Category: I

Ile de France: A large French breed of sheep, the rams of which are kept to provide crossbred lambs for meat production. Knowledge of sheep breeds helps farmers improve meat production.

introduction: The process of bringing something into being or using something new. The introduction of a new rapid testing method. Helps farmers understand and implement new agricultural innovations.

impregnate: To fertilize a female by introducing male spermatozoa into the female’s body so that they fuse with the female’s ova. Helps farmers manage breeding programs.

irradiate: To subject something to radiation. Helps farmers use radiation for food preservation and pest control.

inspector: An official whose job is to examine animals, soil, buildings, etc., to see if they conform to government regulations. Helps farmers comply with regulations.

impermeable: Referring to a substance which does not allow a liquid or gas to pass through. Rocks which are impermeable to water. Helps farmers manage soil and water resources.

inorganic: Referring to a substance which does not come from an animal or a plant. Inorganic substances include acids, alkalis and metals. Helps farmers understand and use inorganic materials in agriculture.

ILCA: International Livestock Centre for Africa – an organization established in 1974 at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Provides research and resources for livestock farmers in Africa.

IFR: Institute of Food Research – a not-for-profit scientific institute which advises on food safety, diet and health. Ensures farmers have access to the latest research on food safety and nutrition.

isinglass: A pure soluble gelatin, used to make alcoholic drinks clear; formerly used to preserve eggs. Helps farmers understand traditional food preservation techniques.

IAH: Institute for Animal Health – a major center for research into infectious diseases in livestock. Helps farmers stay informed about and manage livestock health issues.

interbreed: To mate and have offspring. To cross animals or plants with different characteristics to produce offspring with distinctive features. Helps farmers manage breeding programs.

IOMC: Interorganisation Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals. Helps farmers understand and comply with chemical safety standards.

iodophor: A disinfectant used to disinfect teats of cows to prevent mastitis. Helps farmers prevent udder infections in dairy cattle.

ILRAD: International Laboratory for Research on Animal Diseases – an organization established at Nairobi, Kenya in 1974. Farmers benefit from research on animal diseases.

IPCS: International Programme on Chemical Safety. Helps farmers understand chemical safety regulations.

intake: 1. An amount of a substance taken into an organism, either eaten or absorbed. A study of food intake among grassland animals. The bird’s daily intake of insects is more than half its own weight. 2. Hill pasture which has been improved and fenced in. Helps farmers manage animal nutrition and pasture improvement.

International Wheat Council: A group of wheat-exporting countries. Abbr IWC. Helps wheat farmers understand and navigate the international wheat market.

Irish Moiled: A rare breed of medium-sized dual-purpose cattle. The animals have a distinctive white back strip. Helps farmers choose and manage rare cattle breeds.

isolate: To separate and keep objects or organisms apart from others. Helps farmers implement biosecurity measures.

ivy-leaved speedwell: A widespread weed (Veronica hederifolia) which affects most autumn sown crops. Also called bird’s-eye, eye-bright. Helps farmers identify and control this weed.

isoglucose: Same as high fructose corn syrup. Helps farmers understand food ingredients and processing.

isotherm: A line on a map linking points of equal temperature. Helps farmers understand temperature patterns.