Ecto-
ecto-: Prefix meaning outside. Compare endo-. Understanding prefixes like “ecto-” helps farmers and agricultural scientists accurately describe and manage pests and diseases.
Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
ectoparasite: A parasite which lives on the skin or outer surface of its host but feeds by piercing the skin. Compare endoparasite. Managing ectoparasites is crucial for maintaining animal health and productivity on farms.
existing chemicals: The chemicals listed in the European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances between January 1971 and September 1981, a total of over 100,000. Compare new chemicals. Understanding existing chemicals helps farmers comply with regulations and manage inputs safely.
establishment: 1. The germination and emergence of seedlings. There was a good crop establishment. 2. A period when a newly seeded sward is becoming established. Successful establishment is crucial for farmers to ensure healthy crop growth and yield.
enrichment: The increase in nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon compounds or other nutrients in water, especially as a result of sewage flow or agricultural run-off, which encourages the growth of algae and other water plants. Understanding enrichment helps farmers manage nutrient runoff and protect water quality.
eviscerate: To remove the intestines and offal from a carcass. Understanding evisceration practices helps farmers process livestock efficiently and ensure food safety.
ecofarming: A sustainable farming practice that integrates ecological principles. Ecofarming helps maintain biodiversity, improve soil health, and reduce environmental impact.
environmental set-aside: A scheme of suspending cultivation of food crops for a period with clearly defined environmental aims and designed appropriately for local conditions. Understanding environmental set-aside helps farmers adopt practices that protect sensitive environments and improve sustainability.
early weaning: The practice of removing young from the dam earlier than is usual. Early weaning can benefit farmers by improving the health and growth rates of both the young and the dam.
English Beef and Lamb Executive: An association providing market information for beef and lamb producers and suppliers. Abbr EBLEX. Farmers can benefit from EBLEX by accessing market information and support for beef and lamb production.
egg binding: An unsuccessful attempt by a hen to lay an egg. Managing egg binding is important for poultry farmers to ensure the health and productivity of their hens.
Energy Crops Scheme: A system set up by Defra under which farmers can apply for grants to establish energy crops on their land. The ECS supports farmers in developing sustainable energy production practices.
enriched cage: A type of cage in which battery hens are kept, where the birdÂ’s living conditions have been improved by an increase in the size of the cage and the inclusion of perches, nests, and litter so that the bird can peck and scratch. Enriched cages will replace existing battery cages in 2012 when the EU Directive on the welfare of laying hens comes into force. However, a review of the Directive is underway, with a report expected next year. Using enriched cages helps farmers improve animal welfare and comply with regulations.
endocrine gland: A gland such as the pituitary gland which produces hormones introduced directly into the bloodstream. Understanding endocrine glands helps farmers manage livestock health and reproduction.
Essex Saddleback: A breed of pig which has been bred with the Wessex Saddleback to form the British Saddleback. Raising Essex Saddleback pigs can provide farmers with high-quality pork and contribute to the preservation of rare breeds.
environmental tax: Same as ecotax. Understanding environmental taxes helps farmers adopt practices that protect the environment and comply with regulations.
elephant grass: Same as miscanthus. Growing miscanthus can provide farmers with a renewable energy source and improve soil health.
electrical conductivity: A measurement of salt concentration in soils. Monitoring electrical conductivity helps farmers manage soil salinity and improve crop health.