Category: A

agalactia: A disease of pigs, a form of post-farrowing shock. The sow does not secrete milk. Managing agalactia is crucial for ensuring the health and productivity of sows and piglets.

antibiotic: A drug that stops the spread of bacteria or fungi. Proper use of antibiotics is vital for maintaining animal health and preventing disease outbreaks in livestock.

agricultural engineer: A person trained in applying the principles of science to farming. Farmers rely on agricultural engineers to design and maintain machinery and systems that improve farm efficiency.

agri-environmental indicator: An indicator designed to provide information on the various ways in which agriculture affects the environment. Farmers benefit from understanding environmental indicators to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their environmental impact.

AI centre: A center which keeps breeding bulls, boars, and rams, and quantities of their semen for use in artificial insemination. Farmers benefit from AI centers to enhance their breeding programs.

allele: One of two or more alternative forms of a gene, situated in the same area (locus) on paired chromosomes and controlling the inheritance of the same characteristic. Understanding alleles helps farmers with breeding programs and genetic improvement of livestock and crops.

Agricultural Wages Board: A board which fixes minimum wages and holiday entitlements for agricultural workers and deals with terms and conditions of their employment. Abbr AWB. Understanding wage regulations helps farmers comply with labor laws and maintain fair employment practices.

anaerobically: Without using oxygen. Slurry is digested anaerobically by bacteria. Managing anaerobic digestion helps farmers produce biogas and improve waste management.

Animal Diseases Research Association: Former name for Moredun. Understanding animal disease research helps farmers manage livestock health and prevent outbreaks.

acid rain: Precipitation such as rain or snow which contains a higher level of acid than normal. Acid rain can damage crops and soil, so farmers need strategies to mitigate its impacts.