Glossary

Learning the Lingo: A Glossary of All Things ‘World Without Cows’

From cattle to climate change, here’s our guide to the words and phrases you’ll hear in World Without Cows
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Glossary

Learning the Lingo: A Glossary of All Things ‘World Without Cows’

From cattle to climate change, here’s our guide to the words and phrases you’ll hear in World Without Cows

General Terms & Cattle 101

We know there’s a lot to digest in our documentary. Whether you are new to the science of agriculture or a seasoned cattle expert, this glossary is a guide to all the terms that might pop up in the film and in the content we are sharing on our website. Whether you’re looking to brush up on your cattle knowledge or dive deeper into topics like carbon sequestration, methane production or ruminant digestion, this is your go-to resource for understanding the science behind the story.

There’s a widespread narrative that paints cattle ranching as an environmental villain, a major contributor to climate change. While it’s true that conventional cattle farming practices can have negative environmental impacts, emerging research suggests a more complex and nuanced story. What if cattle, managed strategically, could actually be part of the climate solution?

A groundbreaking research alliance at Archbold’s Buck Island Ranch in Lake Placid, Florida, is challenging conventional wisdom about cattle and climate change.

BIR Haoyu Li Archbold 1 2

  • a

  • The fourth of a ruminant’s four stomach compartments, where enzymatic digestion occurs, this is the stomach most like a monogastric animal’s single stomach.
  • A unit of land measurement commonly used in agriculture. One acre is 43,560 sq. ft. The term acreage is often used to express the size of a farm, ranch or field.
  • Land used primarily for growing crops and/or raising livestock.
  • The sector of the economy that involves agriculture, from farm inputs like seeds and fertilizers to the foods that reach consumers.
  • Short for agricultural technology, this refers to the innovative tools, machinery and software used to improve efficiency and sustainability in farming. Examples include automated milking machines, precision irrigation systems, and drones for crop monitoring.
  • Products designed to mimic the taste, texture and/or nutritional profile of meats, but derived from plants, lab-grown cells or other non-animal sources.
  • A large dairy cooperative in India. See also Cooperative.
  • The farming of animals for products like meat, milk and leather.
  • The science and practice of breeding and raising livestock for optimal health and productivity.
  • Products derived from animals, including meat, milk, leather and many more.
  • Proteins that come from animal sources. Animal proteins such as beef, milk and eggs are complete proteins containing all essential amino acids. They provide potent nutrition even in small amounts.
  • Any food that comes from animals rather than plants.
  • Land that can be used to grow crops.
  • The layer of gases surrounding Earth. Climate change is related to the effects of greenhouse gases (GHGs) released into the atmosphere.
  • The weight an animal gains, on average, for each day in between two weighing periods. This data helps assess weight gain in a particular animal over time.

  • b

  • A stage in cattle production where weaned calves (usually 6–12 months old) are fed a high-forage diet to prepare them for entry into a feedlot. A calf at this stage is sometimes called a stocker.
  • Meat from cattle, typically from those over one year old.
  • The extent and rate at which nutrients from feed are absorbed and utilized by an animal. More bioavailable nutrients enable animals to thrive on less feed and create less waste.
  • The variety of life within a given ecosystem, including plants, animals and microorganisms, all of which contribute to ecological stability.
  • A large region characterized by a specific climate, vegetation and animal life. Biomes include rainforests, grasslands and savannas, among others.
  • A famous photograph of Earth taken by the Apollo 17 astronauts in 1972, this image is often used to symbolize the fragility of the planet’s environment.
  • A numerical system used to assess the nutritional status and overall health of an animal. BCS scales vary by species and even within species; for instance, while both beef and dairy cattle are scored on a range of 1 to 9, the criteria for each is different. However, for both types, 1(...)
  • These cattle are generally not as productive as Bos Taurus breeds (see below), but they tolerate hot temperatures much better, so they are more common in tropical climates. They are identifiable by their long, floppy ears, long dewlaps and humped backs. Bos Indicus breeds include Gyr,(...)
  • These cattle produce milk and meat well but have a low heat tolerance. For this reason, they are more popular in temperate climates than in tropical ones. Bos Taurus cows have straighter backs and shorter ears than their Bos Indicus counterparts (see above). Bos Taurus breeds include Angus,(...)
  • An animal from the cattle group, which includes cows, buffalo and bison.
  • A specific group of cattle bred for particular traits. For instance, Holsteins are bred for abundant milk production, while Anguses are better for beef production. See also Bos Indicus and Bos Taurus.
  • The process of mating selected cattle to produce offspring with desirable traits.
  • A research-oriented cattle ranch in Florida, focused on sustainable agriculture.
  • A sexually mature male.

