Author: April Kingsman

Acarida: The order of animals including mites and ticks. Knowledge of Acarida helps farmers implement effective pest control strategies.

physiology: The science of the normal functioning of plants, animals, and the human body. Understanding physiology is essential for optimizing animal and plant health and improving farm productivity.

A shelter or barn where cows are housed, often equipped with milking facilities. Cowsheds provide protection from weather and a place for milking. For instance, dairy cows are brought into the cowshed for milking twice a day.

Fahrenheit: Fahrenheit is a temperature scale where water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F. Monitoring temperature using Fahrenheit helps farmers manage environmental conditions, crucial for optimizing crop growth and livestock well-being.

Fertility: 1. The state of being fertile. 2. The proportion of eggs which develop into young. 3. A measure of the ability of a female to conceive and produce young or of the male to fertilise the female. Managing fertility is crucial for successful breeding and high productivity.

Unpasteurized milk that has not been heat-treated to kill bacteria. Raw milk is consumed for its natural enzymes and flavor but carries a higher risk of foodborne illness. For instance, selling raw milk directly to consumers in states where it is legal.

rural development agency: An official body set up to develop policies and oversee rural development. Rural development agencies support farmers by providing resources and implementing development projects.

Cannula: A tube used to puncture an animal’s rumen to allow an escape of gas. Using a cannula in veterinary care helps manage digestive issues in livestock, improving animal health and productivity.

The practices used to regularly check and assess the health and condition of beehives, including brood health, disease presence, and queen activity. For example, conducting beehive inspections to identify and address potential issues early.

rendzina: Soil developed on chalk and limestone rocks characterized by its shallowness and lack of true subsoil. Managing rendzina soil helps farmers optimize crop production on challenging soil types.