March 25, 2025

Contagious Mastitis

A type of mastitis transmitted between cows, often during milking. Contagious mastitis is managed through milking hygiene and treatment protocols. For instance, using proper milking techniques and equipment disinfection to prevent the spread of contagious mastitis.

Plant Physiology

The study of the physical and chemical processes that occur within plants, including photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration. Plant physiology helps understand how plants grow and respond to their environment. For example, studying how different light conditions affect plant growth and development.

Animal Welfare

The ethical treatment and well-being of animals raised for food, fiber, or labor. This includes providing adequate living conditions, humane handling, and minimizing stress. For example, ensuring that chickens have enough space to move freely.

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.