D

dress: To clean or prepare the carcass of something such as a chicken so that it is ready for cooking and eating. Proper dressing techniques ensure the meat is safe for consumption and retains its quality.

digestibility: The proportion of food which is digested and is therefore of value to the animal which eats it. Understanding digestibility is important for developing balanced and nutritious diets for livestock. Farmers should work with veterinarians and nutritionists to ensure that animal diets are highly digestible and promote optimal health. Implementing proper dietary practices will enhance the productivity and welfare of livestock.

draught animal: An animal used to pull vehicles or carry heavy loads. Draught animals, such as oxen, horses, and donkeys, provide essential labor on many farms, particularly in regions where machinery is less accessible.

duty of care: A duty that every citizen and organization has not to act negligently, especially the system for the safe handling of waste, introduced by the UK Environmental Protection Act 1990. Farmers have a duty of care to manage waste responsibly and protect the environment.

decumbent: Referring to plant stems which lie on the surface of the soil for part of their length, but turn upwards at the end. Decumbent plants can be useful in ground cover and erosion control. Farmers should consider incorporating decumbent plants into their cropping systems to protect soil, reduce weed pressure, and improve biodiversity. Proper management and selection of decumbent species can enhance their benefits in agricultural landscapes.

die down: To stop growing before the winter and keep only the parts below ground until spring. Herbaceous plants die down in autumn. Managing plants that die down involves proper care and maintenance during their dormant period. Farmers and gardeners should ensure proper mulching, watering, and protection to support plant health and regrowth in spring. Understanding the growth patterns of herbaceous plants can aid in effective seasonal management.

draft ewe: An ewe sold from a breeding flock of sheep while still young enough to produce lambs. Draft ewes are often sold to other farms to continue their productive lives.

dipping bath: Same as dipper. Using a dipping bath is an effective method for managing external parasites in livestock. Farmers should ensure proper construction and maintenance of dipping baths for safe and effective dipping. Understanding the benefits and applications of dipping baths will aid in effective parasite management and improved livestock welfare.

direct drilling: A form of minimal cultivation where the seed is sown directly into the field without previous cultivation. Several types of drill are used, with heavy discs for cutting narrow drills, or strong cultivator tines. Direct drilling can improve soil health, reduce erosion, and save time and labor. Farmers should select the appropriate type of drill for their needs and use it properly to achieve optimal crop establishment. Understanding the benefits and applications of direct drilling will aid in effective soil management and crop production.

dominant: Important or powerful. In genetics, a dominant allele has the characteristic that leads to the trait it controls being shown in any individual carrying it. Understanding dominant traits is essential for selective breeding programs.