Month: March 2008

staple: the length and fineness of fibres such as wool or cotton, used in determining quality. Properly managing staple quality ensures high-value wool and cotton production, supporting farm income and market value.

alkalinity: The amount of alkali in something such as soil, water, or a body. Understanding and managing alkalinity helps farmers maintain soil health and water quality.

The fourth and final compartment of the cattle stomach, where true digestion occurs with the help of stomach acids and enzymes. The abomasum is similar to the human stomach. For instance, monitoring abomasum health to prevent conditions like displaced abomasum.

Coppicing: Coppicing noun the practice of regularly cutting down trees near to the ground to produce strong straight shoots for fuel or other uses Coppicing, a traditional method of woodland management, is now of interest for producing biofuel. COMMENT: The best trees for coppicing are those which naturally send up several tall straight stems from a bole, such as willow, alder, or poplar. In coppice management, the normal cycle is about five to ten years of growth, after which the stems are cut back. Implementing coppicing practices provides sustainable wood production and enhances forest management.

Food and Agriculture Organization: An international organization that is an agency of the United Nations, established to improve standards of nutrition and eradicate malnutrition and hunger. Abbr FAO. This organization provides resources and guidance to farmers worldwide, promoting sustainable agriculture and food security.

Tools and equipment used in farming operations. Implements include plows, harrows, seeders, and sprayers. For instance, using a plow to prepare the soil for planting crops.

headrail: A rail across the front of a cubicle, to which a halter can be attached. Using headrails ensures the safe and secure management of livestock in cubicles.

horn: A hard growth which is formed on the tops of the heads of animals such as cattle, deer, goats, and sheep. Managing horn health in livestock ensures their well-being and productivity.

Carrot: A vegetable root crop (Daucus carota) grown for human consumption. Growing carrots provides nutritious food and valuable produce for fresh markets and processing, contributing to farm income.

A form of mastitis without visible symptoms but detectable through milk testing, typically by elevated somatic cell counts. Subclinical mastitis affects milk quality and yield. For example, monitoring somatic cell counts to detect and manage subclinical mastitis in dairy herds.