Bloodworm
bloodworm: A type of small, red aquatic worm. Using bloodworms as feed can enhance the diet of fish and other aquatic animals.
Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
bellwether: A sheep with a bell hung around its neck to lead a flock. Using a bellwether helps manage and direct sheep herds effectively.
biomass energy: Energy produced from organic materials. Using biomass energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers farm carbon footprints.
background: A set of conditions always present in the environment. Understanding the background conditions, such as soil composition and climate, helps farmers make informed decisions about crop and livestock management.
bovine embryo transfer: The process of transferring a fertilized embryo from one cow to another. Using bovine embryo transfer supports genetic improvement and herd productivity.
breeding season: The time of year when animals mate and reproduce. Managing breeding seasons ensures optimal timing for births and farm operations.
butterfly bush: A shrub that attracts butterflies. Planting butterfly bushes supports farm aesthetics and pollinator health.
billy goat: A male goat. Proper management of billy goats is essential for breeding and herd health.
basic price: A support price fixed each year by the EU for certain fruit and vegetables. Farmers benefit from knowing basic prices to plan production and marketing strategies.
bovine spongiform encephalopathy: A neurological disease of cattle, also known as mad cow disease. Ensuring strict biosecurity measures prevents the spread of BSE and protects public health.
body condition score (BCS): A visual assessment of an animal’s fat and muscle, rated on a scale. Monitoring BCS helps farmers ensure their livestock are healthy and receiving proper nutrition.
bird of prey: A bird that hunts other animals for food. Encouraging birds of prey on farms helps control rodent and pest populations naturally.
booster pump: A pump used to increase water pressure in irrigation systems. Installing booster pumps improves irrigation efficiency and crop water management.
beef cattle: Cattle raised specifically for meat production. Knowledge about beef cattle helps farmers optimize breeding, feeding, and management practices to produce high-quality meat.
bioethanol: A fuel made by fermenting biological material to produce alcohol. Producing bioethanol from crops provides renewable energy and adds value to farm products.
beet flea beetle: A pest of sugar beet. Farmers should monitor and manage beet flea beetle populations to protect crop yields.
belladonna: Another name for deadly nightshade, a toxic plant. Farmers should recognize and manage belladonna to prevent livestock poisoning.
bridge method: A technique used in grafting where a scion is inserted into a stock. Using the bridge method supports successful plant grafting and propagation.
buttermilk: The liquid left after churning butter. Using buttermilk in baking and cooking adds value to dairy production and reduces waste.
best linear unbiased prediction: A statistical method for predicting genetic merit. Using BLUP helps farmers make informed breeding decisions to improve livestock performance.
Bison bonasus: The scientific name for the European bison. Raising bison can diversify farm operations and contribute to species conservation.
birthweight: The weight of an animal at birth. Monitoring birthweight helps farmers assess the health and growth potential of newborn livestock.
bioindicator: Another term for biodiversity indicator. Bioindicators help farmers assess the health of their environment and make informed management decisions.