  • c

  • A bovine less than one year old, whether male or female.
  • A unit of energy provided by food and used by the body for various functions, including growth and maintenance.
  • The process of a cow giving birth to a calf.
  • A basic building block of life, carbon is also a major contributor to climate change due to excess amounts being generated by human activities and released into the atmosphere.
  • The process of trapping carbon dioxide emissions from sources like factories or power plants and storing it to prevent release into the atmosphere.
  • While essential to plant development, CO2 is a greenhouse gas (GHG) that also contributes to climate change, especially through the burning of fossil fuels.
  • The total amount of greenhouse gases produced by any given human activity, such as operations at a farm or factory.
  • Capturing and storing excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, often through trees, soil or technological means. Recent research has shown that livestock, when properly managed, can contribute to carbon sequestration.
  • A natural or artificial reservoir that absorbs and stores carbon from the atmosphere, such as a forest or grassland.
  • Domesticated bovine animals raised for meat, milk or labor. Often referred to as “cows,” though technically that term refers only to female cattle who have given birth. “Cattle” is both the singular and plural term.
  • A fibrous material found in some plant matter, inedible for humans. Cows can’t digest cellulose directly, but their rumens — the first and largest of their four stomach compartments — harbor microorganisms that can break it down enough that they can then digest it by chewing their cud.
  • The long-term patterns of temperature, humidity, wind and precipitation in a particular region. This is different from weather, which refers to short-term conditions such as a warm day or a thunderstorm. See also Weather.
  • The process of adjusting natural or human systems in response to the actual or expected effects of climate change. It involves implementing strategies to minimize damage, take advantage of opportunities and cope with the impacts of changing climate conditions, such as rising temperatures,(...)
  • The long-term, large-scale alteration of temperatures and weather patterns, often accelerated by human activity, including greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change poses a significant and growing threat to humans, animals and plants.
  • A term used to describe the serious impacts — today and in the future — of climate change on animals, people and the planet.
  • Goals set by governments or organizations to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in an effort to combat climate change.
  • A metric used to compare the global warming impact of different greenhouse gases, standardizing them in terms of their impact as compared to that of carbon dioxide.
  • The set of mental processes related to knowledge, perception, memory and decision-making, cognition is vital to human life and society. It requires strong, sustained nutrition to develop properly over the human lifespan.
  • The first milk producted by a cow for her calf, colostrum is nutrient-dense, designed to get the calf off to the best nutritional start.
  • Cattle raised primarily for meat production rather than breeding stock.
  • A protein source that contains all nine essential amino acids in adequate amounts. Animal-sourced foods such as beef and milk are complete proteins in and of themselves; complete proteins can also be created by certain combinations of plant-sourced products.
  • The protection and sustainable management of natural resources, including land, wildlife and livestock.
  • A jointly owned organization or business, often agricultural, where members share resources and profits. Cooperatives support the rights of farmers and help them maximize productivity and profitability.
  • Though the term is often used for cattle in general, technically a cow is a female that has given birth to at least one calf. Before she has her first calf, she is called a heifer. A cow may also be called a dam when referring to her status as mother of a calf. Cows are raised for both beef(...)
  • A cattle operation where cows are bred and calves are raised until they are weaned, typically around 6–10 months of age.
  • Any plant that is cultivated primarily for food, feed, fiber or fuel, such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, corn, wheat, rice and soybeans. Crop cultivation is central to both human food production and animal feed, playing a key role in global food systems and economies.
  • This material, generally inedible to humans, is what remains in the field after crops are harvested. Crop residue may include stems, leaves, roots and leftover stalks. To some degree, crop residue can enrich the land if left to decompose; however, this process can also release harmful(...)
  • Partially digested food regurgitated and re-chewed by a ruminant. This process is a normal part of digestion in ruminants, helping them break down fibrous plant material that non-ruminants cannot.
  • Selectively removing animals from a herd based on their productivity, health or genetic traits. Culling improves the overall quality and productivity of the herd and keeps emissions in line with benefits.

