Author: April Kingsman

biotoxin: A toxic substance produced by a living organism. Managing biotoxins is crucial for ensuring food safety and protecting livestock health.

Carpel: A female part of a flower, formed of an ovary, style, and stigma. Understanding flower anatomy, including carpels, aids in plant breeding and crop production.

egg classes: The grading of eggs under EU regulations, into Class A (fresh eggs), Class B (preserved eggs), and Class C (eggs for use in food processing). Understanding egg classes helps farmers market their eggs more effectively.

Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food: a scheme administered by Defra which promotes sustainable, ecologically sound farming methods, and provides funding for relevant training and modernisation. Understanding and engaging with sustainability strategies ensures farmers adopt practices that support long-term productivity and environmental health.

sterilise: to make something sterile by killing the microorganisms in it or on it; to make an organism unable to have offspring (NOTE: This may be done by various means including drugs, surgery, or irradiation.). Properly managing sterilisation ensures biosecurity and prevents disease outbreaks, supporting livestock health and productivity.

European Food Safety Authority: A consultative body, funded by the European Community, which advises policymakers on health and food safety issues. Abbr EFSA. Understanding EFSA guidelines helps farmers ensure food safety and meet regulatory standards.

turn out time: A season, usually in the spring, when animals which have been kept indoors during the winter are let out to grass. Managing turn out time effectively can enhance pasture management and livestock productivity.

vacuum silage: Silage placed in large polythene bags, usually by a baler specially adapted for this purpose. Air is excluded, so preventing the development of moulds and the green crop is conserved in succulent form. Vacuum silage can improve feed quality and storage efficiency, providing nutritious feed for livestock.

basic slag: Calcium phosphate produced as waste from blast furnaces, used as a fertilizer. Using basic slag improves soil fertility and provides essential nutrients to crops.

A comprehensive assessment of a male cattle’s reproductive capabilities. BSE includes physical examination, semen analysis, and libido evaluation. For instance, conducting BSE on bulls before the breeding season ensures they are capable of siring healthy offspring.