bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rearing dairy replacements on the Atherton Tableland, Queensland. I. Effect of suckling system, bucket feeding and protein supplementation
Authors: Moss RJ
Published: March 2005

Ninety-six calves, born between October 1973 and March 1974, were either bucket fed once daily on a commercial milk replacer, or multiple suckled at four calves cow-1 with either free or limited access (two calves in the morning and two in the afternoon). Bucket reared and limited access suckled calves were supplemented ad libitum with either maize or a 5:1 maize, bloodmeal mix. Free access suckled calves received ad libitum maize or were unsupplemented. Weaning was at 56 days of age. Growth rates of calves from birth to eight weeks were 0.36, 0.44 and 0.47 kg day-1 for the bucket fed, free access suckled and limited access suckled calves respectively. Major differences in growth rate occurred from birth to four weeks of age. Growth rate of calves with free access suckling from four to eight weeks of age was increased by maize supplementation (0.57 kg vs. 0.44 kg calf-1 day-1). No response to protein supplementation was measured. Incidence of scouring was higher in bucket reared calves (P < 0.01 ). The relevance of these results to the local dairy industry is discussed.
Genetic improvement of meat sheep. 2. Correction of weaning weight in Dorset and Border Leicester sheep
Authors: Gregory IP , Roberts EM , James JW
Published: March 2005

Data from 14635 Dorset and 1214 Border Leicester lambs from nine properties and five years were used to estimate the effects on weaning weight of age of lamb, sex, birth-rearing status and parity of dam, using three methods (average daily gain, pooled regression and least squares). Corrections for all effects varied greatly over properties and years, indicating that weaning weight cannot be satisfactorily adjusted for these environmental factors by the use of standard corrections. The correlations between estimated effects from the three methods were significant, and correlations between the three adjusted weaning weights exceeded 0.9 in most cases. All three methods accounted for similar fractions of variance in weaning weight, but average daily gain correction actually increased the variance on some occasions. Since least squares estimation is complicated, it is concluded that the pooled regression method is better suited to performance recording applications, especially if corrections are estimated within weaning groups, as they should be in view of their variability.
Effect of including ensiled broiler-house litter in the rations of sheep on the digestibility of nutrients and the retention of nitrogen
Authors: Jacobs GJL , Leibholz J
Published: March 2005

The palatability and nutritive value of rations for sheep containing ensiled broiler-house litter and crushed barley (1:1 ratio) were compared with rations containing unprocessed broiler-house litter and barley. The ensiling of poultry litter together with barley (30 per cent moisture) for three or six weeks resulted in increased feed intakes compared with diets containing poultry litter ensiled alone for three or six weeks and mixed with barley or a diet in which neither poultry litter nor the barley were ensiled. The nitrogen digestibility of the totally ensiled diets was greater than that of the other diets when these values were corrected for differences in feed intake by covariance. Nitrogen retention by the sheep fed the totally ensiled diets was also greater than when they were fed the other diets. The greater feed intakes and nitrogen retention of the sheep when fed the totally ensiled diets compared with those diets that were partially ensiled or not ensiled at all may have been due to a change in the form of nitrogen and to the production of volatile fatty acids during the fermentation of the rations.
The utilization of wheat grain and Hoop pine (Callitris columellaris) sawdust by Merino wethers
Authors: Hunter RA
Published: March 2005

Fourteen Merino wethers were held in individual metabolism crates and fed restricted rations of either wheat or wheat plus Hoop pine (Callitris columellaris) sawdust for 30 weeks. Studies of the pattern of ruminal fermentation on the two diets showed that the sawdust was not digested in the rumen. Liveweight changes of the two groups over 30 weeks were not significantly different from each other. The sheep whose ration included sawdust regularly ate all wheat offered whereas the wethers fed wheat only had periods of inappetence. The feeding behaviour of the two groups was reflected in survival rate as more of the sheep fed wheat plus sawdust survived than those fed wheat only.
Effects of time of commencement and duration of protein restriction on egg-type pullets reared in summer and winter
Authors: Abu-Serewa S
Published: March 2005

A diet containing 10 per cent protein and 11.31 MJ M.E. kg-1 was fed to six groups of eggtype pullets from either day old or four weeks for 8, 12 and 16 weeks in both summer and winter. The same diet was also fed to another group from 8 to 20 weeks of age in both seasons. During the rest of the rearing period of each treatment a diet containing 16 per cent protein was fed to 20 weeks of age. The control group was fed a diet containing 20,16 and 12 per cent protein and 12.1 5 MJ M.E. kg-1 from day old, 6 and 14 weeks of age respectively. In both seasons, feeding the restrictive diet resulted in a reduction in the cost of feeding and in body weight gain to 20 weeks of age; and a delay in maturity compared with the control without adversely affecting egg production traits or increasing food consumption during the laying phase. Pullets fed the restrictive diet from day old ate less food during rearing, matured later and tended to lay smaller eggs throughout the laying period than their counterparts which were restricted from four to eight weeks of age in both experiments. Food consumption was not affected by the duration of restriction in either rearing season. However, feeding costs and body weight of pullets at the end of both rearing seasons were reduced progressively by increasing the duration of restriction. Rate of mortality was not affected by the rearing treatments when the birds were reared in summer, whereas in winter pullets restricted from day old for 12 to 16 weeks had the higher rate of mortality. Mortality during laying was not affected by the rearing treatments in either season. The results of both experiments suggest that for maximum return the optimum age for feeding the low protein diet is from 4 to 20 weeks of age in either season.
Rate of loss of dry matter and change in chemical composition of nine pasture species over summer
Authors: Brown TH
Published: March 2005