  • d

  • Dairy foods are those derived from milk, including the milk itself and also cheese, yogurt, butter, and so on. The term also refers to an operation where such products are produced.
  • A cow raised to provide milk and other dairy products, not for beef.
  • The mother of a calf. See also Cow.
  • An individual or business that buys and sells livestock, often acting as an intermediary in the market. Dealers may specialize in certain types of cattle and can operate at various levels within the supply chain.
  • A lack of essential nutrients required for health. Nutritional deficiency affects not only growth but also physical and mental development and functioning.
  • The removal of forested areas, usually to make way for agriculture, logging, mining or urban development. Deforestation reduces biodiversity and contributes to climate change. Some companies engage in reforestation projects to combat these harmful effects. See also Reforestation.
  • Population movement away from cities and back into rural areas. This reversal of the urbanization trends of the past two centuries is having a major impact on agriculture. See also Urbanization.
  • A nation with advanced economic and infrastructural systems, and often with industrialized agriculture methods.
  • A nation with lower levels of economic development and industrialization, whose citizens are often reliant on small-scale or subsistence agriculture. Another term for this is underdeveloped country.
  • In cattle, this refers to the specific combination of nutrients and feeds that the farmer provides to ensure growth, health and productivity. Diets can and should be continually adjusted to be sure the ingredients are providing the best nutrition possible in a way that’s cost-effective and(...)
  • The process by which cattle break down feed into nutrients using their four-chambered stomachs, including fermentation in the rumen.
  • Transportation in cattle production. Distribution may involve anything from shipping feed to a ranch, to moving cattle from grass to a feedlot, to eventually delivering meat or dairy products to retailers and consumers.
  • Any person or business involved in distribution.
  • The process of breeding and raising animals to live alongside humans and provide them with milk, meat, labor and/or companionship.
  • A prolonged period without sufficient rainfall. Climate change is increasing the rate and intensity of both droughts and floods, with profound effects on agriculture.
  • Cattle manure, which can be used as fertilizer, as fuel, and even as a building material.
  • A historical period of severe drought and dust storms in the central plains of the U.S. in the 1930s, caused by poor land management over previous decades.

  • e

  • The study of interactions between organisms — including humans, animals, plants and microorganisms — and their environment.
  • A biological community of interacting plants, animals and microorganisms in a particular geographical area.
  • Maximizing production while minimizing input such as feed and labor. Better efficiency in farming is not only more profitable but better for the environment.
  • Greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere from human activities such as fossil fuel consumption, manufacturing, transportation and some types of agriculture. These emissions are the cause of the climate change crisis.
  • All aspects of the natural world, from local to global.
  • The environmental impact of any human activity, including land use, water consumption and GHG emissions.
  • Advocacy for the protection and preservation of the environment.
  • Substances, usually proteins, that initiate or speed up the rate of a reaction. Enzymes are produced by rumen microbes to digest fibrous feed materials and sometimes added to feed to improve digestion efficiency.
  • The wearing away of soil by wind or water, erosion is a natural process but can be harmfully exacerbated by poor land use, such as overgrazing by cattle.
  • Such events as droughts, floods, storms and heat waves, all of which can affect farming operations. These extreme events are becoming more common due to climate change.

