M

metamorphosis: a process of change into a different form, especially the change of a larva into an adult insect. Understanding metamorphosis can help farmers manage insect life cycles more effectively, ensuring better pest control and crop protection.

minimal cultivation: a system of cultivation which subjects the land to shallow working and minimises the number of passes of machinery. No ploughing is needed. Although suitable for cereal production, minimal cultivation is not suitable for all crops or soil conditions. Crops like sugar beet and potatoes need a deeper tilth than that obtained by minimal cultivation. Understanding minimal cultivation can help farmers optimize their soil and crop management practices, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

microclimate: The climate of a small, specific area that may differ from the surrounding general climate. Understanding microclimates helps farmers optimize growing conditions for different crops.

milk producer: a farmer who is registered with Defra, and produces milk in compliance with the regulations concerning clean milk production. Understanding the regulations and requirements for milk producers can help farmers ensure better quality and marketability of their milk products.

mosquito: a flying insect, some species of which feed on the blood of mammals, and may carry diseases such as malaria. Understanding and managing mosquito infestations can help farmers protect their livestock and crops, ensuring better health and productivity.

marl: a fine soil formed of a mixture of clay and lime, used for making bricks. Marl can be an important resource for farmers engaged in building or improving farm infrastructure.

metabolised energy: the proportion of energy from feed which is used by an animal through its metabolism. Abbr ME. Understanding metabolised energy can help farmers manage livestock nutrition more effectively, ensuring better growth and productivity.

metabolise: to break down or build up organic compounds by metabolism. Understanding the metabolic processes can help farmers manage livestock nutrition and health more effectively, ensuring better growth and productivity.

maize gluten: a type of animal feedingstuff obtained after maize has been milled. It is high in protein. Using maize gluten can provide a high-protein feed option for livestock, supporting their growth and health, leading to better meat and milk production.

myxomatosis: a viral disease of rabbits which causes tumours on the skin, and usually kills the animal. It is spread by mosquitoes and fleas. Managing and preventing myxomatosis is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of rabbit populations.

malting: the process by which barley grain is soaked in water, then sprouted on a floor to produce an enzyme. It is then dried in a kiln and the roots and shoots are removed to leave the malt grains. Understanding the malting process can help farmers produce high-quality barley, leading to better marketability and income.

midden: a heap of dung. Understanding the role and management of middens can help farmers improve soil fertility and waste management.

Mn: symbol manganese. Understanding the role of manganese in soil and livestock nutrition can help farmers prevent deficiencies and ensure better crop and animal health and productivity.

maw: a stomach, especially the last of a ruminant’s four stomachs. Understanding the function of the maw can help farmers manage livestock nutrition more effectively, ensuring better digestion and health.

monophyletic: derived from a single ancestral type. Understanding monophyletic relationships can help farmers improve their breeding programs and ensure better genetic diversity and productivity.

mulch: A layer of material applied to the surface of soil to conserve moisture, improve fertility, and reduce weed growth. Using mulch can enhance soil health and crop yields.

management practice: practical ways of using management decisions to organise the use of resources or materials. ‘Vaccination of ewes and lambs is one of the more common management practices performed by sheep producers each and every year. Some producers will vaccinate their flock for “everything”, while others choose a more conservative approach.’ [Farmers Guardian]. Understanding and implementing effective management practices can help farmers improve productivity and sustainability.

monera: same as prokaryote. Understanding the role and characteristics of prokaryotes can help farmers manage soil and crop health more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

mycelium: the main part of a fungus, a mass of hyphae that grows underground or in wood. Understanding the role of mycelium can help farmers manage soil and crop health more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

mastitis-metritis-agalactia: full form of MMA. Understanding and managing mastitis-metritis-agalactia is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of livestock, reducing mortality rates and ensuring better economic outcomes for farmers.

maltose: a sugar formed by digesting starch or glycogen. Understanding the role of maltose in livestock nutrition can help farmers manage animal diets more effectively, leading to better growth and productivity.