M

magnetic resonance imaging: a technique that uses electromagnetic radiation to obtain images of invisible parts of a structure or the body’s soft tissues. Abbr MRI. MRI can be useful in veterinary diagnostics, allowing for detailed examination of livestock health issues, leading to accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.

MMA: same as farrowing fever. Understanding and managing farrowing fever can help farmers ensure the health and productivity of their livestock.

millstone: a heavy round slab of stone, used to grind corn. Proper management and maintenance of millstones can help farmers process their grain more effectively, ensuring better quality and marketability.

MBM: abbreviation meat and bone meal. Understanding the uses and nutritional value of MBM can help farmers provide balanced diets for their livestock, leading to better growth and productivity.

methanol: an alcohol manufactured from coal, natural gas or waste wood, which is used as a fuel or solvent. Formula: CH3OH. Also called methyl alcohol, wood alcohol. Biodiesel is made by mixing vegetable oil with methanol, giving glycerine as a by-product. Its source is natural and renewable and it dramatically reduces exhaust emissions of smoke and soot, carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide, the cause of acid rain. Methanol can be used as a fuel in any type of burner. Its main disadvantage is that it is less efficient than petrol and can cause pollution if it escapes into the environment, as it mixes easily with water. Production of methanol from coal or natural gas does not help fuel conservation, since it depletes Earth’s fossil fuel resources. Understanding the production and uses of methanol can help farmers utilize alternative fuels more effectively, contributing to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.

mulefooted hog: a breed of pig which has solid hooves rather than cloven hooves. Raising mulefooted hogs can provide farmers with a unique and high-value product, particularly for niche markets interested in specialty breeds.

mechanization: The use of machinery in agriculture to increase efficiency and productivity. Mechanization can reduce labor costs and improve farm operations.

manganese: a metallic trace element. It is essential for biological life and is also used in making steel. Manganese deficiency is associated with high pH and soils that are rich in organic matter. It can cause grey leaf of cereals, marsh spot in peas and speckled yellowing of leaves of sugar beet. It is usually cured by applying manganese sulfate as foliar spray. Ensuring adequate manganese levels in soil can prevent these deficiencies and support healthy crop growth, leading to better yields and farm sustainability.

multigrain: foodstuffs containing more than one type of grain. Understanding the market dynamics and nutritional value of multigrain products can help farmers optimize their crop production and marketability, ensuring better profitability.

mash: a mixture of feeding meals combined to provide all the necessary elements for a balanced diet. Using mash can help farmers provide balanced nutrition for their livestock, ensuring better health and productivity.