The rate of disappearance of the dry residues of nine pasture species was measured over a 139 day period during summer at Kybybolite in South Australia. Clovers and capeweed disappeared at about two to three times the rate of the perennial grasses. High rates of disappearance were associated with initially low fibre and high nitrogen, sulphur, calcium and sodium concentrations. Fibre, nitrogen and calcium concentrations tended to increase with time, potassium, sodium and chloride concentrations decreased and ash, sulphur, phosphorus and magnesium concentrations showed no consistent changes with time for all species. The rate of loss of dry matter and change in chemical composition of samples stored indoors was small and not significant.
Selective chemical control of doublegee (Emex australis) in legume pasture
Authors: Gilbey DJ
Published: March 2005

Seven chemicals were evaluated for selective control of doublegee (Emex australis) in legume pasture in 14 field trials conducted at several sites in Western Australia over three years. The effect of removing doublegee on pasture growth was studied in four field trials over the same period. Three hundred and fifty to 700 g a.i. methabenzthiazuron ha-1 gave good selective control of this weed except at Chapman and Wongan Hills in 1974 where the beginning of the growing season was poorly defined. The selectivity of bromoxynil and WL 6361 1 in one year of trials was similar to methabenzthiazuron but that of asulam and metoxuron was too restricted for practical use when doublegees were sprayed at the 2-4 leaf growth stage, 2,4-DB showed selectivity on doublegees with 12 leaves, and no herbicides were satisfactory on doublegees with more than 12 leaves at the time of spraying. Pasture growth and clover seed production was not substantially increased by controlling doublegee.
Nodulation studies on chickpea (Cicer arietinum)
Authors: Corbin EJ , Brockwell J , Gault RR
Published: March 2005

Glasshouse and field experiments were conducted with chickpea (Cicer arietinum) rhizobia to determine the inoculation requirements of this highly Rhizobium-specific legume. There did not appear to be any host-strain specificity within the species. There was a strong nodulation response to inoculation with four strains (unaffected by time of sowing) even at a level of inoculant application below normal. In some field experiments, nodulation responses were not reflected in improved foliage dry matter production or seed yield. However, the correlations between degree of nodulation and plant growth and seed yield were significant. There was a distinct advantage in using solid inoculant applied in the row with the seed instead of conventional seed inoculation when fungicide-treated chickpea was being sown. Two strains, CB1189 and CC1192, were considered suitable for inoculants.
Correction - Effect of irrigation termination on yield of soybeans in southern New South Wales
Authors: Thompson JA
Published: March 2005

The seasonal water demand and the influence of the time of final irrigation on seed yield of soybeans was determined under furrow irrigation. The three times of final irrigation were ten days after the end of flowering; when the top pods contained full size beans; and when 95 per cent of the pods had turned brown (P95). Measurements of plant height, percent ground cover and leaf relative water content indicated that the irrigation schedule imposed did not limit crop growth. Crop water use was 730 mm or 76 per cent of pan evaporation. Highly significant increases in seed yield due mainly to increased seed weight were obtained by extending the irrigation period. Applying water after the top pods contained full size beans increased yield by 538 kg ha-1 or 16.1 per cent. There was little effect on oil and protein content. The number of days from emergence to P95 was increased from 108 to 11 9 by later irrigations. The irrigation schedule should keep water readily available until physiological maturity of the crop; for cv. Clark 63 this is only three days prior to P95.
The effects of a summer spray of succinic acid-2, 2-dimethylhydrazide on the incidence of physiological disorders and quality of Jonathan and Delicious apples after cool storage
Authors: Campbell JE
Published: March 2005

A foliar spray of succinic acid-2, 2-dimethylhydrazide (daminozide) applied in late summer to Delicious and Jonathan apples delayed fruit maturity and softening in subsequent storage. This difference was usually retained throughout storage especially with Jonathan. Development of superficial scald was effectively delayed in stored Delicious. Jonathan spot, and, to a lesser extent, low temperature breakdown, were reduced in Jonathan. After three consecutive years of application at 1000 p.p.m. there was no reduction in effects on firmness or breakdown in Delicious. There was also a carryover effect into the third season when daminozide at 1500 p.p.m. was applied in the first two years but not used in the third.
2,4-D residues in stored lemons from post-harvest treatments
Authors: Singh G , Rippon LE , Gilbert WS
Published: March 2005

