Category: D

Dorking: A breed of fowl, with dark and silver-grey plumage, or a silver-grey breed of bantam. Dorkings are valued for their meat and egg production. Proper care and management can maximize their productivity and health.

dibber: A hand tool for making holes in soil to plant small plants. Using a dibber can improve planting efficiency and accuracy. Farmers and gardeners should select the right type of dibber for their needs and use it properly to ensure successful planting. Understanding the benefits and applications of a dibber can aid in effective crop establishment and growth.

danthonia: A tufted pasture grass found in Australia and New Zealand. Danthonia is valued for its drought tolerance and suitability for grazing. Farmers can use danthonia in pasture management to improve forage availability, especially in arid regions. Rotational grazing and proper fertilization will help maintain healthy danthonia pastures, providing consistent feed for livestock.

dietary fibre: Same as roughage. COMMENT: Dietary fibre is found in cereals, nuts, fruit, and some green vegetables. It is believed to be necessary to help digestion and to avoid developing constipation, obesity, and appendicitis. Providing dietary fiber is important for maintaining the digestive health of livestock. Farmers should include adequate roughage in the diets of their animals to promote proper digestion and overall health. Understanding the sources and benefits of dietary fiber will aid in effective feed management.

deadnettle: Referring to red deadnettle. Red deadnettle can be a weed in gardens and fields. Farmers and gardeners should manage this plant through regular weeding and the use of herbicides. Understanding its growth patterns and implementing appropriate control methods will help maintain healthy crops and reduce competition for resources.

depression: An area of low atmospheric pressure. Also called low. Understanding weather patterns, including depressions, is important for managing farm activities. Farmers should monitor weather forecasts and plan operations accordingly to minimize the impact of adverse weather. Implementing weather-related risk management strategies can help protect crops and livestock from damage.

dried blood: An organic fertilizer with a nitrogen content of 10% – 13%. It is a soluble quick-acting fertilizer, used mainly by horticulturists. Dried blood helps improve soil fertility and supports healthy plant growth.

discontinue: To stop making or doing something. Discontinuing certain practices or products may be necessary for improving farm operations or complying with regulations. Farmers should stay informed about industry trends and regulatory changes to make informed decisions about discontinuation. Understanding the impacts of discontinuation will aid in developing effective management strategies.

dystocia: Difficulty in the process of giving birth. Managing dystocia requires timely veterinary intervention to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and offspring during birthing.

deadweight: The weight of a dressed carcass. Understanding deadweight is important for livestock farmers when selling animals for meat. Knowing the average deadweight of their livestock can help farmers negotiate better prices and manage their production more effectively. Regularly monitoring and recording carcass weights will provide valuable data for improving livestock management practices.