D

distemper: An infectious disease affecting dogs, cats, and some other animals, causing fever, respiratory, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Managing distemper involves implementing proper biosecurity measures, vaccination, and regular health monitoring. Farmers should work with veterinarians to develop effective disease management plans and prevent outbreaks. Understanding the signs and symptoms of distemper will aid in early detection and treatment, ensuring the health and productivity of the herd.

Dutch harrow: An implement with a metal or wooden frame, with heavy tine bars almost at right angles to the direction of travel. The tines loosen the soil, and the heavy bars level the surface. Also called float. Dutch harrows are used in soil preparation to create a smooth seedbed for planting.

dew: Drops of condensed moisture left on surfaces overnight in cool places. Dew can provide a valuable source of moisture for plants in arid regions. Farmers should consider the role of dew in their irrigation management and monitor its impact on crop health. Understanding the benefits of dew can help optimize water use and improve plant growth.

dental: Referring to teeth. Dental health is important for livestock to ensure proper feeding and nutrition. Farmers should regularly inspect and care for the teeth of their animals to prevent dental issues and maintain overall health. Working with veterinarians to develop dental care routines can improve animal welfare and productivity.

diet formulation: The combining of different types of feedstuffs or nutrients to form a healthy and balanced diet for an animal. Probably the most likely area for reform was diet formulation, and with feed accounting for 70 percent of production costs, it was essential to examine management practices such as phase feeding to more precisely tailor feed inputs to requirements. [Farming News]. Proper diet formulation is crucial for optimizing the health and productivity of livestock. Farmers should work with veterinarians and nutritionists to develop balanced and cost-effective diets for their animals. Understanding the principles of diet formulation will aid in efficient feed management and improved farm profitability.

dew claw: A rudimentary fifth digit found on the heels of dogs, pigs, and cattle. Dew claws should be monitored for health issues such as injury or infection. Farmers should implement proper care and management practices to ensure the well-being of animals with dew claws. Understanding the anatomy and function of dew claws can aid in effective livestock management.

disking: A method of tillage using a circular agricultural implement called a disk to prepare the soil for planting. Disking can improve soil structure, control weeds, and incorporate organic matter. Farmers should use proper techniques and equipment for effective disking. Understanding the benefits and applications of disking will aid in effective soil management and crop establishment.

dehydrated milk: Milk which has been dried and reduced to a powder. Dehydrated milk is a valuable product for extending the shelf life of milk and reducing transportation costs. Farmers and processors should ensure proper drying techniques and packaging to maintain the quality of dehydrated milk. Understanding market opportunities for dehydrated milk can help optimize production and profitability.

document: To record information in written or electronic form. Proper documentation practices are important for maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with regulations. Farmers should implement effective documentation techniques to record farm activities, transactions, and data. Understanding the benefits of proper documentation will aid in effective farm management and decision-making.

desertify: To make land into a desert. It is predicted that half the country will be desertified by the end of the century. Preventing land from becoming desertified involves implementing sustainable land management practices and restoring degraded land. Farmers should adopt measures like reforestation, soil conservation, and water management to prevent and mitigate desertification. Understanding the causes and impacts of desertification will help develop effective strategies for land restoration and sustainable agriculture.