flerd
nounUK /flɜːd/ · US /flɝd/
Etymology Blend of flock + herd.
1
A mixed group of ruminants, such as sheep and cattle.
- Dean M. Anderson, research animal scientist with USDA's Agricultural Research Service in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is bonding sheep to cattle into a cohesive unit termed a "flerd."1996, Small Farm Today, Clark, Mo.: Missouri Farm Pub., →ISSN, →OCLC, page 35:
- Flerds can help reduced coyote predation of small ruminants because cows will instinctively intimidate approaching canines. […] Even though dietary differences among flocks, herds and flerds remain similar on arid landscapes with abundant standing crop, animal distribution does differ.2010, D[ean] M. Anderson, R. E. Estell, “Behavior – the Keystone in Optimizing Free-ranging Ungulate Production”, in Victor R. Squires, editor, Range and Animal Sciences and Resources Management (Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems), volume 1, [Oxford?]: Eolss Publishers, →ISBN, page 335:
1 more example
- Sheep and goats often co-graze with other animals, such as cows or horses. This grouping of species is sometimes called a flerd.2015, Dina Rudick, Erik Jacobs, “Sheep & Goats”, in Barnyard Kids: A Family Guide for Raising Animals, Beverly, Mass.: Quarry Books, Quarto Publishing Group, →ISBN, page 81: