Evaluation of production parameters, feed sorting behaviour and social interactions in dairy cows: Comparison of two total mixed rations with different particle size and water content

Dairy cow performance is affected by both the nutritional composition and physical structure of diet. The total mixed rations (TMR) largely depends on ingredient forage, dry matter (DM) content, mixing time type mixer used. This study investigated feed intake, eating time, milk production, DM digestibility, ruminal pH, budget, sorting antagonistic behaviours in lactating dairy cows fed grass/clover silage concentrate, either a TMR or compact ration (CTMR) with decreased particle size content due to addition water. Two cross-over experiments (3-week periods), each involving 40 Swedish Red Holstein breeds, were run simultaneously. Experiment 1 was designed measure production parameters, digestibility while 2 at bunk. Diets ad libitum, same forage:concentrate ratio 60:40 (DM basis). Decreased CTMR diet achieved grass-clover vertical auger knives, before concentrate without knives. adding water mix. Mean 51% for 37% CTMR. results showed lower daily intake (26.7 kg DM) shorter (242 min) than (28.5 278 min). Feed yield (35.1 35.8 TMR, respectively) did not differ between diets. Cows less fewer feeding TMR. budget also differed, spending more resting (+45