Lemons were treated under simulated commercial conditions with various forms of 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) to reduce losses in storage from stem end rot caused by the fungus Diaporthe citri. The 2,4-D was applied either as a single packing line treatment in wax, or as a double treatment in a benomyl fungicide bulk dip followed by the packing line treatment. The fruit were held under commercially used storage conditions and analysed at intervals for 2,4-D residues. In one trial, the sodium salt at 100 to 500 mg 2,4-Dl-1 in wax was used, and the wax applied by the foaming and dipping methods, Initial residue levels on the fruit varied with rate of application of the salt, but foaming and dipping modes of application gave similar levels. At eight weeks, residues were only detectable in double treated fruit. In a second trial, the sodium and dimethylamine salts and the ethyl ester forms were used, as a single treatment at 500 mg 2,4-D l-1 in wax foam or a double treatment at 500 mg 2,4-D l-1 in a benomyl dip followed by 500 mg 2,4-D l-1 in wax foam. The residue levels were in the order: sodium salt < dimethylamine salt < ethyl ester. Residues declined in storage, but were still detectable after 12 weeks, except for the single treatment with the sodium salt. Residues from both single and double 2,4-D treatments were always within Australian and U.S permissible limits. Provided that the recommended rate of 500 mg 2.4-D l-1 is not exceeded, none of the 2,4-D formulations tested should give excessive residues in fruit.
Effects of fertilizer and stocking rate on pasture and beef production from sown pastures in north Cape York Peninsula. 2. Beef production and its relation to blood, faecal and pasture measurements
Authors: Winter WH , Edye LA , Williams WT
Published: March 2005

The animal production from two grass/legume pastures was measured over three years. The pastures were grazed at four stocking rates and annually received one of three maintenance rates of phosphorus fertilizer. The animals were given a phosphorus supplement at two rates. The grasses were either Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk or Panicum maximum (common guinea grass) each sown with Stylosanthesguyanensis cv. Endeavour and Macroptilium atropurpureum cv. Siratro. The grasses had little effect on animal production although three Panicum pastures at higher stocking rates became overgrazed and required destocking during the experiment. Even though 73.5 kg ha-1 of phosphorus was used to establish the pastures, the maintenance rate of 40 kg ha-1 gave higher production than the 10 kg ha-1 rate in the first two years. In the third year, production was similar for each fertilizer rate. There was a concomitant rise in faecal phosphorus level with fertilizer rate but no such effect with blood inorganic phosphorus levels. Over the three years of the experiment the liveweight gain per hectare was similar (mean of 0.54 kg per day) at 1.7 and 1.9 beasts ha-1 but was significantly less at lighter stocking rates. In the last two years stocking rate did not significantly affect liveweight gain per head. At the highest stocking rate, gains were greater during the wet season and losses greater during the dry season than those at the lowest stocking rate. The phosphorus supplement did not affect animal production but increased blood inorgainc phosphorus levels. The relationships of animal production with blood and faecal compositions and with the pasture measurements described in a previous paper are discussed.
Effects of supplements of phosphorus or phosphorus and protein on the ovarian activity of cows fed native pasture hay
Authors: Teleni E , Siebert BD , Murray RM , Nancarrow CD
Published: March 2005

Eight cows with calves in pens were fed native tropical pasture hay harvested at intervals throughout the wet season. Four of the cows were supplemented with phosphorus. When pastures matured and declined in quality, calves were weaned and their dams were firstly group-fed hay in yards and later allowed to graze native pasture. One group continued to receive phosphorus supplement and both groups were supplied with protein supplement to offset possible deficiency. During the pen feeding period, none of the cows exhibited oestrus and plasma progesterone declined as the quality of the hay fell; the cows were refractory to treatment with luteolytic prostaglandin. Some four months after the commencement of protein supplementation, two cows from the group receiving phosphorus supplement exhibited oestrus. Three cows from each group had elevated plasma progesterone levels, and these animals all exhibited oestrus following treatment with prostaglandin. Phosphorus supplementation had no significant effect on feed intake, liveweight change or milk production. Blood inorganic phosphorus was significantly increased by treatment but bone phosphorus was not. It was concluded that phosphorus supplementation alone had no significant effect on reproductive activity. If cows received adequate protein, however, oestrus activity was markedly increased whether phosphorus was supplemented or not.
Hybrid pennisetum in a warm temperate climate: effects of plant density on summer production
Authors: Pearson CJ , Anthony DTW
Published: March 2005

Productivity of vegetatively propagated hybrid pennisetum (Pennisetum americanum x P. purpureum) was assessed throughout summer in two years at densities of 1,4 and 9 plants m-2 at two time of defoliation schedules under natural rainfall and with spray irrigation. In the establishment year the highest summer yield was 10 t ha-1 and in the second year 18 t ha-1. In both years yields did not increase above 4 plants m-2 under natural rainfall and did not differ more than 20 per cent according to the defoliation schedule or irrigation treatment. The regrowth after defoliation, perennation and attainment of higheryielding sward in the second season suggest hybrid pennisetum is more suited to certain multiple forage cropping systems than are annual tropical grasses, e.g. pearl millet, sorghum and corn.
Refractive index-iodine value-linoeic acid-oleic acid regressions for Queensland grown sunflower oil
Authors: Simpson BW
Published: March 2005