  • f

  • See Industrial agriculture.
  • A plot of land dedicated to growing crops, raising livestock, or both.
  • A person engaged in the practice of agriculture.
  • Land designated for agricultural use, including growing crops and raising livestock.
  • A retail space on a particular farm, where that farm’s products are sold directly to customers.
  • A business that sells agricultural equipment and supplies. Farm stores sometimes also carry products from local farms, such as milk, beef or vegetables.
  • Any substance provided to cattle for nourishment, including grasses, grains and silage. Many feeds have supplements added to maximize nutritive value.
  • A measure of how efficiently cattle convert feed into meat or milk, with lower FCRs indicating higher efficiency.
  • The ability of an animal to gain weight or produce milk relative to the amount of feed consumed. Higher feed efficiency is more cost effective and better for the environment.
  • A confined area where cattle are fed a concentrated diet to gain weight before slaughter. This process is known as finishing.
  • By blending ingredients like grains, proteins, vitamins and minerals, feed mills produce feeds formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cattle at various life stages.
  • A metabolic process in which microorganisms like bacteria and yeasts break down organic compounds such as sugars into simpler substances. This produces energy for the microorganisms, creates substances that are often easier for humans and animals to digest, and also yields byproducts. Some(...)
  • A substance added to soil to enhance its fertility. Fertilizer can be organic, such as manure, or it can be inorganic, meaning that it is chemically manufactured.
  • A type of carbohydrate that humans generally cannot digest, though we need it in small amounts for digestive functioning. Ruminant animals such as cattle, however, can digest fiber at much higher levels, so they can eat fibrous foods we can’t and turn them into milk and meat that we can.
  • An open area of land that can be used for growing crops or grazing animals.
  • The final stage of feeding beef cattle, typically aimed at adding fat and muscle. Finishing is often done at a feedlot.
  • Rising waters caused by heavy rainfall. A flood can naturally enrich soil, but if it is too extensive or lasts too long, it can also cause harm to crops, animals, soil and property. Climate change has increasingly contributed to excessive flooding.
  • A specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to combat hunger and promote sustainable agriculture.
  • The ongoing availability and accessibility of sufficient, safe and nutritious food for a population.
  • The interconnected systems of food production, distribution and consumption.
  • Edible plants grown specifically to feed livestock, such as grass or hay. Cattle also eat plant byproducts humans cannot digest, such as stalks, husks and leaves. See also Crop residue.
  • The science and craft of working within forests and woodlands to gain resources for humans and to support sustainability.
  • Non-renewable energy sources such as coal, oil and natural gas. Fossil fuels emit massive amounts of harmful GHGs. This fact is driving efforts worldwide to switch to renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.

  • g

  • A process that allows a cell to respond to a changing environment by upregulating (turning on) or downregulating (turning off) certain genes.
  • The maximum level of any characteristic, from growth to fertility to production, that a plant or animal can achieve based on its genes.
  • The amount of time between the conception and birth of a calf. In cows, this averages 283 days — nearly identical to the average human gestation period of 280 days.
  • An overall increase in Earth’s average temperature due to greenhouse gas emissions. Global warming is part, but not all, of the global climate crisis. See also Climate change.
  • A measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps compared to carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon dioxide is used as a guideline because it is emitted in much larger quantities than other greenhouse gases.
  • A sanctuary in India for non-productive dairy cattle, in line with Hindu religious beliefs that prohibit the slaughter of cattle.
  • Cultivated cereals such as corn, wheat or barley, often used in cattle feed.
  • A category of plants commonly used as cattle feed, either harvested and provided later as hay or eaten directly from the soil by animals during grazing.
  • Multiple varieties of green, living plants that serve as primary food sources for cattle. Grasses can also be harvested, dried and stored as hay to provide nutrition during the winter months.
  • Natural ecosystems or planted fields where animals graze for nutrition.
  • The practice of cattle feeding on grasslands or pasturelands.
  • A gas such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, which when released in excessive amounts traps heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to the climate change crisis.
  • The digestive system of an animal.
  • The stability, resilience and functioning of a healthy gut play a large role in cattle productivity, growth, health, longevity and comfort.

  • h

  • Grass or legumes that have been cut, dried and stored for use as animal feed. If properly harvested and stored, hay provides enough nutrients to get cattle through the winter, when they cannot graze on fresh grass.
  • A young female bovine that has not yet had a calf.
  • A group of cattle raised together, often for breeding, milk production, or meat.

