O

onion set: A seed onion, a small onion grown from seed, which has been dried, and which is planted the following year so that it will root and grow on to maturity. Using onion sets can enhance planting efficiency and crop establishment. Farmers can benefit from understanding proper storage and planting techniques to optimize onion production.

overlying: The crushing of piglets by the sow which lies on top of them. Managing farrowing environments to prevent overlying is crucial for piglet survival and welfare. Farmers can benefit from using farrowing crates and proper monitoring to protect piglets and enhance productivity.

on-off grazing: A rotational grazing system. Implementing on-off grazing can improve pasture health and livestock nutrition. Farmers can benefit from understanding and applying rotational grazing practices to enhance forage availability, reduce soil erosion, and improve animal performance.

opening bid: The first bid at an auction. Understanding auction dynamics and setting competitive opening bids can help farmers maximize returns on livestock and produce sales. Farmers can benefit from participating in auctions to access broader markets and achieve better prices.

oatmeal: A type of feeding stuff produced when the husk is removed from the oats kernel by a rolling process. Oatmeal is particularly good for horses and valuable for cattle and sheep, but not as suitable for pigs because of its high fiber content. Farmers can benefit from producing oatmeal as a nutritious feed option, enhancing livestock nutrition and health.

organophosphate: A synthetic insecticide that attacks the nervous system, such as chlorpyrifos. Organophosphates are effective but highly toxic. Farmers can benefit from using integrated pest management practices to reduce reliance on organophosphates and minimize health and environmental risks.

oat: A hardy cereal crop grown in most types of soil in cool wet northern temperate regions. Oats are environmentally friendly as they require fewer inputs than other cereals. Farmers can benefit from growing oats due to their versatility as both a food and feed crop, providing a reliable source of income and improving soil health through crop rotation.

orfor: A virus disease affecting sheep, cattle, and goats, and easily passed on to humans. The disease causes scabs and ulcers which affect the mouth, nose, and eyes. Managing orfor is crucial for animal and human health. Farmers can benefit from implementing biosecurity measures, regular health monitoring, and prompt treatment to prevent and control outbreaks.

outbreeding: Breeding between individuals that are not related. Outbreeding can enhance genetic diversity and improve livestock health and productivity. Farmers can benefit from implementing outbreeding strategies to strengthen their herds and flocks.

O: Represents oxygen, an essential element for respiration in all living organisms. In the EUROP carcass classification system, ‘O’ indicates below-average quality. Ensuring adequate oxygen levels in livestock barns and storage facilities helps maintain animal health and food quality, preventing respiratory issues and spoilage of stored products.