Samples of Queensland-grown sunflower oil were analysed for refractive index, iodine value and fatty acid levels. Regression equations were developed for the prediction of iodine value, linoleic acid or oleic acid levels from a refractive index measurement. The incorporation of a temperature coefficient in these equations greatly simplifies the apparatus required, thus making them applicable to field conditions.
Tolerance of Aphytis melinus DeBach (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) to 20 orchard chemical treatments in relation to integrated control of red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Homoptera: Diaspididae)
Authors: Davies RAH , McLaren IW
Published: March 2005

The toxicity of 20 orchard chemicals at field rates was determined for all stages of Aphytis melinus in the laboratory. The insecticides Bacillus thuringiensis + surfactant, endosulfan, pirimicarb: the miticide cyclosulfyne : the herbicides and plant growth regulators dimazide, diuron, gibberellic acid: the fungicide copper oxychloride: the nutrient mixture zinc oxide, manganese sulphate and urea : and the surfactant nonyl phenol ethoxylate (9 Eto) appear safe for use in citrus groves containing A. melinus. The herbicide dalapon + surfactant and the fungicide Bordeaux mixture were moderately toxic to immatures, and the herbicide bromacil was moderately toxic to adults. However, it is considered that careful application of these treatments is safe. The organophosphorus insecticides azinphos-methyl, maldison and parathion; the insect growth regulator hydroprene; and the miticide cyhexatin were highly toxic to either juvenile or adult stages. White oil, recommended for integration with A. melinus, was highly toxic to immature stages. This anomalous result is discussed in terms of spray distribution and integrated control of red scale on citrus
Growth, yield and fruit composition of Washington Navel and Late Valencia orange trees, as affected by rootstock and root temperature
Authors: Cary PR , Weerts PGJ
Published: March 2005

Wahington Navel and Late Valencia scions were budded onto three clonal rootstocks (rough lemon, sweet orange and Poncirus trifoliata) mist propagated and grown in sand. The six scion/rootstock combinations were grown in containers in a glasshouse with three root temperature treatments (19�C, 25�C, 30�C). Juvenile characteristics, evident for 5-6 years when scions are budded onto seedling rootstocks, were less marked when clonal rootstocks were used. Highest yield of fruit was produced by Late Valencia/sweet orange. This yield was 30 per cent better than previously obtained with Late Valencia grown from rooted cuttings under similar conditions. The yield from Washington Navel/sweet orange was about 30 per cent less than from Late Valencia/sweet orange; and the yields from the other scion/rootstock combinations were about 50 per cent of that from Washington Navel/ sweet orange. For most combinations more total dry matter was produced at a root temperature of 25�C than at 19�C, but there was little benefit from increasing temperature to 30�C. With either scion on rough lemon, fruit abscission was marked if root temperature treatments were imposed early (in late August). The effect was particularly severe at 25� and 30�C. Root temperature treatments for the other rootstocks were not imposed until mid-October when fruitlets were about 15 mm in diameter; under these conditions there was negligible fruit drop.
Factors affecting fruit damage to mechanically harvested peaches in Goulburn Valley orchards
Authors: Heek LAGvan , Gould IV
Published: March 2005

To determine whether Goulburn Valley peach trees need modification to reduce damage to fruit that are harvested mechanically, the effect of fruit and tree characteristics on damage to fruit were investigated. Relationships were established between measurements of the structural characteristics of the tree frame and fruit damage. Fruit damage levels were lower for trees with fewer scaffold limbs that subdivide at higher levels but without secondary branches beneath them. Damage levels increased with tree size and larger fruit. For limbs without secondary branches beneath them, the percentage cut fruit was lower for fruit originating from below 2 m of tree height. The percentage of cut fruit was shown to be significantly lower for fruit with an unobstructed fall. For the cultivar Golden Queen, which had the fruit bearing wood close to the limbs, shaking caused sufficient deflection, before or after detachment of the fruit, to strike adjacent or lower wood, resulting in cuts. However, for the cultivar Tatura Dawn, which was pruned to produce fruit on hangers, there was no evidence that shaking caused deflection of fruit. Bruising was shown to be a function of fruit firmness for both hand and machine harvested fruit. For selected trees with five to seven scaffold limbs and a large proportion of fruit with a free fall, fruit damage levels compared favourably with hand picked fruit.
The survival of some erect and spreading lucerne lines at Lawes, south-east Queensland
Authors: Leach GJ
Published: March 2005

The survival of 25 'erect' and 13 'spreading' lines of lucerne was recorded under intermitten and continuous grazing in a spaced-plant trial in south-east Queensland. Plant losses over two years were high in all lines. Hunter River survived better than all the other erect lines. A few spreading lines survived slightly better than Hunter River. These latter lines were derived from lines that had previously shown promise for prolonged grazing in South Australia, although there the superiority was much greater than it was in the present trial. No line out-yielded Hunter River.
Agronomic variation in Centrosema virginianum in relation to its use as a sub-tropical pasture plant
Authors: Clements RJ
Published: March 2005

