D

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.

dehair: To remove hard hairs from fine goat fibers such as angora. Proper dehairing techniques are essential for producing high-quality fibers. Farmers should use appropriate equipment and methods to dehair goat fibers, ensuring minimal damage and maximum yield. Understanding the market demands for dehaired fibers can help farmers optimize their processing and marketing strategies.

down-calver: A cow or heifer about to calve. Managing down-calvers involves ensuring they have a safe and comfortable environment for giving birth and monitoring their health closely.

day-nettle: Same as common hemp nettle. Common hemp nettle can be a weed in crops and pastures. Farmers should monitor for its presence and use appropriate weed control methods to prevent it from spreading. Integrated pest management and herbicide use can help manage common hemp nettle, protecting crop health and yields.

dairy herd: A herd of dairy cows. Managing a dairy herd involves regular monitoring of cow health, production levels, and reproductive status. Implementing herd management software can help farmers keep detailed records and make informed decisions. Regular veterinary care, balanced diets, and good housing conditions are essential for maintaining a healthy and productive dairy herd.

dairy followers: Young dairy cattle, intended to replace older cows in due course. Proper rearing of dairy followers is crucial for the sustainability of a dairy farm. Ensuring they receive adequate nutrition, vaccinations, and care will prepare them for productive milking in the future. Farmers should track the growth and health of these animals to identify potential issues early and ensure a smooth transition into the milking herd.

dairy products: Foods prepared from milk, e.g., butter, cream, cheese, or yoghurt. Diversifying into dairy product production can add value to milk and increase farm income. Understanding the processing techniques and market demands for products like cheese, butter, and yoghurt can help farmers tap into niche markets and improve profitability. Farmers should also consider quality control and branding to differentiate their products in the market.

denudation: The process of making land or rock bare by cutting down trees or by erosion. Managing denudation involves implementing soil conservation practices and reforestation. Farmers should adopt measures like cover cropping, terracing, and contour plowing to reduce soil erosion and maintain land productivity. Understanding the causes and impacts of denudation can help develop effective land management strategies.

dehusk: To remove the husk from seeds such as corn. Proper dehusking techniques are important for processing seeds and improving their quality. Farmers should use appropriate equipment and methods to dehusk seeds efficiently. Understanding market demands and processing requirements will help farmers optimize their operations and enhance the value of their products.

desert: An area of land with very little rainfall, arid soil, and little or no vegetation. COMMENT: A desert will be formed in areas where rainfall is less than 25 cm per annum whether the region is hot or cold. About 30% of all the land surface of the Earth is desert or in the process of becoming desert. The spread of desert conditions in arid and semi-arid regions is caused not only by climatic conditions but also by human pressures. So overgrazing of pasture and the clearing of forest for fuel and for cultivation both lead to the loss of organic material, a reduction in rainfall by evaporation, and soil erosion. Understanding desert environments and the factors contributing to desertification is important for sustainable land management. Farmers should implement practices like agroforestry, soil conservation, and water management to combat desertification and improve land productivity. Exploring sustainable agricultural practices in arid regions can enhance resilience and food security.