  • i

  • Large-scale, highly mechanized farming that yields high production levels but raises environmental and animal welfare concerns. Also known as factory farming.
  • In contrast to organic compounds, which are carbon-based and derived from living organisms, inorganic compounds are typically not carbon-based and are often minerals or synthetic substances produced in laboratory settings. In agriculture, this term also refers to foods produced using(...)

  • k

  • A 1997 international agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in developed countries. The Paris Agreement of 2015 built on the Kyoto Protocol but expanded to include underdeveloped countries as well. See also Paris Agreement.

  • l

  • Any plant that bears its fruit inside a pod. Many legumes are beans, but not all. Legumes are often used in cattle feed and can help fix nitrogen in the soil.
  • Domesticated animals raised for food, materials or labor.

  • m

  • Essential minerals required in large quantities by the body, these include calcium, phosphorus and potassium.
  • A state of inadequate nutrition to support life and development. Even a human or animal getting enough calories may suffer from malnutrition if their diet lacks the necessary nutrients.
  • The process of planning, overseeing and conducting the day-to-day operations of a farm or ranch. Proper management can make a major difference in animal health and well-being and in a cattle operation’s efficiency and sustainability.
  • Land that is not suitable for intensive crop production but may be used for limited crop production. Marginal land is often used instead for grazing livestock.
  • Domesticated animals raised for food, materials or labor.
  • A campaign, first proposed in 2003 by a scientist at Johns Hopkins University, encouraging people to forgo meat one day per week for health and/or environmental reasons.
  • A potent greenhouse gas produced by cattle during the digestion process.
  • The community of microorganisms living and interacting in an animal’s gut. A balanced microbiome is essential for healthy digestion and also supports productivity, reproduction, immunity and overall health.
  • Also called trace minerals, microminerals are a type of micronutrients. They include copper, zinc, manganese, selenium and iron, among others.
  • Essential vitamins and minerals that are required for health and productivity, but only in small amounts.
  • A nutrient-rich liquid produced by female mammals, including cows, to nourish their young. Milk is often processed into foods such as butter, cheese and yogurt.
  • Substances essential to support various bodily functions. Common minerals include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, zinc and iron. These are often added to animal feed to ensure proper nutrition and optimal growth, health and productivity.
  • A type of animal with a single-chambered stomach. Monogastrics, such as pigs, poultry and humans, digest food differently from ruminants, which have multi-chambered stomachs and can digest foodstuffs that monogastrics cannot.

  • n

  • Materials that occur naturally in the environment, such as those found in air, water and soil.
  • See Nitrous oxide.
  • Land that is unsuitable for crop cultivation due to poor soil quality, steep terrain, extreme climates, or other factors. It may support other activities, such as livestock grazing, forestry, or wildlife habitats.
  • This type of energy is derived from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas, which are in finite supply and release harmful greenhouse gases. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power are better for the environment.
  • The process of providing the necessary calories and nutrients for overall health and functioning. In cattle farming, supplementation may be necessary for complete nourishment, as many forages are not nutritionally complete.
  • The amount of essential nutrients present in a given food relative to its caloric content. High nutrient density is crucial in cattle feed to ensure proper growth and health while protecting the environment from harmful excretions of unused feed. Nutrient density is also important in human(...)
  • Substances required by living organisms for energy, growth and bodily functions. These include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals.
  • The study of the interaction between diet and genetics, particularly how nutrition can influence how genes behave and affect health and productivity.
  • Refers to the process by which living organisms obtain and utilize the nutrients necessary for health, growth and maintenance.

  • o

  • The third of a ruminant’s four stomach compartments, the omasum filters the food that comes through it, absorbing water and nutrients.
  • Any carbon-based substance derived from a living organism is considered organic. In agriculture, this term often refers to farming practices that avoid synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, relying instead on organic substances such as compost or cow manure. The term also refers to foods(...)

