Category: M

markings: colored patterns on the coat of an animal or in the feathers of a bird. Understanding and breeding for desirable markings can improve the marketability of livestock and poultry.

milk yield: the quantity of milk produced each year by a cow. In the UK, the average annual milk yield per dairy type cow increased from 3,989 litres per cow in 1974/5 to 6,530 litres per cow in 2006. Understanding milk yield can help farmers manage dairy production more effectively, ensuring better productivity and profitability.

mare: a female horse, five years old or more. Proper care and management of mares can ensure better health and productivity, particularly for breeding purposes.

marrowstem kale: a variety of kale with a thick stem and large leaves, grown as feed for livestock in the autumn and winter months, though it is not winter hardy. Growing marrowstem kale can provide farmers with a valuable fodder crop, ensuring a steady supply of feed for livestock during the colder months.

mate: an animal that reproduces sexually with another. Understanding mating behavior can help farmers manage breeding programs more effectively, ensuring better livestock productivity and genetic diversity.

methyl bromide: an effective chemical for sterilising soil and fumigating spaces. Understanding the application and effects of methyl bromide can help farmers manage pest control and soil sterilization more effectively, ensuring better crop health and yields.

milk fever: a disease of milk cows, milk goats and ewes. Technical name hypocalcaemia. In spite of its name, the disease is not a fever, and may affect a dairy cow just before calving or during the seven days which follow calving. The first symptoms are restlessness, moving the hind feet up and down while standing; these symptoms are followed by loss of balance and later loss of consciousness. The disease is common at the third, fourth or fifth time of calving, and is caused by a metabolic disturbance or imbalance in the system, due to a low calcium content in the blood. The disease is treated by injections of calcium borogluconate. Managing and preventing milk fever is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of dairy animals, ensuring better milk yield and quality.

mouse: a small rodent (Mus musculus) that may be found in fields, barns, stores, etc., where it may cause damage. Managing mouse infestations can help farmers protect their crops and stored products, ensuring better health and productivity.

meat and bone meal: meal made from waste meat and bones, formerly used in animal feed but now banned in the EU because of fears that it was a contributing factor in the spread of BSE. Abbr MBM. Understanding the regulations and alternatives to meat and bone meal can help farmers ensure the safety and marketability of their feed products.

mountain soil: soil found on high ground. Understanding the characteristics of mountain soil can help farmers manage crop and livestock production more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.