January 15, 2025
M

Monogastric

monogastric: an animal such as a pig or human that has a single-compartment stomach. Compare ruminant. Understanding the digestive processes of monogastric animals can help farmers manage livestock nutrition more effectively, ensuring better health and productivity.

P

Pore

pore: 1. A tiny hole in the skin through which sweat passes. 2. A tiny space in a rock formation or in the soil. 3. Same as stoma. Helpful content: Understanding soil porosity is crucial for effective water and nutrient management. Proper soil management practices can improve pore space, enhancing water infiltration, root growth, and overall soil health.

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Nomadism

nomadism: a habit of some animals that move from place to place without having a fixed range. Nomadism in livestock can be managed through rotational grazing practices that mimic natural movement patterns. Farmers can benefit from understanding and implementing nomadic grazing systems to enhance pasture health, reduce soil erosion, and improve forage quality. This approach supports sustainable land management, promotes healthy livestock, and increases overall farm productivity and resilience.

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Planning Controls

planning controls: Legislation used by a local authority to control building. Helpful content: Understanding planning controls is crucial for farmers who plan to construct new buildings or modify existing ones. Knowledge of these regulations helps avoid legal issues and ensures that developments meet local standards and requirements.

E

Estimated Transmitting Ability

estimated transmitting ability: The value of an animal, calculated using an estimate of how many offspring it will have and how much genetic material it will transfer to each one. It is equal to half the animal’s estimated breeding value. Abbr ETA. Understanding ETA helps farmers make informed breeding decisions.

G

Gid

gid: A brain disease of young sheep which also occurs in cattle. Caused by ingestion of tapeworm eggs voided by dogs and foxes. Blindness is an early symptom. Recognizing and managing gid can prevent severe losses in livestock and improve herd health.

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Essential Fatty Acid

essential fatty acid: An unsaturated fatty acid essential for growth but which cannot be synthesized by the body and has to be obtained from the food supply. Abbr EFA. (NOTE: The two essential fatty acids are linoleic acid and linolenic acid.) Understanding essential fatty acids helps farmers formulate balanced diets for their livestock.

C

Cork

Cork: Cork noun a protective outer layer that forms part of the bark in woody plants, taking many years to regrow once stripped (NOTE: It is used, among other things, for bottle corks, fishing net floats, and flooring, but cork oaks are now attracting conservation interest). COMMENT: Cork is harvested by cutting large sections of bark off a cork oak tree, while still leaving enough bark on the tree to ensure that it will continue to grow. Managing cork production provides sustainable material and supports conservation efforts.

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Sustainable Yield

sustainable yield: the greatest productivity that can be derived from a renewable resource without depleting the supply in a specific area. Properly managing sustainable yields ensures long-term productivity and resource conservation, supporting farm profitability and environmental health.

Farm Management

The practice of overseeing and coordinating all aspects of farm operations, including production, labor, finances, and marketing. Effective farm management ensures the farm runs smoothly and profitably. For instance, managing crop schedules, employee tasks, and financial records.

D

Drench

drench: A method of applying a liquid medicine by passing it into the stomach through a tube. Drenching is commonly used in livestock management to administer medications for internal parasites or other conditions. Proper technique and dosages are essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

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Noseband

noseband: a broad leather band worn around the horse’s nose and above the bit, used to prevent a horse from opening its mouth too wide. Using nosebands correctly helps manage horse behavior, ensuring effective communication and control during riding and training. Farmers can benefit from understanding the appropriate use and fit of nosebands to enhance horse performance and welfare. Proper noseband management supports humane training practices, reduces stress and discomfort for horses, and improves overall farm productivity and animal welfare.

E

Endocarp

endocarp: The innermost of the layers of the wall (pericarp) of a fruit. Sometimes it is toughened or hardened, as in a cherry stone or peach stone. Knowledge of endocarp structure helps farmers in fruit cultivation and harvesting.

D

Dairy Farming

dairy farming: Keeping cows for milk production. Efficient dairy farming practices can lead to higher milk production and better farm profitability. Farmers should focus on maintaining cow health, optimizing feeding regimes, and utilizing modern milking equipment. Regularly updating skills and knowledge through training and extension services can help farmers adapt to changing market conditions and environmental challenges.

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IACR

IACR: Institute of Arable Crops Research – a research group based in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, which investigates techniques in crop growing. Farmers can benefit from the latest research and advancements in arable crop management.