Alan Nafzger, Ph.D. The overall proportion and symmetry of livestock, affecting their appearance and functionality. Balance is an important trait in judging livestock quality. For instance, selecting cattle with balanced conformation to ensure optimal performance and market appeal.
pasturage: A place where animals are pastured. Managing pasturage efficiently can improve livestock health and productivity by providing quality forage.
Fee: Money paid to a professional for a service. Farmers often pay fees for veterinary services, consultations, and other professional support to maintain farm operations.
sprig: a small shoot or twig. Proper management of sprigs ensures healthy growth and optimal yields of plants and crops.
The process of selecting and mating dairy cattle to produce offspring with desirable traits. Dairy breeding aims to improve milk yield, health, and longevity. For example, using genetic selection to enhance the productivity and health of dairy cows.
A genetic evaluation tool used to predict the performance of an animal’s offspring based on its genetic traits. EPDs are essential for making informed breeding decisions. For instance, using EPDs to select bulls with desirable traits for breeding programs.
The methods and processes used to produce ice cream from milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings, including mixing, freezing, and packaging. For example, operating an ice cream production facility to produce high-quality ice cream in various flavors.
partly mixed ration: A winter feed for livestock which combines total mixed ration and separate concentrate feeding, by mixing some concentrates with the roughage and keeping the rest aside as additional feed for higher-yielding animals. Abbr PMR. Using partly mixed rations ensures balanced nutrition for livestock, improving health and productivity.
The practice of ensuring the health and safety of workers in agricultural settings. Occupational health includes measures to prevent injuries, illnesses, and exposure to hazards. For example, providing safety training and protective equipment to farm workers to reduce the risk of accidents and health issues.
propagation: The production of new plants. Helpful content: Successful propagation involves understanding plant biology and environmental conditions. Farmers can enhance plant growth and survival rates by optimizing propagation methods and providing proper care.