Nineteen accessions of Centrosema virginianum were grown in replicated short rows at four sites in south-eastern Queensland and one site on the wet tropical north coast, and some of their agronomic characteristics were observed and compared with those of Macroptilium atropurpureum cv. Siratro. Three sites were abandoned when the accessions grew poorly or died during the winter, although Siratro survived and grew vigorously. At the remaining sub-tropical sites the accessions persisted under weed-free conditions where seedling regeneration more than compensated for plant losses during the winter. In the second season at these sites, rows were cut for herbage yield assessment either every six weeks during the growing season or once at the end of the season. Treatments were continued for a third season at one site. In most respects Siratro was superior to all C. virginianum accessions. The accessions differed considerably in herbage yield, winter survival, seed production, seedling regeneration and leafiness, and differed slightly in leaf and stem digestibility. Many accessions flowered for very long periods in south-eastern Queensland, in contrast to the markedly bimodal flowering pattern of Siratro, but peak flowering dates of the accessions in the autumn differed by up to three months. Both C. virginianum and Siratro showed a reduction in percentage pod set during the middle of the growing season. Variation between accessions is discussed in relation to potential improvement of C. virginianum by plant breeding.
Influence of size of achenes sown and depth of sowing on growth and yield of dryland oilseed sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) on the Darling Downs
Authors: Radford BJ
Published: March 2005

Large achenes of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) exhibited a slightly higher germination percentage and greater mean hypocotyl length than small achenes, resulting in a higher field emergence percentage at sowing depths exceeding 6 cm. Size of achenes sown had no effect on achene yield, provided plant populations from large and small achenes were equal. Plants grown from small achenes produced achenes of higher kernel percentage in both seasons, resulting in higher protein percentage in one season and higher oil percentage in the other. Performance of ungraded achenes was equal to that of graded achenes of the same mean size. Deep sowing reduced emergence percentage considerably, especially when small achenes were sown, but the effect of deep sowing on growth and yield was confounded with effects of reduced plant density (because of reduced emergence) and effects of delayed emergence causing slightly later timing of growth and development processes in relation to environmental factors.
Orchard soil management trials. 3. Effect of soil fumigation and soil management on replanted apple trees
Authors: Baxter P
Published: March 2005

Apple trees were planted into soil from which old apple trees had been removed. Experimental treatments consisted of pre-plant fumigation, annual application of fungicides to the soil and four kinds of soil management. Improved tree growth and increased yield were obtained with soil fumigation and from weed control and mulching. The economics of these operations is discussed.
An evaluation of the fruit quality and storage behaviour of Lane Late Navel oranges
Authors: El-Zeftawi BM
Published: March 2005

Lane Late Navel (LLN) (Citrus sinensis), a late maturing orange cultivar, was evaluated for its quality and storage behaviour and compared with other sweet orange cultivars during 1972-75. Although LLN can extend the Navel season into the Valencia season, its quality deteriorates very rapidly; the juice becomes insipid due to its lower acid content and the rind re-greens, thus detracting from its appearance. It also granulates which reduces its acceptibility as fresh fruit. Granulation increases in storage and, combined with other storage disorders such as Alternaria citri, its storage period is limited to a mere six weeks at 5�C. The results indicate that the cultivar offers no great benefit to the citrus industry under conditions similar to this trial.
Individual daily consumption of a medicated bloat block
Authors: Graham CA , Pern C , Linehan KL
Published: March 2005

Individual detergent intakes of 11 Angus steers given access to two molasses blocks containing 10 per cent alcohol ethoxylate detergent were estimated using tritiated water as a marker. A surveillance camera was used to monitor the pattern of block consumption. Mean individual detergent consumption estimated by the tritiated water method was 19.3 g head-1 day-l compared with a mean detergent intake of 17.7 g head-1 day-1 obtained by weighing the blocks. Eight of the 11 animals consumed an effective daily dose of detergent with two more consuming 80 per cent of the effective daily dose. One steer did not come onto the blocks. Three-quarters of the animals visited the block daily and more than half of the animals made multiple daily visits to the block. The finding that 10 of the 11 steers consumed an effective or near effective daily dose of the detergent combined with the high frequency of visits to the blocks further suggests that the medicated bloat blocks should be satisfactory in reducing the incidence of bloat.
Stocking rate, joining time, fodder conservation and the productivity of Merino ewes. 1. Liveweights, joining and lambs born
Authors: Egan JK , Thompson RL , McIntyre JS
Published: March 2005

In an experiment at Hamilton in western Victoria, groups of 30 Merino ewes born in 1967 were stocked at 11.7, 15.4 or 19.2 ewes ha-1 and joined to Merino rams each year on April 5 or May 8 for five weeks. Hay was conserved on half the number of plots and fed back to the ewes at joining. Observations at mating and lambing in each year from 1970 - 73 are presented. Seasonal conditions exerted a greater effect upon liveweight change before joining than did the applied treatments but liveweight at joining declined significantly as stocking rate increased. Oestrus activity and the number of ewes returning to service were similar on all treatments. Both the number of lambs and the proportion of twin births declined linearly as stocking rate increased. It is concluded that a similar relationship between liveweight and ovulation rate existed on all treatments. Withholding the introduction of rams from April until May did not result in any change in the number of lambs born. Hay feeding failed to increase the number of lambs born. It is suggested that the ewes substituted hay for pasture.
Controlled feeding of the layer. 2. Restriction in time of access to feed of the replacement pullet and laying hen
Authors: Connor JK , Barram KM , Fuelling DE
Published: March 2005

