Hybrid Vigour
hybrid vigour: Same as heterosis. Using hybrid vigour in breeding programs can improve livestock and crop performance.
Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
hybrid vigour: Same as heterosis. Using hybrid vigour in breeding programs can improve livestock and crop performance.
hen in lay: A bird which is laying eggs. Ensuring the health and proper nutrition of hens in lay maximizes egg production and quality.
HTST method: Abbreviation for high temperature short time method. Using HTST pasteurization ensures milk safety and quality, protecting consumer health.
homogenized milk: Milk which is made more digestible by breaking up the fat droplets into smaller particles which are evenly distributed through the liquid. Using homogenized milk processes ensures milk quality and consumer satisfaction.
hypomagnesaemia: A condition caused by a lack of magnesium in the bloodstream that makes animals shiver and stagger. Cattle may be affected shortly after being turned out onto spring pastures after having wintered indoors. Also called grass staggers. Preventing and managing hypomagnesaemia ensures the health and productivity of livestock.
horticulturist: A person who specializes in horticulture. Skilled horticulturists support farm productivity and sustainability through specialized knowledge and practices.
horticultural: Referring to horticulture. Developing horticultural skills and practices supports farm productivity and sustainability.
haulm silage: Silage made from the stems and leaves of peas and beans left after harvest. Producing haulm silage can provide a valuable feed source for livestock, improving farm sustainability.
habitat restoration: Activity carried out to return an area to a former more favorable condition for wildlife. Restoring habitats can enhance farm productivity by improving pollination and pest control through natural processes.
hide-bound: A condition where dehydration makes it difficult for the animals skin to move over the underlying tissues. Preventing hide-bound conditions ensures the health and well-being of livestock.
harden off: To make plants which have been raised in a greenhouse become gradually more used to the natural temperature outdoors. Hardening off plants ensures they can withstand outdoor conditions, leading to better survival and growth rates.
hyperphosphate: A soft rock phosphate obtained from North America. Using hyperphosphate improves soil fertility and supports healthy crop growth.
hindquarters: The back part of an animal, including the haunches and hind legs. Managing the hindquarters of livestock effectively ensures proper meat processing and quality.
hydrocarbon: A compound formed of hydrogen and carbon. Understanding hydrocarbons supports environmental health and sustainability on the farm.
heavy soils: Soils with a high clay content, which need more tractor power when ploughing and cultivating. Managing heavy soils effectively improves crop growth and soil health.
health and welfare plan: A written report made by a farmer in consultation with a vet, describing how livestock will be cared for. Creating a health and welfare plan ensures the well-being of livestock and compliance with animal welfare standards.
half-standard: A type of fruit tree with a trunk shorter than that of a full standard, about 1.2m from the ground to the first branches. Planting half-standard fruit trees can make harvesting easier and more efficient for farmers.
Hisex Brown/Hisex White: A hybrid breed of laying fowl. Raising Hisex breeds provides farmers with efficient egg production and resilient poultry.
hygrometer: An instrument used for the measurement of humidity. Using hygrometers supports proper growing conditions for crops and livestock.
hundredweight: A measure of weight of dry goods such as grain. Abbreviated after numbers to cwt: 5cwt. The British hundredweight is equivalent to 50.8kg, and the US hundredweight is equivalent to 45.4kg. Understanding hundredweight measurements helps farmers manage crop yields and storage.
hydrophobia: Same as rabies. Preventing and managing hydrophobia ensures the health and safety of livestock.