L
Labelling:
Written information detailing the content, intended use, instructions for use, withholding times and other specifics attached to the drug container and/or on a separate sheet accompanying the container
Laboratory:
A place for doing tests and research procedures, and for preparing chemicals and some medications. Also known as lab
Labour:
(1) Parturition or the birth process.
(2) Human resource that produces goods or provides services
Lachrymation:
The act of tearing; secreting and conveying tears
Lactalbumin:
A nutritive protein of milk
Lactate:
To secrete or produce milk
Lactation:
The period of calf nursing between birth and weaning
Lactation Advantage:
Actual 305-day average milk and component production for all cows in the herd that was completed during a 12-month period. (Since dry days are not included, lactation averages usually are 8 to 15 percent higher than rolling herd averages.)
Lactation Cheese Yield:
The maximum amount of cheese of satisfactory composition that can be obtained from a given quantity of milk. This is directly dependent on the concentration of casein and fat in the milk. Total milk protein is presumed to be 80% casein. True protein must be converted to Total protein. True Protein became the industry standard in 2001, but the equation from VanSlyke* was developed in 1910 which was prior to the common use of true protein, so an additional adjustment (*1.063) in the casein factor is necessary.
* VanSlyke, L. L., and C. A. Publow. 1910. The Science and Practice of Cheese Making. Orange Judd Company, NY
Lactation Measurements:
Any measurement of length or distance that may be obtained from an animal. Hip or shoulder height may be used to establish frame size
Lactation Number:
The number of times a cow has calved. If no lactation number is recorded when a cow enters the herd, a lactation number is estimated based on the age of the animal
Lactation Period:
The length of time that a cow is producing milk. The period of continuous milk production from time of calving till dry
Lactation Record:
The total milk and components produced by a cow beginning on the day of calving and ending on the day the cow goes dry. For purposes of genetic comparison, 10-month (305-day) lactation records are the standard of the industry. A 306 to 365-day lactation record may be used for promotion. Lactation records greater than 365 days will not be published
Lactation Record – 305 Days:
Record through exactly 305 days for cows milking more than 305 days or through the dry date or sold date if it occurred prior to 305 days in milk
Lactation Record – Complete:
Accumulated production record from calving date to the next dry date
Lactation to Date Record:
Accumulated production record starting with the calving date and continuing through the most recent date of test for the herd. Also, known as the “record in progress.”
Lactogen:
(see Prolactin)
Lactose:
The 12-carbon sugar unique to milk; a disaccharide composed of glucose and galactose. Average milk contains about 5 percent lactose which varies little by breed
Lactose Intolerance:
A condition in which lactose is not adequately hydrolyzed in the intestine because of insufficient lactase enzyme
Lag Phase:
The phase in microbial growth where bacteria are adjusting to the environment and not actively dividing
Lagoon:
A manure storage basin dug into the ground like a pond and earthen lined to prevent absorption into the soil. Solids settle to the bottom and bacteria and micro-organisms break down the manure, resulting in a nutrient-rich “wastewater” with less odour that can serve as a natural fertiliser when spread on fields
Lairage
A place where livestock are kept temporarily. A waiting, holding or recovery area supplied with appropriate feeding and watering facilities. They are commonly found at markets, ports and abattoirs
Lame:
A condition in which an animal does not carry weight equally on all four legs, due to disease or injury
Laminae:
Interlocking interface between hoof horn and inner sensitive tissue of hoof
Laminitis:
Disease damage to the laminae of the hooves
Lance:
To cut or incise
Lane:
(see Feed Alley)
Laparoscopy:
Minor surgical procedure performed for tubal ligation, diagnosis of pelvic pain or diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy
Laparotomy:
A surgical incision into the abdominal cavity
Large Stock Unit (LSU):
A LSU is equivalent to a cow or two suckling calves. A yearling can be considered to be ¾ of an LSU
Lariat:
Also, known as lasso, loop of rope used for restraint
Larva:
A distinct juvenile form many animals (such as insects or parasites) undergo before metamorphosis into adults
Late Lactation:
The ending period during a cow’s lactation. When reporting body condition scores, this time period is generally > 179 days after freshening
Latency:
A stage of infection in which there are no clinical signs or symptoms
Lateral:
(1)Pertaining to the side;
(2) external;
(3) outward;
(4) situated at, proceeding from, or directed to the side; (5) away from the median plane
latissimus dorsi:
A wide, triangular muscle that flexes the shoulder. It originates at the lumbar and thoracic vertebrae and ends at the humerus
LBS Concentrate Indicated:
The pounds of concentrates needed to supply the energy required to supplement forages and other feeds consumed in order to maintain a cow’s reported body weight and current level of milk production. The accuracy of this recommendation is dependent on the accuracy of reported feed amounts and energy values
LBS Consumed:
The amount of feed that is reported fed to a cow or group of cows
LBS Fed:
Pounds fed is the amount of concentrates reported fed individually to each cow
LEA:
(see Loin eye Area)
Leaching:
The process of removal of soluble materials by the passage of water through soil
Lead:
A rope or strap used for leading livestock
Lead Feeding:
Gradually increasing grain fed cows to a level equal 1.0 to 1.5 percent of body weight beginning about three weeks prior to the predicted calving date. Following parturition, grain is increased until a cow reaches maximum feed intake. Also called challenge feeding
Lead Rope:
A sturdy 7 to 10 foot (2 - 3m) rope with a snap on one end, used for leading livestock
Lean Body Mass:
Includes the skeleton, tendon, fascia, collagen, elastin, dermis components of the body and the structural lipids
Lean Meat:
Meat with the connective tissue limits, but free of visible fat
Leather:
A hide that has been cured or tanned
Leg Bands:
Cloth or plastic strips of a bright colour used for marking treated cows, fresh cows, or cows needing special handling
Legs:
Legs should be straight as viewed from the rear and have a slight curve from the side. This will enable her to walk comfortably and be free of sore feet and legs
Legume:
Any one of the number of species of plants which have nodules on the roots that contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Examples include alfalfa, soybeans, peas, and clovers
Leppy:
An orphaned calf. Sometimes also used referring to a young cowboy who is inept in cowboy ways
Leptospira:
A genus of micro-organisms originating from rodents, which can transfer to cows and cause Leptospirosis
Leptospire:
Spiral shaped bacteria causing Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis:
Leptospirosis disease in cattle is caused by two species of Leptospira characterised in dairy cattle by milk drop, poor fertility and abortions and in beef cattle by poor fertility and abortions in the second half of pregnancy. Infection is via infected urine either from the cow or urine contaminated water or pasture. Risk factors include using natural service, sharing pastures with sheep, allowing access to open watercourses and buying in stock with unknown disease status. Infected animals may be carriers for life. It can affect human beings causing flu-like symptoms and in rare cases fatalities. Effective control in an infected herd may be achieved through a vaccination program
Five Varieties
• hardjo
• icterohaemorrhagiae
• canicola
• pomona
• grippotyphosa
Clinical Symptoms
• fever
• off feed
• abortions
• icterus
• discoloured urine
Prevention
• vaccination at least annually before breeding season (5-way Lepto Vaccine)
• booster vaccination later in the year is recommended
• proper water management
• control rodents
• avoid contact with wildlife and other infected animals
Lesion (s):
The change in the structure or form of an animal’s body caused by disease or an injury
Letdown:
The process in a cow where physical stimulation causes a release of oxytocin and the contraction of smooth muscles surrounding milk alveoli resulting in fluid pressure within the udder and milk flow
Lethal Gene:
A gene or genes that cause the death of any individual in which they are expressed
Letting:
The practice of moving and positioning a rider or handler so livestock will want to do what the handler is asking. Letting stock do something—such as go through a gate, into a trailer, etc.—involves a substantial understanding of livestock behaviour, how they make decisions and learn, and what position and attitude from the handler will prompt stock to do what they want them to do
Leucocytes:
White blood cells
Leucopaenia:
Reduction in leukocyte (white blood cell) count
Leukopaenia:
(see Leucopaenia)
Leydig Cells:
Cells in the testes which are responsible for the production of testosterone
LH:
(see Luteinizing Hormone)
Liabilities:
Obligations or debts owed by a business or person to others
Libido:
Sex drive. In bulls, the propensity to detect and mate estrous females
Lice:
Small, flat, wingless insect with sucking mouth parts that is parasitic on the skin of animals
Life History:
Life history refers to the full cycle of an animal’s reproductive and productive herd life
Lifetime Total:
The total production that a cow has produced in her lifetime or while on test. This includes the total number of days in milk and total milk, fat and protein pounds
Lifter Hip Clamp:
Clamp used on small to medium breeds under 900kg to lift a lame cow onto her feet. Clamp should not be used for more than 10 minutes at a time
Ligamentum Nuchae:
A thick, elastic band of ligament imbedded between the muscle bundles on the dorsa surface of the neck, extending from the processes of the first few thoracic vertebrae to a bony crest on the upper rear of the skull; commonly called the "backstrap"
Lignin:
A compound which, with cellulose, forms the cell walls of plants. It is practically indigestible
Lime:
Calcium oxide used for disinfecting
Limit Feeding:
(see Programmed Feeding)
Limit Order:
An order to buy or sell futures that can be executed only at a specified price or better
Limited Partnership:
Partnership consisting of at least one general partner, who is responsible for the management and liabilities of the business, and at least one limited partner, whose liability is limited to his or her investment
Line:
A group related animals
Linea Alba:
White line; a fibrous band running vertically the entire length of the centre of the anterior abdominal wall, receiving the attachments of the oblique and transverse abdominal muscles
Linear Measurements:
Any measurement of length or distance that may be obtained from animals. Hip or shoulder height may be used to establish frame score or frame size
Linear Programming:
Mathematical technique used to find profit-maximizing combinations of production activities or cost-minimizing combinations of ingredients subject to a number of linear relationships that constrain the activities or ingredients
Linear Score SCC:
Linear scores for somatic cell counts (SCC's) convert SCC logarithmically from cells per millilitre to a linear score from 0 to 9. The linear score has a straight line, inverse relationship with milk yield. An increase of one in the linear score is associated with a 400-pound decrease in lactation milk yield or a 1.5 pound drop in daily yield
Linear Scoring:
The visual assessment of an animal for one or more morphological characteristics using a linear scale which represents the biological extremes in the population of animals under consideration
Linebreeding:
A form of inbreeding in which an attempt is made to concentrate the inheritance of some favoured ancestor in descendants with a herd. The average relationship of the individuals in the herd to this ancestor is increased by linebreeding, but at the cost of an increased level of inbreeding
Linecross:
Offspring produced by crossing two or more inbred lines
Linecrossing:
(see Linecross)
Liner:
A flexible sleeve in the milking teat cup or rigid-walled liner holder. Responsible for massaging the teat end and intermittently cutting vacuum at the teat end during milking. Also, called an inflation
Liner Slips:
Slippage of the liner and teat cup during milking. Caused by a sharp change of milking vacuum within the unit or cluster by drawing in air alongside the teat. Generally, creates a "squawking" sound
Link Sire:
A sire with descendants in two or more contemporary groups
Linkage:
The occurrence of two or more loci of interest on the same chromosome within 50cM linkage distance of one another
Lipid:
Any one of a group of organic substances that are insoluble in water though soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, and other fat solvents, and have a greasy feel. They are rich sources of dietary energy
Liquid Supplement:
Liquid supplements are usually made with molasses and urea or other non-protein nitrogen source to supply supplemental nitrogen in a finishing diet. May also contain supplemental phosphorus, salt, ionophores, and other feed additives
Liquidate:
To convert to cash; to sell
Liquidity:
Cash or near – cash reserves. Relates to the ability of a business to service debt
Liquid-solid Separation:
The process of passing a liquid-solid suspension, such as animal manure, over a screen or similar device to partially remove solids prior to storage or application
Listeria Monocytogenes:
A bacteria common to cows and sheep, which causes severe health problems for humans. Listeria grows optimally between 30 - 37 °C and can grow between 3 - 45 °C
Listeriosis:
A disease of the central nervous system is caused by the bacterium listeria moncytogenes. This bacterium can live almost anywhere – in soil, manure piles and grass. Listeriosis is common in cattle. Animals infected with Listeria can show signs of restlessness, loss of appetite, fever and nervous system disorder
Litter:
Two or young born from the same mating to the same dam
Livability:
The condition of a calf at birth. A normal birth is blank, other dispositions are coded as follows:
B - Died at birth
E - Died within 24 hours of birth
1 - Died after 24 hours of birth
