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anaesthesia: The loss of the feeling of pain. A process that prevents a person or animal from feeling pain, usually by the use of drugs. The US spelling is anesthesia. Managing anesthesia helps farmers ensure the safety and welfare of livestock during medical procedures.

algae poisoning: Poisoning caused by toxic substances released when algae decompose. Understanding and preventing algae poisoning is crucial for farmers to protect livestock health.

agroecosystem: A community of organisms in a crop-producing area. Managing agroecosystems helps farmers create resilient and productive agricultural environments.

Ancona: A laying breed of chicken, with white tips on black feathers. Raising Ancona chickens provides farmers with high-quality egg production.

Animal Health Act 2002: An Act of Parliament which put into place controls to deal with outbreaks of diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and scrapie. Understanding this act helps farmers comply with regulations and manage disease outbreaks.

animal health planning: An official set of guidelines for controlling and treating diseases in farm animals. Following health planning guidelines helps farmers manage livestock health and prevent disease outbreaks.

aggregate measure of support: An index which shows the actual monetary value of the support given by the Government to a sector such as agriculture. Abbr AMS. Understanding aggregate measures of support helps farmers assess government support for their industry.

AE: Agricultural Engineers Association. This association protects the interests of manufacturers and suppliers of agricultural machinery in the UK. Abbr AEA. Farmers benefit from the advocacy and resources provided by AEA to improve their operations.

Advisory Committee on Organic Standards: A non-departmental public body set up by the Government to advise ministers on organic standards. Abbr ACOS. Adhering to ACOS standards ensures the integrity and marketability of organic products for farmers.

ammonium sulfate: A colorless crystalline solid that is soluble in water, used as a fertilizer. Formula: (NH4)2SO4. Also called sulfate of ammonia. Managing ammonium sulfate application helps farmers improve soil fertility and crop yields.

adsorbent: Able to adsorb something such as a gas or vapor. Using adsorbents can help farmers manage soil health and environmental impacts.

agricultural burning: The burning of agricultural waste as part of farming practice, e.g., stubble burning. Understanding regulations and best practices for agricultural burning helps farmers manage waste and prevent environmental harm.

adipose: Containing or made of fat. Farmers need to understand adipose tissue in livestock for effective breeding and health management.

Agriculture Act 1968: An Act of Parliament which defines what constitutes livestock and makes it an offense to cause unnecessary pain or distress to a farm animal. Understanding this act helps farmers comply with animal welfare regulations and maintain ethical practices.

ammoniacal nitrogen: Nitrogen derived from ammonia. Managing ammoniacal nitrogen levels helps farmers optimize soil fertility and crop production.

algicide: A substance used to kill algae. Using algicides helps farmers manage algae growth in water sources and maintain water quality for irrigation and livestock.

agri-food: Relating to industries which are involved in the mass production, processing, and inspection of food products made from agricultural commodities. Farmers benefit from understanding agri-food industries to improve their market access and product quality.

Agricultural Holdings Act 1984: An Act of Parliament which gives protection to tenants in questions of the fixing of rent and security of tenure. It makes provision for tenancies for a lifetime and for short-term lettings. Understanding this act helps farmers and landowners navigate tenancy agreements and rights.

acaricide: A substance used to kill mites and ticks. Using acaricides helps farmers protect their livestock from parasites, ensuring better health and productivity.

abscission: The shedding of a leaf or fruit due to the formation of a layer of cells between the leaf or fruit and the rest of the plant. Farmers need to manage this process to maintain crop yield and quality.

Animal Health Divisional Office: One of 24 regional branches of the State Veterinary Service. Abbr AHDO. Farmers benefit from the services provided by AHDO to manage animal health and comply with regulations.