  • p

  • An international treaty signed in 2015 to combat climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2°C, with efforts to keep it to 1.5°C.
  • Also called pastureland, this is land covered with grass or other vegetation suitable for grazing livestock, including cattle. Pasture management is essential in cattle farming to ensure sustainable land use and animal health.
  • Large, flat areas of land, often used for grazing cattle.
  • Proteins derived from plant sources. While some plants, especially soybeans, are good sources of protein, they often must be eaten in large quantities and/or very specific combinations to equal the complete protein content provided by meat and dairy products.
  • An increase in the number of humans. Global population growth is putting increased pressure on food production systems to meet growing demand, especially for protein-rich foods.
  • Bioactive compounds produced by probiotics during fermentation in the gut. Postbiotics play many roles in animal health, such as supporting the immune system and acting as anti-inflammatory agents.
  • Water that is safe for drinking by humans and livestock. Cattle require significant amounts of potable water for both hydration and cooling.
  • A type of ecosystem characterized by vast grasslands, often used for cattle grazing due to its abundance of natural forages.
  • Non-digestible fibers or compounds that serve as food for probiotics, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and enhancing both digestive and overall health.
  • A concentrated blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other feed additives, a premix is designed to be mixed with carrier feeds such as grains or forages before being given to cattle. Since many of these nutrients are needed only in small amounts, premixes help ensure they are fed at(...)
  • Live bacteria or microorganisms that, when consumed, help to improve or restore the balance of an animal’s gut flora, supporting digestive health and well-being.
  • Any business involved in the cattle industry, from farms, ranches and dairies to feedlots and processing facilities.
  • Refers to how much milk or meat is yielded by a particular animal or operation. Smart nutrition and careful management can enhance productivity while safeguarding animal well-being and protecting the environment.
  • A macronutrient essential for the growth, repair and maintenance of human and animal tissues. The production of protein-rich food is becoming increasingly vital to feeding our growing world population, many of whom are children needing protein for growth and development.
  • These single-celled organisms are found in the rumen of cattle and play an important role in breaking down feed during digestion.
  • Refers to the actions of governments and agencies to uphold health in human societies. Public health addresses both individual health and the health of the society overall.

  • r

  • A global financial services company, originally from the Netherlands, with a strong focus on the food and agriculture sectors.
  • A large farm primarily focused on raising cattle or other livestock.
  • A nutritionally balanced mixture of feeds given to cattle, containing the right proportions of protein, vitamins, minerals and energy. Supplements may be included in a ration to make it more nutritious.
  • Farming practices that aim to restore and enhance ecosystems, often involving rotational grazing, improved soil health, and increased biodiversity.
  • Refers to the governmental laws and regulations that govern aspects of the agriculture industry including animal welfare, environmental protection and food safety.
  • Energy derived from sources that cannot be used up, such as solar and wind power. This is in contrast to non-renewable energy sources such as coal, oil and natural gas, which can only be used once and which release harmful greenhouse gases, accelerating climate change.
  • A farm designed for conducting real-world scientific experiments.
  • The process by which organic matter left over from farming is decomposed by microbes in the soil. This process can contribute to soil health and nutrient recycling, but it releases harmful methane into the atmosphere. See also Crop residue.
  • The ability to withstand shocks and challenges. For instance, food security resilience happens when a person or community has the economic ability to store up extra food or to buy more if a natural or economic disaster blocks or reduces their usual supply.
  • Any material, service or asset used to sustain agricultural production. In cattle farming, resources include land, water, feed and labor.
  • The second of the four stomach compartments in ruminants. Its honeycomb structure traps food particles and retains them for further microbial breakdown and digestion.
  • The first and largest of the four stomach compartments in ruminants, the rumen is a large fermentation chamber where microbes break down fibrous plant material. This process allows ruminants to digest foodstuffs that monogastrics, such as humans, cannot.
  • An animal that has a complex, four-chambered stomach designed for digesting fibrous plant material through fermentation, regurgitation and rumination (re-chewing). Cattle are ruminants.

