Month: May 2010

Flora: The wild plants that grow naturally in a specific area. Compare fauna. Protecting flora supports biodiversity and ecological balance on farms.

Fish: A cold-blooded vertebrate that lives in water. Some species are eaten for food. Fish are high in protein, phosphorus, iodine, and vitamins A and D. White fish have very little oil. Aquaculture and fish farming provide farmers with valuable protein sources and diversify farm income.

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

Longwool: Longwool or longwoolled sheep refers to several breeds of sheep with long wool. Raising longwool sheep can provide farmers with high-quality wool and enhance farm profitability.

Casein: A protein found in milk, precipitated by acid contact to form cheese. Managing casein in dairy production is crucial for cheese making and ensuring high-quality dairy products.

grain lifters: Grain lifters are attachments to the cutter bar of a combine harvester that lift stems of beaten-down crops. Using grain lifters ensures efficient harvesting, minimizing crop loss and improving yield.

Fascioliasis: A disease caused by an infestation of parasitic liver flukes. Farmers must monitor and treat livestock for fascioliasis to maintain herd health and productivity.

rain: Water that falls from clouds as small drops. Adequate rainfall is crucial for crop irrigation and overall farm productivity, making it vital for farmers to monitor weather patterns.

A measure of the number of somatic cells in milk, used as an indicator of udder health and milk quality. High SCC can indicate mastitis. For instance, monitoring SCC to ensure milk quality and manage mastitis in dairy cows.

digestibility trial: A test to measure the digestibility of a known food by recording the weight of food eaten and then excreted. Conducting digestibility trials is important for evaluating the nutritional value of animal diets. Farmers should work with veterinarians and nutritionists to perform digestibility trials and develop balanced and nutritious diets for their livestock. Understanding the results of digestibility trials will aid in effective feed management and improved farm productivity.