2 - Died after 24 hours due to respiratory problems
3 - Died after 24 hours due to a disease
4 - Died after 24 hours due to some other problem
5 - Sold for dairy purposes
7 - Sold for some other reason
T - Calf is a result of an embryo transplant
Live:
This a method of sale in which the cattle are sold to the packer live at the feedlot. The packer is responsible for transporting the animals to the slaughter facility and any benefit and risk involved with the value of the carcasses
Live Export:
Stock that are bought for the purpose of a live export shipment
Live Finish Weight:
Live weight collected at time of harvest or slaughter
Live Sale:
The method of sale in which the cattle are sold to the packer "live"at the feedlot. The packer is responsible for transporting the animals to the slaughter facility
Live Weight (lwt):
The weight of an animal. Generally refers to price quotes, where the price for the animal is quoted per kilogram of the live animal
Live Weight Gain:
The weight gained between two weight measurements during an animal's life divided by time between the measurements in units (e.g. days)
Live Weight Price:
The price of the live animal (per kilogram)
Liver:
A large organ in the front of the abdomen that is responsible for the detoxification of blood, the production of certain digestive enzymes and bile
Liver Abscesses:
Disease condition of the liver in which rumen microflora infect the liver due to breaks in the integrity of the rumen wall caused by acidosis. In severe cases, liver function is impaired and performance is reduced
Liver Flukes:
A parasitic flatworm found in the liver
Livestock:
Live animals
Livestock Broker:
Brokers buy or sell livestock on behalf of someone. For example, if a producer has a load of fat cattle for processing, a broker will try to get the best bid from different plants. If the seller agrees to sell the cattle at the bid price, the broker arranges details such as trucking, manifests, etc. The payment from the plant goes to the broker who retains a fee (usually a dollar rate per head) and pays the producer the balance
Livestock-centred:
Livestock-centred means putting the animal, its point-of-view and needs first
Livestock Feed Budget:
A budget comparing current and predicted feed requirements of livestock with the available feed and the expected supply
Livestock Gross Income:
The value of livestock production in the form of animals and produce, adjusted for industry changes
Livestock Share Lease:
A lease agreement in which the owner and the operator contribute capital and share the production of livestock
Livestock Trading Schedule:
A budget used to estimate the annual contribution to gross income from the trading of animals by sales and purchases, births and deaths, and changes in the number and value of livestock on hand, from opening numbers and value to closing numbers and value. It captures the effects of animal depreciation and appreciation, as well as natural increase
LMO:
Livestock market officer
Load:
Pounds (number) of cattle that can be hauled on a large cattle truck. For example, pot load is 42,000-52,000 lb (40-42 head of slaughter steers, 72 yearlings, or 100 calves)
Locoed:
Cattle become addicted to the eating of Locoweed, thereby causing the victim to become thin, with injury to eyesight, muscular control and brain; as abnormal growth of hair on flanks
Locomotion:
Locomotion scoring is based on the observation of cows standing and walking
Locus:
The specific location of a gene on a chromosome
Loin:
The portion of the beef carcass from which T-bone, porterhouse tenderloin and sirloin steaks are derived
Loin Eye Area:
Area of the longissimus dorsi muscle measured in square inches between the twelfth and thirteenth ribs. Usually referred to as rib-eye area (REA)
London Broil:
Meat cuts, usually boneless, that can be broiled and sliced thinly. These cuts may originate from the chuck, plate, flank, etc
Long – Fed:
Cattle that are fed a finishing ration for 150 – 350 days
Long Feed:
Coarse or un-chopped feed such as hay, as contrasted with short, or chopped feed
Long Tailed:
Some cattle managers snip the long hair on the tip of the tail off when they process range cattle. Makes a very distinctive mark and later the hair grows back. Lacking that they are "long-tailed”
Long Test Interval:
Routinely, tests are conducted each 15 to 45 days, or approximately one each month. An emergency or supervisor vacation schedules may extend the interval beyond 45 days. For herds on official plans, reasons for a long test interval (46 to 75 days) must be reported on the barn sheet by the supervisor. Official status of the record is lost if the interval exceeds 75 days
Long Yearling:
Animal between 19 months and 2 years of age
Long-eared:
Calves / cattle that have been earmarked. They have their whole ears. Usually, one of an age that it should have been branded or earmarked
Longevity:
The lifespan of an animal. Usually, refers to a long life span
longissimus dorsi:
Forms the eye of meat seen when chops and steaks are cut from the posterior rib region and loin. Also known as Rib Eye
Longus Colli:
Commonly called the "rope muscle," it begins near the head and ends in the thoracic cavity. The longus colli flexes the head and neck; it extends along the medial side of the cervical and the first few thoracic vertebrae
Loose Housing:
Facilities that allow cattle access to a large, open bedded area for resting (also known as free housing). Loose housing should provide at least 200 square feet per animal for feeding and resting (freestall housing uses only 90 square feet per animal)
Lot:
This is a group of cattle in the feedlot, which are treated as a group for billing purposes. These cattle will be held in the same pen in most cases. The number on the ear tag of cattle in the feedlot is usually a lot number rather than a pen number. This system allows a group of cattle to be moved to different pens without having to change their identification number
Lotfed:
Animals that are fed at a feedlot
Lousy:
Infested with lice
Lowfat Milk:
Milk containing at least 8.25 percent solids and from which sufficient milk fat has been removed to produce, within limits of good manufacturing practice, a milk fat content of 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 percent
Low-stress Livestock Handling:
Low-stress livestock handling is a livestock-centered, behaviourally-correct,psychologically-oriented, ethical and humane method of working livestock which is based on mutual communication and understanding. Low-stress livestock handling is distinguished from conventional livestock handling. The term "low-stress livestock handling" was coined circa 1990 by Allan Nation, the publisher and editor of the Stockman Grass Farmer, to describe the unique livestock handling of Bud Williams. Williams has used the phrase, "Teaching Low-Stress Livestock Handling Methods," for many years as the subtitle to both his Stockmanship School and his Stockman Grass Farmer 1990 Grazing Conference Video
Lowveld:
Low altitude countryside
LTD:
- Lactation To Date
- Life To Date
Lubricate:
To make smooth and slippery
Lumbar:
(1) of, pertaining to, or located within that area of the carcass between the last rib and the hip bone;
(2) pertaining to the spine or back
Lumbar Vertebrae:
Vertebrae of the loin, which are between the last rib and the hip bone. Note: Normally, porcine and ovine carcasses have seven lumbar vertebrae, but bovine carcasses have only six
Lumpy Jaw:
Produces immovable hard swelling on the upper and lower jawbones of cattle, commonly at the central molar level. It is caused by an anaerobic micro-organism, Actinomyces bovis. The bacterium invades tissue through breaks in the lining of the mouth caused by eating rough forage
Lumpy Skin Disease:
Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an economically important disease of cattle and can produce a chronic debility in infected cattle comparable to that caused by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Mortality rates as high as 40 percent or more have been encountered but they are usually lower. Severe and permanent damage to hides results from the skin lesions. Lesions in the mouth, pharynx and respiratory tract commonly occur, resulting in a rapid deterioration in condition and sometimes severe emaciation, which can persist for months. Serious economic losses can follow outbreaks that have a high morbidity.
Severely infected animals become emaciated and may require euthanasia. The debility persists for one to three months and occasionally for up to six months. The mouth lesions interfere with feeding; milk production ceases and udder and teat lesions may result in serious infections with the sloughing of necrotic tissue. Limb lesions can severely restrict movement. Painful lesions on the genitalia of bulls interfere with their ability to serve for many weeks. Oestrus is suppressed during the periods of severe debility
Lunger:
Suffering from a lung disorder
Lungworm:
Parasite that damages the small branches of the lung
Luteinizing Hormone (LH):
A protein hormone produced and released by the anterior pituitary, which stimulates the formation and retention of the corpus luteum. It also initiates ovulation
Lymph:
The clear yellowish, slightly alkaline fluid contained in the lymphatic vessels
Lymph Gland:
Structures located along the lymph vessels. Lymph glands function as filters for the fluid lymph
Lymph Nodes:
Are small glands composed of white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes play a critical role in the immune system by destroying infectious agents (such as viruses and bacteria) and producing antibodies
Lymphadenopathy:
Enlargement of the lymph node
Lymphofollicular Hyperplasia:
Excessive formation of tissue within a lymph node