February 21, 2025

Abomasum

The fourth and final compartment of the cattle stomach, where true digestion occurs with the help of stomach acids and enzymes. The abomasum is similar to the human stomach. For instance, monitoring abomasum health to prevent conditions like displaced abomasum.

Subclinical Mastitis

A form of mastitis without visible symptoms but detectable through milk testing, typically by elevated somatic cell counts. Subclinical mastitis affects milk quality and yield. For example, monitoring somatic cell counts to detect and manage subclinical mastitis in dairy herds.

Cattle Milk Processing

The series of steps involved in converting raw milk into dairy products such as cheese, butter, and yogurt. Dairy processing includes pasteurization, homogenization, and packaging. For instance, operating a dairy processing plant to produce and distribute various dairy products.

Prime

The highest USDA quality grade for beef, characterized by abundant marbling and tenderness. Prime beef is preferred for its flavor and quality. For example, producing Prime beef to meet the demand for premium steaks and roasts.

Soil Erosion Mitigation

Actions taken to reduce the severity and impact of soil erosion on agricultural land. Soil erosion mitigation includes practices such as contour farming, buffer strips, and cover cropping. For example, implementing buffer strips along waterways to reduce soil erosion and protect water quality in agricultural landscapes.

Food Product Materiality Assessment

The identification and prioritization of the most significant environmental, social, and economic issues affecting food production and distribution businesses, to inform sustainability strategies and reporting. For example, conducting food product materiality assessments to ensure a focused and impactful approach to sustainability.

Soil Tilth

The physical condition of soil in relation to its suitability for planting and growing crops. Soil tilth is influenced by factors such as soil structure, organic matter, and management practices. For example, improving soil tilth through conservation tillage and organic matter addition to support healthy plant growth and optimize water use efficiency.

Dairy Safety

The measures taken to ensure the safety of dairy products, including quality control, testing, and compliance with regulations. For example, implementing dairy safety programs to prevent contamination and ensure consumer confidence.

Calf Vaccination

The administration of vaccines to calves to protect them from infectious diseases. Calf vaccination is crucial for herd health and productivity. For example, developing a vaccination schedule for calves to prevent common diseases and ensure their well-being.