Moving from a pasture-based feeding system to a PMR-based system
Order Description
The majority of dairy production in South East Australia is based around a pasture feeding
system; rain-fed pasture has been the most cost-effective way of producing milk when
compared to other feeding systems in SE Australia. However, for a variety of reasons there
has been recent interest in other feeding systems including total mixed ration (TMR) and
partial mixed ration (PMR) that are often used in parts of the world where the seasonal
growth of grass impedes efficient dairy production.

Assessment
Moving from a pasture-based feeding system to a PMR-based system has implications for
both the animal and the farming system. Your task is to explore the potential issues a dairy
farmer might face when implementing a PMR feeding system. Your essay should concentrate
on the effects at a systems level, rather than at the individual cow level. Outline the
advantages and disadvantages in the alternative feeding approach and detail the changes that
might have to be made to allow efficient use of a PMR within the Victorian dairy industry.
Although economic concerns will be important in driving any change, and you may well find
information about the relative costs of the different systems, we are not expecting a full cost
breakdown of any changes. Any economics can be discussed in the broadest sense.
Marking Criteria
We are looked for a well balanced, qualitative piece which will most likely take the form of
an illustrated short essay. Material should be well sourced and correctly referenced and the
flow and logical development of your argument should lead the reader to the firm conclusion
you make. Figures and tables, where used, should be correctly titled and referenced, and
actively used within the text.
Word limit 1000 words (not including tables, figures or references).