDF content in TMR for dairy and beef cattle exceeded recommended ranges, a little adjustment in TMR for dairy cattle will be necessary to obtain optimal productivity.

• Byong Tae Jeon(Division of Food Bio Science, College of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Konkuk University)
• Kyoung Hoon Kim(Nation Institute of Animal Science, RDA)
• Myeong Hwa Kim(Division of Food Bio Science, College of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Konkuk University)
• Mi Rae Oh(Division of Food Bio Science, College of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Konkuk University)
• Hongliang Li(Division of Food Bio Science, College of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Konkuk University)
• Sang Ho Moon(Division of Food Bio Science, College of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Konkuk University) Corresponding author