The intake of the pullet was controlled in both growing and laying periods by limiting time of access to feed. Experiments examined severity of restriction and the age of lifting growing period restriction. In the growing period, severity of restriction was of less importance than the age at which restriction was lifted. Although ending restriction at 18 weeks improved the efficiency of conversion of feed to eggs, delaying the lifting of restriction gave marked further improvements. Restricting the bird's intake during lay gave additional increases in efficiency over and above those produced by growing period restriction alone. Denying the bird's access to feed from 7.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. daily was the most effective of the laying period restrictions examined. The effects of treatments on carcase composition at point of lay were also examined.
The influence of water stress on the growth and development of Townsville stylo (Stylosanthes humilis) in pure ungrazed swards at Katherine, Northern Territory
Authors: Fisher MJ , Campbell NA
Published: March 2005

In order to understand more fully the effect of water stress on the growth of Townsville stylo (Stylosanthes humilis) (TS), five drought treatments, imposed by the use of rain shelters, were compared with an unstressed control in a field experiment. Droughts were imposed during the early vegetative (EV) and late vegetative (LV) stages, and during flowering (F) until leaf relative water content at 2.30 p.m fell to 60 per cent. Further unrelieved drought was re-applied to these three treatments when seeding was well advanced. The other two treatments were subjected to unrelieved drought, one starting at late flowering (LF) and the other seeding (S). The drought treatments had no effect on the final yield of dry matter compared with the control. Stress during the vegetative stage reduced growth, but the relief of stress was followed by a period of rapid growth which largely compensated for the loss. However, because the EV stress killed 40 per cent of the sward (the plants were unable to use water from depths below 75-1 00 cm), the compensatory phase in this treatment was less marked, but more sustained. Because of the decline in growth rate with approaching maturity, stresses during and after flowering had little effect on yield. Stress during vegetative growth hastened flowering by two weeks; however, pod yields were only reduced in the LF treatment. In general these observations demonstrate important aspects of the plants' good adaptation to the dry monsoonal tropics, and explain its stable long-term yields when maintained in near-pure swards.
The climate induced probability distribution of short-term responses of a tropical grass to nitrogen fertilizer
Authors: Murtagh GJ
Published: March 2005

The probability distribution of the dry matter response (DMR) of a tropical grass to nitrogen fertilizer was calculated by applying previously established relations between DMR and environmental conditions to long-term climate records. The analysis was made for setaria (Setaria anceps) growing on an alluvial soil following an application of 112 kg N ha-1. It included six application times between August 6 to December 24 at two sites on the north coast of New South Wales; Broadwater with a high (1396 mm) and Casino with a medium (1070 mm) mean annual rainfall. The DMR usually increased with later fertilizer application times because of increasing temperatures, but for any one application time variation around the median DMR was largely determined by variation in the water supply. Such variation was generally greater and more symmetrically distributed at Broadwater than at Casino. The lower rainfall at Casino reduced the response and the overall median DMR, 4 and 8 weeks after topdressing, was 64 and 38 per cent respectively of that at Broadwater. Both the soil water content at topdressing and the follow-up rain contributed to the overall water supply. Consequently there was a trend for increasing DMR with increasing soil water at topdressing.
Urea application and time of harvest effects on seed production of Setaria anceps cv. Narok
Authors: Bahnisch LM , Humphreys LR
Published: March 2005

Three levels of urea (50, 100 and 200 kg N ha-1 crop-1) and three methods of application were tested on four irrigated crops of Setaria anceps cv Narok grown for seed on a grey-brown podzolic soil. Pure seed yield was increased by urea application at post-harvest cleaning cut. The second year summer crop was more responsive to nitrogen than the seedling or the autumn crops. Inflorescence density exerted the primary control over seed yield. Urea application increased the tiller fertility and tillering of some crops. Negative compensatory effects were evident in seed density per unit inflorescence length. Late application of nitrogen at early heading increased the survival of late formed tillers which did not contribute to harvested seed yield. Optimum harvest time coincided with maximum seed density, usually occurred before maximum inflorescence density, and was associated with the inflorescences exserting 20 to 35 days previously.
Phenological development studies with Lupinus angustifolius and L. albus in Victoria
Authors: Reeves TG , Boundy KA , Brooke HD
Published: March 2005

