Category: V

Veterinary Laboratories Agency: An executive agency of Defra which diagnoses, tracks, and researches disease in animals. The VLA’s work is crucial for managing animal health and preventing disease outbreaks.

vegetative: Referring to plants. Maintaining vegetative cover can enhance soil fertility and prevent erosion, supporting sustainable farming practices.

VMD: Abbreviation for Veterinary Medicines Directorate. The VMD ensures the safe and effective use of veterinary medicines, protecting animal health.

volatile oils: Concentrated oils from a scented plant used in cosmetics or as antiseptics. Producing volatile oils can provide an additional income stream for farmers.

vacuum silage: Silage placed in large polythene bags, usually by a baler specially adapted for this purpose. Air is excluded, so preventing the development of moulds and the green crop is conserved in succulent form. Vacuum silage can improve feed quality and storage efficiency, providing nutritious feed for livestock.

vigour: Strength and energy. Promoting vigour in plants and animals can enhance productivity and resilience on the farm.

vitamin B2: A vitamin found in eggs, liver, green vegetables, milk, and yeast. Adequate vitamin B2 intake can improve growth and health in livestock.

vernalisation: A requirement by some plants for a period of cold in order to develop normally or the technique of making a seed germinate early by refrigerating it for a time. Using vernalisation can improve germination rates and crop yields.

Vulgare: The Latin name meaning ‘common,’ often used in plant names. Understanding plant taxonomy can improve crop management and biodiversity on the farm.

vCJD: Abbreviation for variant CJD. Understanding and preventing vCJD can protect livestock health and public safety.