Category: D

dig: To turn over ground with a fork or spade. Digging is an important practice for preparing soil for planting and improving its structure. Farmers and gardeners should use proper techniques and tools for effective digging and soil preparation. Understanding the benefits of digging will aid in creating optimal growing conditions for crops.

dry cow: A cow that is between lactations and is therefore not giving milk. Dry cows require proper management to ensure they are healthy and ready for the next lactation period. This includes providing adequate nutrition and monitoring their health.

distemper: An infectious disease affecting dogs, cats, and some other animals, causing fever, respiratory, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Managing distemper involves implementing proper biosecurity measures, vaccination, and regular health monitoring. Farmers should work with veterinarians to develop effective disease management plans and prevent outbreaks. Understanding the signs and symptoms of distemper will aid in early detection and treatment, ensuring the health and productivity of the herd.

dress: To clean or prepare the carcass of something such as a chicken so that it is ready for cooking and eating. Proper dressing techniques ensure the meat is safe for consumption and retains its quality.

digestibility: The proportion of food which is digested and is therefore of value to the animal which eats it. Understanding digestibility is important for developing balanced and nutritious diets for livestock. Farmers should work with veterinarians and nutritionists to ensure that animal diets are highly digestible and promote optimal health. Implementing proper dietary practices will enhance the productivity and welfare of livestock.

draught animal: An animal used to pull vehicles or carry heavy loads. Draught animals, such as oxen, horses, and donkeys, provide essential labor on many farms, particularly in regions where machinery is less accessible.

duty of care: A duty that every citizen and organization has not to act negligently, especially the system for the safe handling of waste, introduced by the UK Environmental Protection Act 1990. Farmers have a duty of care to manage waste responsibly and protect the environment.

decumbent: Referring to plant stems which lie on the surface of the soil for part of their length, but turn upwards at the end. Decumbent plants can be useful in ground cover and erosion control. Farmers should consider incorporating decumbent plants into their cropping systems to protect soil, reduce weed pressure, and improve biodiversity. Proper management and selection of decumbent species can enhance their benefits in agricultural landscapes.

die down: To stop growing before the winter and keep only the parts below ground until spring. Herbaceous plants die down in autumn. Managing plants that die down involves proper care and maintenance during their dormant period. Farmers and gardeners should ensure proper mulching, watering, and protection to support plant health and regrowth in spring. Understanding the growth patterns of herbaceous plants can aid in effective seasonal management.

draft ewe: An ewe sold from a breeding flock of sheep while still young enough to produce lambs. Draft ewes are often sold to other farms to continue their productive lives.