The layer of fat covering an animal’s muscles, affecting meat quality and yield. Fat cover is assessed to determine market readiness and processing efficiency. For example, monitoring fat cover in cattle to optimize meat quality and minimize waste.
sideland: A strip of land left at the side of a field during ploughing. It may be ploughed up with the headlands. Farmers benefit from managing sideland for efficient land use and crop rotation.
A method of permanently marking cattle with a hot iron or freeze brand to indicate ownership. Branding helps prevent theft and establish identity. For instance, branding cattle with a ranch’s unique mark for identification and legal purposes.
indehiscent: Referring to seed pods, fruit or capsules that do not open to release seeds when ripe. Compare dehiscent. Helps farmers manage seed dispersal and crop harvest.
Flock: A large group of birds or some farm animals such as sheep and goats. Managing flocks effectively ensures animal health and productivity.
rotation design: A method of conserving soil nutrients in organic farming by planting different crops in different years. Using rotation designs supports sustainable farming practices and soil health.
midden: a heap of dung. Understanding the role and management of middens can help farmers improve soil fertility and waste management.
thin: To remove a number of small plants from a crop, allowing the remaining plants to grow more strongly. Proper thinning practices can improve crop yield and quality, enhancing farm productivity.
hormone: A substance produced in animals in one part of the body which has a particular effect in another part of the body. Understanding hormones supports livestock health and breeding programs.
Mn: symbol manganese. Understanding the role of manganese in soil and livestock nutrition can help farmers prevent deficiencies and ensure better crop and animal health and productivity.