Month: November 2022

Feeding Value: The nutritional value of feedingstuffs. Understanding feeding value helps farmers select the best feed for their animals to ensure health and productivity.

Crofter: Crofter /kr?ft?/ noun a joint tenant of a divided farm in Scotland. Engaging with crofters supports rural development and sustainable farming practices.

mor: slowly decaying humus found in acid soil in areas of high rainfall. Compare moder, mull. Understanding the role of mor in soil health can help farmers manage soil fertility more effectively, ensuring better crop yields.

Candling: A checking process in which eggs are passed over a source of light to detect blood spots or cracks. Using candling ensures egg quality and safety for consumption and sale.

A systematic plan for administering vaccines to livestock to protect against infectious diseases. Vaccination programs are essential for herd health and productivity. For example, developing a vaccination program for dairy cattle to prevent common diseases and maintain herd health.

colostrum: The first milk produced by a mammal after giving birth, rich in antibodies. Feeding colostrum to newborns is vital for their immune system development and overall health.

best-before date: A date stamped on foodstuffs indicating the last date when the food is guaranteed to be in good condition. Farmers should monitor best-before dates to ensure product quality and compliance.

domesticated: Referring to a wild animal that has been trained to live near a house and not be frightened of human beings or a species that was formerly wild but has been selectively bred to fill human needs. Domesticated animals and plants are vital to agricultural productivity and sustainability.

spike: a tall pointed flower head (inflorescence) in which small flowers without stalks grow from a central flower stem; a pointed end of a pole or piece of metal. Understanding the structure of spikes helps farmers manage plant growth and optimize yields.

suckle: to feed with milk from the udder. Properly managing suckling ensures optimal nutrition and health for young livestock, supporting productivity and well-being.