January 12, 2025
C

Chilli

Chilli: Same as chilli pepper, or a very pungent spice or sauce made from ground chilli peppers and other ingredients. Growing chillies provides a specialty crop for culinary use, enhancing farm product diversity and income.

C

Certify

Certify: To give official approval to something or state officially that something is what it claims to be. Achieving certification demonstrates compliance with industry standards and enhances farm credibility.

A

Actinomycosis

actinomycosis: A disease of cattle and pigs, where the animal is infected with bacteria which form abscesses in the mouth and lungs. Also called lumpy jaw. Early diagnosis and treatment of actinomycosis are crucial for preventing severe health issues in livestock.

H

Hampshire

Hampshire: An American breed of black-haired pig with white markings. It is similar to the British Saddleback which has black skin and a white saddle. Raising Hampshire pigs can provide farmers with a robust breed known for its meat quality and adaptability.

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Testis

testis: One of two male sex glands in the scrotum, producing sperm. In mammals, including humans, the paired testes also secrete sex hormones. The plural of testis is testes. Proper management of testis health in livestock can improve reproductive performance and productivity.

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Silo

silo: A large container for storing grain or silage. There are many different types of silo. Some are pits dug into the ground, others are forms of surface clamp, while built silos are towers which may be either top- or bottom-loaded and are built of wood, concrete or steel. Farmers benefit from using silos for efficient and controlled grain and silage storage.

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Duck

duck: A bird reared for both egg and meat production. The male is a ‘drake’. Ducks are versatile poultry that can be raised for various purposes, including egg production, meat, and pest control.

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Potting Compost

potting compost: A mixture usually of soil and fibrous matter used to fill containers in which plants are grown. Helpful content: Using high-quality potting compost provides essential nutrients and support for plant growth. Farmers can improve seedling health and transplant success by selecting appropriate compost mixtures.

D

Diet

diet: The amount and type of food eaten. COMMENT: Animal welfare codes lay down rules about the quality of diet that should be provided for animals or birds to ensure their good health and welfare. Providing a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for maintaining livestock health and productivity. Farmers should work with veterinarians and nutritionists to develop proper feeding plans and ensure that animals receive the necessary nutrients. Understanding the dietary requirements of different livestock species will aid in effective feed management.

Deworming

The process of administering anthelmintic drugs to animals to eliminate parasitic worms. Deworming is crucial for maintaining animal health and productivity. For instance, regularly deworming livestock to prevent parasitic infestations and improve weight gain.

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Proteolytic

proteolytic: Referring to proteolysis. Helpful content: Knowledge of proteolytic processes helps farmers manage livestock diets effectively. Ensuring efficient protein digestion can improve feed efficiency and animal performance.

C

Chemical Element

Chemical Element: A substance such as iron, calcium, or oxygen, existing independently and not formed from a combination of other substances. Understanding chemical elements aids in managing soil fertility and livestock nutrition for optimal farm productivity.

D

Dietary Fibre

dietary fibre: Same as roughage. COMMENT: Dietary fibre is found in cereals, nuts, fruit, and some green vegetables. It is believed to be necessary to help digestion and to avoid developing constipation, obesity, and appendicitis. Providing dietary fiber is important for maintaining the digestive health of livestock. Farmers should include adequate roughage in the diets of their animals to promote proper digestion and overall health. Understanding the sources and benefits of dietary fiber will aid in effective feed management.

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Mollusc

mollusc: a type of animal that has a soft body, sometimes protected by a shell, such as a snail or slug. Understanding the role and management of molluscs can help farmers protect their crops and ensure better productivity.

O

Ox

ox: A male or female beast from domestic cattle, and also the castrated male, especially when used as a draught animal. Oxen are valuable for their strength and ability to perform work. Farmers can benefit from using oxen for tasks such as plowing and transport, reducing reliance on machinery and enhancing sustainable farming practices.

D

Dehair

dehair: To remove hard hairs from fine goat fibers such as angora. Proper dehairing techniques are essential for producing high-quality fibers. Farmers should use appropriate equipment and methods to dehair goat fibers, ensuring minimal damage and maximum yield. Understanding the market demands for dehaired fibers can help farmers optimize their processing and marketing strategies.

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Hammer Mill

hammer mill: A machine used in the preparation of animal feed by grinding cereals into meal. Using a hammer mill helps farmers produce consistent and high-quality animal feed, improving livestock nutrition and productivity.

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Root

root: A part of a plant which is usually under the ground and absorbs water and nutrients from the surrounding soil; (of a plant) to produce roots. Understanding root systems helps farmers manage soil health and optimize crop production.

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New Chemicals

new chemicals: plural noun the chemicals that were not listed in the European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances between January 1971 and September 1981. Compare existing chemicals. Staying informed about new chemicals and their regulatory status helps farmers make safe and effective choices for pest control, fertilization, and other farm operations. Understanding the properties and potential risks of new chemicals ensures responsible use, protecting both crops and the environment. Farmers can benefit from adopting innovative chemical solutions that enhance productivity while maintaining safety and compliance with regulations.

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Production Ration

production ration: The quantity of food needed to make a farm animal produce meat, milk, or eggs, which is always more than the basic maintenance ration. Helpful content: Calculating accurate production rations ensures that livestock receive adequate nutrition for optimal growth and productivity. This can lead to higher yields and improved animal health.