Author: April Kingsman

tail tail: The tail of a pig, which may be docked to prevent injury. Understanding animal management practices like tail docking ensures pig health and welfare.

ergotism: Poisoning by eating cereals or bread contaminated by ergot. Managing ergotism is crucial for farmers to ensure food safety and protect consumer health.

baconer: A pig bred specifically for bacon production. Farmers focusing on raising baconers can optimize feeding and care practices to produce superior meat quality.

New Hampshire Red: a breed of poultry with red plumage, lighter in weight than Rhode Island Red. New Hampshire Reds are mainly kept as layers, producing brownish-tinted eggs. New Hampshire Red chickens are valued for their egg-laying abilities and adaptability to various farming conditions. Farmers can benefit from raising this breed to diversify their poultry operations, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality eggs. Understanding the breed’s characteristics and management needs helps optimize production, improve animal welfare, and enhance farm profitability.

sucrose: a sugar that is abundant in many plants, which consists of one molecule of glucose joined to one of fructose. Understanding sucrose content in crops supports nutritional value and marketability, enhancing farm profitability.

warble fly: A parasitic fly whose larvae infest cattle. Infestation by warble fly is a notifiable disease. Managing warble fly infestations can prevent health issues in cattle and improve productivity.

soil pH: A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of soil. Managing soil pH ensures optimal nutrient availability for crops.

bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE): A neurological disorder in cattle, also known as mad cow disease. Knowledge of BSE and its prevention is critical for ensuring the safety of beef products and maintaining public health.

Crop Breeding: Crop breeding noun the development of new varieties of crops. Engaging in crop breeding supports agricultural innovation and crop improvement.

epidemic: 1. An infectious disease that spreads quickly through a large part of the population. The health authorities are taking steps to prevent an epidemic of cholera or a cholera epidemic. 2. A rapidly spreading infection or disease. Endemic, pandemic. Understanding epidemics helps farmers implement effective biosecurity measures and prevent disease outbreaks.