Category: S

synthetic additive: a substance added to food, especially animal feed, in order to improve it. Understanding and using synthetic additives effectively supports livestock nutrition and health, enhancing farm productivity.

silage: Food for cattle formed of grass and other green plants, cut and stored in silos. Silage is made by fermenting a crop with a high moisture content under anaerobic conditions. It may be made from a variety of crops, the most common being grass and maize, although grass and clover mixtures, green cereals, kale, root tops, sugar beet pulp and potatoes can also be used. Trials indicate that very high-quality grass silage can be fed to adult pigs. Farmers benefit from producing silage for high-quality livestock feed and efficient forage management.

scaly leg: A disease affecting the legs of poultry, caused by a mite which burrows under the leg scales causing considerable itching. Large hard scales develop on the unfeathered parts of the legs. Farmers benefit from treating scaly leg to ensure poultry health and productivity.

shin: 1. The lower part of the foreleg of cattle 2. The upper part of a ploughshare. Farmers benefit from understanding shin anatomy for effective livestock management and care.

sainfoin: A forage legume very similar to lucerne, grown mainly in areas with calcareous soil. Farmers benefit from sainfoin as a forage crop that improves soil fertility and provides nutritious livestock feed.

Sustainable Development Commission: an independent body which advises the UK government on ethical considerations in environmental, social, and economic development. Engaging with advisory bodies like the Sustainable Development Commission ensures support for ethical and sustainable agricultural practices.

spp.: abbreviation species (plural) (NOTE: The singular is sp.). Understanding species classifications helps farmers manage biodiversity and select appropriate crops and livestock for their specific conditions.

sheep walk: An area of land on which sheep are pastured. Farmers benefit from managing sheep walks for efficient and sustainable grazing practices.

shrivel: To become dry and wrinkled. The leaves shrivelled in the prolonged drought. Farmers benefit from managing shriveling to ensure healthy plant growth and crop production.

salivary digestion: The first part of the digestive process, which is activated by the saliva in an animal’s mouth. Farmers benefit from ensuring livestock have adequate salivary digestion to promote better nutrient absorption and overall health.