The effect of serial planting on the phenological development of Lupinus angustifolius (cvv. Uniwhite, Uniharvest and Unicrop) and L. albus (cv. Ultra) was investigated in field plots at north-eastern Victoria. In 1973, Uniwhite was sown at 16 weekly intervals from May to September at one site: in 1974 Uniharvest, Unicrop and Ultra were planted at four locations, from early April to late September. Duration of the developmental phases-emergence to floral initiation, initiation to first flower, and first flower to last flower-was related to field measurements of temperature, photoperiod, and global radiation. Development of all cultivars from emergence to flowering was highly correlated with temperature and photoperiod (coefficients of determination from 49.5 per cent to 98.5 per cent). Our results suggested that photoperiod contributed to the duration of the flowering period. Unicrop and Ultra were quicker to initiate and flower than Uniharvest and Uniwhite, particularly from early plantings. Later planting reduced the duration of the post-initiation phases, particularly duration of flowering. The range of developmental adaptability exhibited by the four cultivars indicates that lupins could be grown over a large area of Victoria.
Influence of time of sowing and plant density on the yield and oil content of dryland sunflowers
Authors: Jessop RS
Published: March 2005

Three experiments were conducted in the Wimmera district of Victoria to determine the agronomic and water use requirements of dryland sunflowers. Using a series of monthly sowings from June to March, any delay in sowing from June until February progressively shortened both the total growing period and the time between sowing and flower initiation. In two further experiments using three times of sowing (mid-September, mid-October and mid-November) with plant densities of 25,000, 50,000, 75,000 and 150,000 plants ha-1, the highest grain and oil yields were obtained from a November sowing and a plant density of 25,000 or 50,000 plants ha-I. The experiments were sown on a friable grey clay which stored up to 500 mm of water in the surface metre at sowing; water use efficiency was low compared with wheat and was in the range 24.2 to 49.2 kg ha-1 cm-1.
A study on pollination of dessert peaches cv. Crawford
Authors: Langridge DF , Jenkins PT , Goodman RD
Published: March 2005

The availability of pollen for fertilization of Crawford peaches and its dispersal by wind and by honeybees was studied in the laboratory and in a peach orchard. Optimum conditions for ripening and dehiscence of the anthers were provided when temperatures were above 25�C and humidity was below 70 per cent R.H. There was virtually no airborne pollen in the open orchard or inside a cage placed around a peach tree. Flight activity of bees was related to ambient temperatures and bee visits to peach trees were low compared with those for cherries or apples. On trees to which bees had access there was a 2.9 x increase in percentage of flowers that set fruit and a 2.6 x increase in weight of fruit harvested as compared with trees from which bees were excluded.
Residues of hexachlorobenzene in subcutaneous and butter fat of cattle
Authors: Dingle JHP , Palmer WA
Published: March 2005

The effects of four dietary levels of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) on the accumulation and disappearance of subcutaneous fat residues of HCB were examined in steers. The rate of rise of HCB in the fat increased with dose rate, a level of 98.5 mg kg -1 being reached after ten weeks in steers fed 21 6 mg day -1. Animals fed 36 and 6 mg day -1 recorded average levels of 16.25 and 3.1 mg kg -1 respectively. The residues decreased exponentially; the average half life was 10.5 weeks. Animals maintained on starvation rations for a period of four weeks displayed a reduced rate of elimination of HCB residues from their fat than for animals fed normally. In an experiment with milking cows dosed with four levels of dietary HCB, the uptake of HCB in the butter fat was approximately linear, reaching levels of 0.36, 4.37 and 16.7 mg kg -1 for cows dosed with 1, 6 and 36 mg day -1 respectively. The degradation curves were exponential ; the half life ranged from 4 to 8 weeks with a mean of 6.4.
Response of steers to dry season protein supplementation on improved pastures
Authors: Falvey L
Published: March 2005

A dry season meat-and-bone supplement fed to steers grazing improved legume-based pastures in northern Australia provided a significant liveweight advantage during three out of four dry seasons. An apparent negative response was attributed to a shortage of dry matter. Analyses of blood, bone and pasture samples and correlations of liveweight change with blood and bone measurements indicated the primary response to the supplement was probably to nitrogen. Feeding the supplement did not reduce the total time spent grazing but it did increase water consumption. The potential benefits of a protein supplement on improved pastures are discussed
Comparison of dairy and multiple suckled calf production with calf access restricted
Authors: Rayner IH , Edmunds J , Stokoe J
Published: March 2005

The effects on animal performance were measured when machine milking was compared with restricted access suckling of four, three and two calves per cow, and when machine milking was alternated with restricted access multiple suckling. Calves were allowed access to cows twice daily, and supplementary grain feeding was provided to half the calves. A stimulus to milk and butterfat production from cows returning to machine milking after a period of suckling occurred, but was not significant. Cow breeding performance and liveweight changes were unaffected by the suckling treatments. Clinical mastitis did not occur during suckling in comparison with 36 cases of mastitis during machine milking. Teat damage in suckling cows in early lactation was the only cow health care problem of consequence, and was controllable by udder salves. The average daily liveweight gain to 140 days over all treatments was 0.735 kg. Grain supplementation pre-weaning increased liveweight gain from 0.71 kg to 0.76 kg day-1 (P < 0.05). Calf health was excellent, apart from some nutritional diahorrhea in unsupplemented calves. Neither enteritis nor deaths occurred in calves pre-weaning.
Effects of variation in dietary energy concentration of starter and finisher diets on broiler production
Authors: Farrell DJ , Hardaker JB , Battese GE , Cumming RB
Published: March 2005

