Selective Breeding
selective breeding: The process of choosing parent organisms with desirable traits to produce offspring with those traits. Selective breeding improves crop and livestock quality.
Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
selective breeding: The process of choosing parent organisms with desirable traits to produce offspring with those traits. Selective breeding improves crop and livestock quality.
White Leghorn: A laying breed of poultry. Raising White Leghorns can provide a reliable source of eggs, enhancing farm profitability.
International Whaling Commission: An international body set up under an agreement signed in 1946 to control the commercial killing of whales. Abbr IWC. Helps farmers understand regulations on marine resources.
A natural sugar found in milk, important for energy and flavor. Lactose is used in various dairy products and can be a concern for individuals with lactose intolerance. For instance, producing lactose-free milk for consumers with dietary restrictions.
hereditary: Referring to a genetically controlled characteristic that is passed from parent to offspring. Understanding hereditary traits helps farmers select for desirable characteristics in breeding programs.
vegetarian: A person who does not eat meat. Offering vegetarian products can cater to diverse consumer preferences and increase farm income.
Flaked Maize: A type of animal feedingstuff made from maize that has been treated with steam, rolled, and dried. It is highly digestible, rich in starch, and often given to pigs. Providing flaked maize ensures high-quality nutrition for livestock.
actinobacillosis: A disease of cattle affecting the tongue and throat. It also occurs in sheep as swellings on the lips, cheeks, and jaws. Also called cruels, wooden tongue. Knowing the symptoms and treatment of actinobacillosis helps farmers maintain the health of their livestock.
marshy soil: a very wet soil. Managing marshy soil can help farmers improve drainage and land productivity, leading to better crop yields.
nematode: a type of roundworm, some of which, e.g., hookworms, are parasites of animals while others, e.g., root knot and cyst nematodes, live in the roots or stems of plants. Nematodes can pose serious threats to both crops and livestock. Farmers can benefit from regular monitoring and early detection of nematode infestations. Implementing management practices such as crop rotation, resistant varieties, and biological controls can help mitigate the impact of nematodes. Effective nematode management ensures healthier crops and animals, leading to improved farm productivity and profitability.
mineral matter content: the amount of minerals found in plants. Understanding mineral matter content can help farmers manage soil and crop health more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.
Methods used to identify individual cattle, including ear tags, tattoos, and electronic identification. Proper identification is essential for management and record-keeping. For example, tagging and recording each calf at birth to track growth and health.
The study and application of dietary principles to support honeybee health and productivity, including the availability of pollen and nectar sources. For example, providing supplemental feeding to honeybee colonies during periods of low forage availability.
oil crop: A crop grown for extraction of the oil in its seeds, such as sunflower or oilseed rape. Growing oil crops can provide farmers with a valuable source of income and diversify their production systems. Understanding market demand and best practices for oil crop cultivation can enhance profitability.
depress: To make a price lower. Overproduction of some items in the EU may depress the price level in the open market. Farmers should monitor market trends and manage production to avoid overproduction and price depression. Diversifying income sources and exploring value-added products can help stabilize farm income. Understanding market dynamics will aid in making informed production and marketing decisions.
manure cycle: the process by which waste materials from plants, animals and humans are returned to the soil to restore nutrients. Understanding and managing the manure cycle can help farmers maintain soil health and fertility, leading to better crop yields and farm sustainability.
wind chill factor: The wind chill factor calculates the risk of cold weather exposure by combining wind speed and temperature. Farmers can use this information to protect livestock and workers from harsh weather conditions.
pneumatic distributor: A machine which conveys fertilizer from a hopper to nozzles for spreading by a stream of air. Both trailed and mounted models are made. Helpful content: Pneumatic distributors ensure even and efficient fertilizer application, promoting uniform crop growth and reducing nutrient waste. Proper maintenance and calibration of these machines can enhance their performance.
Beef that has been finely chopped or ground, commonly used in various dishes such as burgers, meatballs, and tacos. Ground beef is versatile and popular in many cuisines. For example, producing ground beef for sale in grocery stores and restaurants.
The stomach of cattle, often used in traditional dishes such as tripe. For example, producing beef stomach for culinary and specialty markets.
Casual Labourer: A worker hired for a short period from time to time, such as a student hired to pick soft fruit. Employing casual laborers provides flexibility in managing farm operations during peak seasons.
A condition affecting the mobility of dairy cows, often caused by hoof problems or injuries. Lameness can impact milk production and cow welfare. For example, addressing lameness through timely hoof trimming and appropriate management practices.
doa: Abbreviation for dead on arrival. Managing the health and welfare of livestock during transportation involves implementing proper handling, monitoring, and care practices. Farmers should work with veterinarians and transportation experts to ensure that animals arrive in good health. Understanding the factors contributing to DOA will aid in developing effective management strategies and improving animal welfare.
An essential mineral found in milk, important for bone health and various physiological functions. For instance, promoting milk consumption to ensure adequate calcium intake for strong bones and teeth.
The testicles of cattle, often used in traditional dishes and for making pet food. For example, producing beef testicles for culinary and specialty markets.
electrical conductivity: A measurement of salt concentration in soils. Monitoring electrical conductivity helps farmers manage soil salinity and improve crop health.
Corn Starch: Corn starch noun same as cornflour. Utilizing corn starch provides a versatile thickening agent for culinary use.
ecosystem services: The benefits provided by ecosystems that support human life and agriculture, such as pollination, water purification, and soil fertility. Protecting ecosystem services is essential for sustainable farming.
dapple: Rounded patches of color, especially on a horse. Dappled horses are often sought after for their unique appearance. Farmers and breeders can market dappled horses to enthusiasts and buyers looking for aesthetically pleasing animals. Proper grooming and care will enhance the appearance of dappled horses, increasing their market value.
dairy cows: Cows and heifers kept for milk production and for rearing calves to replace older cows in a dairy herd. Effective management of dairy cows involves balanced nutrition, regular health check-ups, and proper milking practices. Implementing these practices can lead to higher milk yields, better cow health, and increased profitability. Farmers should also focus on genetic selection to breed cows that are more efficient milk producers.