October 7, 2024
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Semen

semen: In mammals, a thick pale fluid containing spermatozoa, produced by the testes and ejaculated from the penis. Farmers benefit from understanding semen composition and quality for effective breeding and livestock management.

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Prolific

prolific: Referring to an animal or plant which produces a large number of offspring or fruit. Helpful content: Prolific breeds or varieties can significantly increase farm output. Farmers can benefit from selecting high-yielding and prolific plants or animals to enhance productivity and profitability.

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Omasum

omasum: The third stomach of a ruminant, which acts as a filter, and where much of the water in food is taken out before the food passes onto the abomasum. Proper understanding of ruminant digestion helps farmers optimize feeding strategies to improve livestock health and productivity.

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Polluter

polluter: A person or company that causes pollution. Helpful content: Addressing polluters within the agricultural sector is important for environmental health. Farmers can adopt practices that minimize pollution and work with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and protect natural resources.

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Palm

palm: 1. A large tropical plant like a tree with branching divided leaves, that produces fruits which give oil and other foodstuffs 2. The inner surface of the hand or the underside of a mammal’s forefoot that is often in contact with the ground. Palm oil production can be a valuable income source, while understanding animal anatomy aids in better livestock handling.

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Grading Up

grading up: Grading up is a selective breeding process using males of one breed to mate with females of another for at least four generations. This process improves the herd’s genetic quality, leading to better production traits and farm profitability.

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Organic Material

organic material: Carbon-based material derived from organisms, such as decomposed plant material or animal dung. Organic material is crucial for soil health, improving water retention, nutrient availability, and soil structure. Farmers can benefit from incorporating organic matter through composting, cover cropping, and reduced tillage to enhance soil fertility and sustainability.

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Marrowstem Kale

marrowstem kale: a variety of kale with a thick stem and large leaves, grown as feed for livestock in the autumn and winter months, though it is not winter hardy. Growing marrowstem kale can provide farmers with a valuable fodder crop, ensuring a steady supply of feed for livestock during the colder months.

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Placement Drill

placement drill: A machine which drills seeds and fertiliser at the same time, placing the fertiliser close to the side of and below the rows of seeds. Helpful content: Placement drills ensure efficient seed and fertiliser placement, promoting healthy plant growth and reducing waste. This precision can lead to higher yields and more efficient use of resources.

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Mate

mate: an animal that reproduces sexually with another. Understanding mating behavior can help farmers manage breeding programs more effectively, ensuring better livestock productivity and genetic diversity.

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IBR

IBR: Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis – a virus disease of cattle which affects the reproductive, nervous, respiratory or digestive systems. Milk yield is depressed as adults run a high fever. Understanding IBR helps farmers manage herd health.

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Stakeholder

stakeholder: a person who has an interest in something such as a new environmental policy and is personally affected by how successful it is and how difficult it is to put in place. Engaging with stakeholders ensures collaborative decision-making and support for sustainable agricultural practices.

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Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: The UK government department responsible for farming, the environment, animal welfare, and rural development in England and Wales. Abbr Defra. Farmers should engage with Defra to access resources, support, and guidance on sustainable farming practices. Utilizing Defra’s programs can enhance farm productivity, environmental stewardship, and compliance with regulations. Staying informed about Defra initiatives will help farmers adopt best practices and benefit from available opportunities.

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Methyl Bromide

methyl bromide: an effective chemical for sterilising soil and fumigating spaces. Understanding the application and effects of methyl bromide can help farmers manage pest control and soil sterilization more effectively, ensuring better crop health and yields.

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Natural Insecticide

natural insecticide: an insecticide produced from plant extracts. Natural insecticides offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic chemicals, helping farmers manage pests without harming beneficial insects or the environment. By using natural insecticides, farmers can reduce chemical residues on crops, improve soil health, and support biodiversity. This approach aligns with organic farming practices and can attract consumers who prefer naturally grown produce, enhancing marketability and farm profitability.

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Nicotine

nicotine: a harmful substance in tobacco. It is used as an insecticide. Understanding the use and risks of nicotine as an insecticide helps farmers make informed decisions about pest control. While effective, nicotine-based insecticides must be used responsibly to minimize environmental and health impacts. Farmers can benefit from exploring alternative pest management strategies that reduce reliance on harmful chemicals, promoting safer and more sustainable farming practices.

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Milk Fever

milk fever: a disease of milk cows, milk goats and ewes. Technical name hypocalcaemia. In spite of its name, the disease is not a fever, and may affect a dairy cow just before calving or during the seven days which follow calving. The first symptoms are restlessness, moving the hind feet up and down while standing; these symptoms are followed by loss of balance and later loss of consciousness. The disease is common at the third, fourth or fifth time of calving, and is caused by a metabolic disturbance or imbalance in the system, due to a low calcium content in the blood. The disease is treated by injections of calcium borogluconate. Managing and preventing milk fever is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of dairy animals, ensuring better milk yield and quality.

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Thorax

thorax: A cavity in the top part of the body of an animal above the abdomen, containing the diaphragm, heart, and lungs, all surrounded by the rib cage. The middle section of the body of an insect, between the head and the abdomen. Understanding thorax anatomy helps in managing livestock health and diagnosing issues.