  • s

  • Sediment consists of particles of soil, sand, or minerals, often resulting from erosion, that are carried by water or wind and eventually deposited in bodies of water or low-lying areas. While sediment loss is a natural process, poor land management can take it to harmful levels. In cattle(...)
  • The reproductive parts of plants, seeds may be sown to grow crops for forage, or they may be fed directly to cattle.
  • Fermented, high-moisture feed stored in airtight conditions such as silos to preserve its nutritional value. Corn silage is a common feed for dairy and beef cattle.
  • The father of a calf.
  • A farmer who operates on a small plot of land and typically raises livestock on a modest scale. Smallholder farms are more common in developing countries.
  • Farming operations with limited acreage and livestock, typically involving family-owned or community-managed farms. These farms often use more traditional, labor-intensive farming methods.
  • The upper layer of the Earth’s crust, composed of minerals, organic matter, water and air.
  • The study of the interactions between soil organisms and their environment.
  • This legume is widely used as a high-protein feed for cattle and other livestock. It’s also a good protein source for humans.
  • A castrated male raised specifically for meat production. Castration is done to improve meat quality and animal manageability.
  • A weaned calf, typically 6–12 months old, that is being grazed on pasture or forage to gain weight before being taken to a feedlot for finishing. This process is sometimes called backgrounding.
  • The dry stalks of cereal crops such as wheat or barley, straw is mostly indigestible for humans but can be consumed by cows.
  • Especially at transitional times such as weaning, cattle can experience stress, which affects their physical and emotional well-being as well as their productivity. Good nutrition and careful management can help to alleviate stress.
  • In cattle farming, this refers to producing dairy or beef products in a way that maintains or enhances the health of the environment, economy and society for future generations.

  • t

  • Preparation of agricultural land through mechanical agitation of the soil, such as plowing. While tillage has been a common agricultural practice for many thousands of years, over-tillage, as is common in large-scale agriculture, can lead to soil degradation.
  • The nutrient-rich, uppermost layer of soil, which is essential for plant growth. Erosion and poor farming practices can lead to topsoil loss.
  • A method of feeding cattle that blends all feed ingredients, including grains, forages and supplements, into a nutritionally balanced mixture for consistent intake and nutrition.
  • See Microminerals.
  • An experimental process or study conducted to test new farming methods, feeds or technologies that may improve productivity or sustainability.

  • u

  • See Developing country.
  • A United Nations body that assesses the science of climate change and provides guidance on mitigating its impacts, including those related to agriculture and cattle farming.
  • An international organization, founded in 1945 to promote peace and prosperity around the world. The U.N. has a strong focus on preventing world hunger.
  • A set of global objectives established by the United Nations to achieve a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030. The SDGs include goals relevant to food security, climate action and livestock farming.
  • The process of converting agricultural byproducts or waste materials into new, useful products. In cattle farming, this can involve using crop residue or food waste as feed.
  • The process of people moving from rural areas to cities, which can reduce the availability of land for cattle farming and increase demand for food. Urbanization has been a major global trend for centuries, though some deurbanization is now occurring as well. See also Deurbanization.

  • v

  • A person who eats only plant-sourced foods. While veganism is often mentioned as an option in debates about sustainability and animal welfare, it can be challenging for humans to get enough protein solely from plants. This is particularly true for young children, the very active, and people(...)
  • A diet that excludes meat but may include animal products like dairy, eggs and sometimes fish. Dairy farming can provide needed protein for vegetarians.
  • Plant life that provides forage for cattle. The type and quality of vegetation in grazing areas can significantly impact cattle health and production.
  • Organic compounds that are essential for animal health, growth and reproduction. Vitamins, like minerals, are often supplemented in cattle feed to ensure balanced nutrition.

  • w

  • The process of gradually transitioning a calf from its dam’s milk to solid food, typically occurring at around 6–8 months of age.
  • A young calf that has been weaned from its mother's milk but is still in the early stages of adjusting to a solid diet.
  • Refers to elements such as temperature, humidity and precipitation, which are specific to particular geographic areas and may change frequently. The concept of weather is different from that of climate, which describes long-term trends and patterns in atmospheric conditions. See also Climate.
  • A water-saturated area, such as a marsh or swamp, that supports diverse plant and animal life. Wetlands are important for maintaining water quality. In some regions, they provide grazing areas for cattle.
  • A cereal grain commonly used to produce feed for cattle and other livestock, as well as for human consumption.
  • A specialized agency of the United Nations that focuses on global public health. The WHO often addresses issues related to livestock farming, such as zoonotic diseases and food safety.

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