Month: February 2011

Cow: Cow noun a female bovine animal. Raising cows provides valuable milk and meat resources for markets.

erysipelas: An infectious disease mainly affecting pigs and also turkeys. In pigs, the symptoms are reddish inflammations on the skin and a high fever. It may cause infertility or abortion and manifests itself in three forms: acute, sub-acute, and chronic. Also called Diamonds disease. Managing erysipelas is crucial for farmers to ensure the health and productivity of their livestock.

Caprine Arthritis-Encephalitis (CAE): A disease of goats characterized by swollen joints and pneumonia, spread by contact with saliva and milk. Preventing CAE involves regular testing, culling infected animals, and maintaining biosecurity measures.

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.

Confederation of European Maize Producers: Confederation of European Maize Producers noun an organization representing the interests of European farmers who produce maize. Engaging with the Confederation of European Maize Producers supports advocacy and policy development for maize farmers.

BFSS: Abbreviation for British Field Sports Society, now known as Countryside Alliance. Understanding the role of field sports organizations helps farmers engage in rural activities and conservation efforts.

Land Consolidation: Land consolidation is joining small plots of land together to form larger farms or large fields. Consolidating land can improve farm efficiency and scalability, making it easier to manage and cultivate.

biodiversity: The range of species in a specific habitat. Promoting biodiversity on the farm supports ecosystem health and resilience.

BGH: Abbreviation for bovine growth hormone. Knowing the regulations and effects of BGH helps farmers manage livestock growth and milk production responsibly.

desert: An area of land with very little rainfall, arid soil, and little or no vegetation. COMMENT: A desert will be formed in areas where rainfall is less than 25 cm per annum whether the region is hot or cold. About 30% of all the land surface of the Earth is desert or in the process of becoming desert. The spread of desert conditions in arid and semi-arid regions is caused not only by climatic conditions but also by human pressures. So overgrazing of pasture and the clearing of forest for fuel and for cultivation both lead to the loss of organic material, a reduction in rainfall by evaporation, and soil erosion. Understanding desert environments and the factors contributing to desertification is important for sustainable land management. Farmers should implement practices like agroforestry, soil conservation, and water management to combat desertification and improve land productivity. Exploring sustainable agricultural practices in arid regions can enhance resilience and food security.