Least-cost starter and finisher broiler diets at five levels of metabolizable energy (ME) concentration were formulated. The diets were fed in selected combinations of starter and finisher energy concentration to batches of broiler chickens to 1650 g. Performance data were recorded and it was found that best biological efficiency was obtained by feeding starter-finisher diets with ME concentrations in the range 12.6 to 13.8 MJ kg-1. However, best economic results were obtained from diets with energy concentrations somewhat below these levels, at approximately 12.2 to 12.5 MJ kg-1. There was no evidence that ME of the starter diet influenced the ME concentration of the finisher diet required for optimal performance.
Establishment of Townsville stylo in native perennial grass pastures
Authors: Gillard P
Published: March 2005

In experiments where Townsville stylo (Stylosanthes humilis) was oversown into perennial grass swards dominated by Heteropogon contortus and Bothriochloa bladhii residual stubble reduced the survival of Townsville stylo seedlings. When this stubble was removed, Townsville stylo plants grew to maturity and made up 25 per cent of the dry matter of the sward, an increase of 500 per cent Townsville stylo yield. Frequency of defoliation from 3 to 12 weeks during the growing season had no effect on the proportion of legume in the sward but the yield of all species was less under frequent cutting. Of the two collections of Townsville stylo used, the erect type always gave the highest yield and there was no evidence of an advantage for the prostrate type under frequent cutting. Over a period of three years the erect type invaded plots sown to the prostrate type. The response of Townsville stylo to superphosphate was large whereas that of the perennial native grasses was only slight.
Weed control in potatoes on the Atherton Tableland, Queensland
Authors: Hawton D
Published: March 2005

Three experiments were conducted in winter and summer over two years testing chemicals and cultivation for weed control in potatoes on the Atherton Tableland, Queensland. In all trials cultivation effectively prevented weeds from causing yield reductions. Under dry conditions, cultivation was more effective than chemicals in controlling weeds. Under wet conditions chemicals controlled weeds better than cultivation. Under cool wet conditions linuron used at either 2.24 kg a.i. ha pre-emergence or at 1 .12 kg a.i. ha-1 at first emergence of the potatoes controlled weeds very well without reducing tuber yield. Under hot wet conditions linuron was less effective, probably because of more rapid breakdown of the chemical. In hot wet weather terbutryne plus sebuthylazine applied at 1.68 or 2.24 kg a.i, ha-1, or metribuzin applied at 0.78 kg a.i. ha -1 at first emergence of the potatoes controlled weeds better than linuron without reducing potato yields.
Short-term effects of herbage allowance on milk production, milk composition and grazing time of cows grazing nitrogen-fertilized tropical grass pasture
Authors: Stobbs TH
Published: March 2005

The short-term effects of varying the quantities of herbage allocated (15, 25, 35, 55 kg DM cow-1, day-1) to lactating Jersey cows strip grazing 3-week regrowths of nitrogen-fertilized Panicum maximum cv. Gatton panic pastures, upon the diet selected, milk production, milk and milk fat composition and grazing time, were measured. Sixteen cows were used in a latin-square design with experimental periods of 1 4 days. With increasing herbage allowance milk yields rose, averaging 8.9, 9.9, 10.4 and 10.6 kg milk cow-1, day-1 respectively. A lower solids-not-fat percentage in milk from cows receiving 15 kg DM cow-1, day-1 and a lower percentage protein from cows receiving 15 and 25 kg DM cow-1 day-1 indicated a lower intake of digestible energy by cows at these lower herbage allowances. Molar percentages of short-chain fatty acids in milkfat (C6, C8, C10, C14) increased linearly and oleic acid (C18:1) decreased linearly as herbage allowance increased, showing that a higher proportion of the milk fat was coming from energy in the feed and a smaller proportion from body reserves. Cows selectively grazed leaf from the uppermost layers of the swards. As herbage allowance was restricted, a higher proportion of pasture was eaten and this came mainly from pasture growing 10 cm or more above ground level. Total time spent grazing was similar for all herbage allowances but the proportion of night grazing was consistently lower at the higher intensities of grazing.
Agronomic studies on Lupinus angustifolius in Western Australia: effect of cultivar, time of sowing and plant density on seed yield
Authors: Walton GH
Published: March 2005

The results of 28 experiments with sweet lupins (Lupinus angustifolius) over five seasons, in the temperate agricultural area of Western Australia south of the 29� latitude, indicate that the correct time of planting and variety is influenced by length of the growing season. Broadly, in the agricultural area north of Perth the early flowering cv. Unicrop sown in May gave 50 per cent higher seed yield than either Uniharvest lupin or later sowing. In the cooler area south of Perth, the effect of later sowing on seed yield was as marked, but only when it was delayed until July, when reproductive development was severely restricted. Due to the lower temperatures in the southern area there was little difference in yield between Unicrop and Uniharvest. Although there was a marked influence of plant density on seed yield, the results were inconclusive because of the failure in the majority of experiments to achieve densities at which the yield peaked and then declined. Where this was achieved there was great variation in the level of density required for maximum seed yield because of site and seasonal differences. Three experiments suggested that greater plant density will help compensate for a loss in seed yield per plant with later sowing.