M
Metabolizable energy
Gross energy content of feed minus the energy lost in faeces, urine and gases (see definition of “gross energy” in the glossary).
Microaerophilic
Relative to oxygen levels lower than those present in the atmosphere.
Mixed production systems
Livestock production systems in which more than 10 percent of the dry matter fed to livestock comes from crop by-products and/or stubble or more than 10 percent of the value of production comes from non-livestock farming activities (Seré and Steinfeld, 1996).
Monitoring
Livestock production systems in which more than 10 percent of the dry matter fed to livestock comes from crop by-products and/or stubble or more than 10 percent of the value of production comes from non-livestock farming activities (Seré and Steinfeld, 1996).
Monoculture system
System characterized by large hectarages of a single crop.
Multi-actor or stakeholder platform
An organizational and operational mechanism bringing together all social actors having direct or indirect interests in a particular issue or problem.
Mycorrhizae
Symbiotic association between a fungus and the roots of a vascular plant. In mutualistic associations, the fungus colonizes the host plant's roots to get relatively constant and direct access to carbohydrates. In return, the plant gains the benefits of the mycelium's higher absorptive capacity for water and mineral nutrients.