bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of the reproductive performance of ewes grazing Dwalganup of Bacchus Marsh subterranean clover of a mixture of lucerne and burr medic, before and during mating
Authors: Clark NT
Published: March 2005

At Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, three groups, each of 90 Border Leicester x Merino ewes, were grazed for two and a half weeks before joining, and for the six weeks of joining on pastures dominated by Dwalganup subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.), Bacchus Marsh subterranean clover, and lucerne-medic. Lambing percentages were Dwalganup 74, Bacchus Marsh 30, and lucerne-medic 93. The percentages of non-pregnant ewes were 47, 30, and 33 in the Dwalganup, Bacchus Marsh, and lucerne groups respectively. These results are compared with bio-assay values for the oestrogenic potency of the pastures.
Reproductive wastage in Merino sheep in semi-arid tropical Queensland : Observations on flock mated during the spring and summer
Authors: Smith ID
Published: March 2005

Observations on Merino flocks mated during the late spring and summer in semi-arid tropical Queensland indicated that reproductive wastage was due mainly to failure to lamb ; such failure was due both to anoestrus and the failure of oestrous ewes to conceive. Nevertheless, in the five groups of mature ewes observed, lamb marking percentages ranged from 63.4 to 75.0. In a group of ewes mated when 17 months old, lamb marking percentage was only 38.9. The level of oestrous activity appeared to be influenced by the time of lambing previous to mating, and in some cases a relatively high level of oestrous activity (>90 per cent in 28 days) was observed during the spring months. Conception rates were observed to be satisfactory during the spring (>70 per cent.), but deteriorated during the summer. Neonatal mortality rates were low (approximately 10 per cent) due to favourable climatic and pastoral conditions at the time of lambing and the most important cause of mortality was predation by the wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax) and raven (Corvus coronoides).
Soil plant nitrogen relations of tobacco at Mareeba, north Queensland
Authors: Goodman PJ
Published: March 2005

Nitrogen changes were studied in a red earth on which tobacco grew with very small additions of nitrogen fertilizer. Soil nitrate accumulation in the dry season before transplanting, and mineralization during the tobacco season, provided most of the plant's nitrogen requirements. Plant nitrogen uptake continued longer than in other countries, and the total amount was greater, particularly in stems and suckers. Though the plants gained nitrogen during the harvest period, leaf nitrogen concentration decreased. This resulted from translocation from lower leaves and growth of upper leaves. Decrease in leaf nitrogen concentration was essential to quality. The necessary sequence, of sufficient nitrogen for yield, followed by decreasing nitrogen availability for quality, occurs on this soil with small fertilizer additions. There is need for survey work on nitrogen availability and the time sequence of nitrogen uptake by plants on related Mareeba soils.
Some effects of gamma radiation on several varieties of Tasmanian potatoes. 2. Biochemical changes
Authors: Wills PA
Published: March 2005

Tasmanian Up-to-date, Kennebec, Sebago, and Sequoia tubers were treated with low doses of gamma radiation to inhibit sprouting and were subsequently stored at 68�F or 45�F. Tubers were examined at bi-monthly intervals for some, or all, of the following biochemical constituents : dry matter, thiamin, reduced ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid, total ascorbic acid, soluble reducing sugars, sucrose, total sugars, and starch. Radiation, independent of dose level, led to lower dry matter contents in the Up-to-date, Kennebec, and Sequoia tubers after four months storage, and in the Sebago tubers after six months storage at 68�F, but not at 45�F, when compared to the controls. The thiamin content of Up-to-date tubers w-as not influenced by radiation (16,000 rads). Storage w-as a more important factor than radiation in altering the ascorbic acid content of tubers. Radiation maintained, or even increased the normal level. Radiation increased the soluble reducing sugar content of Sequoia tubers, the total sugar of Sequoia and Sebago tubers, and the sucrose content of the Sebago tubers, but had little effect on the starch content of these varieties. Storage influenced some of these constituents, particularly in the Sebago variety.
Changes in face cover of fine wool Merino ewes associated with season and time of lambing
Authors: Mullaney PD
Published: March 2005

Face cover scores were recorded for two groups of fine-wool Merino ewes that were 4-5 years old and lambed in April and October 1963 respectively. Each group was scored at mating, six weeks before lambing, at lambing, and at weaning. As indicated by the change in score of dry ewes, both groups showed a seasonal peak score in August with the lowest score in March for the November mated group and in May for the May mated group. Pregnancy did not reduce face cover of the group mated in November. However, pregnancy did reduce face cover of ewes mating in May, with a larger effect for multiple pregnancies. Lactation also reduced the face cover score of both groups. There was no association between face cover and fertility either at mating or at lambing for ewes mating in November; face cover and fertility were related (P<0.01) at lambing for ewes mating in May, however the association was not significant at mating.
Relative efficiencies of conversion of feed to wool at three levels of nutrition in flocks genetically different in wool production
Authors: Williams AJ , Winston RJ
Published: March 2005

The efficiency of conversion of feed to wool was measured with adult ewes at three levels of nutrition. During the period at which each level was fed, changes in body weight and feed intake were minimized. These ewes were chosen as representative of the total drops of three flocks, one of which had been selected for high clean fleece weight (Fleece Plus), one for low clean fleece weight (Fleece Minus) and a control flock selected at random (Random). The intermediate and high levels of nutrition were intended to maintain 20 per cent and 44 per cent higher body weights than at the low level of nutrition. The average intakes of lucerne pellets at the low, .intermediate, and high levels of nutrition were approximately 500, 800, and 950 grams a day respectively. The average body weights at these intakes were 30, 36, and 45 kg and the average gains in body weight were -11, +7, and +16 grams a day during the 18 weeks of measurement at each level. There were no differences between the flocks in these measurements. The relative wool production of the Fleece Plus, Random, and Fleece Minus flocks changed between levels of nutrition, being 101 : 100 : 96 at the low level, 120 : 100 : 88 at the intermediate and 121 : 100 : 96 at the high level of nutrition. Part of this differential response could be attributed to different feed intakes between the flocks and part to a smaller decrease in the efficiency of the Fleece Plus flock with increasing level of nutrition. The relative net efficiencies measured at the intermediate level were 116 : 100 : 86.5 for the Fleece Plus, Random, and Fleece Minus flocks respectively.
Studies in the wool production of grazing sheep. 3. Changes in efficiency of production
Authors: Arnold GW , McManus WR , Dudzinski ML
Published: March 2005

Data from an experiment described by Arnold, McManus and Bush (1964) were used to examine the efficiency of wool production of sheep grazing at different stocking rates. Large differences were found between seasons and between stocking rates in the gross efficiency of wool production (GE), in estimated maintenance requirements (MR), and in an activity index (a). The seasonal pattern for GE, MR, and a was for highest GE and lowest MR and a to occur in late spring. MR and a rose in summer, declined in autumn, and rose in winter following shearing. The maximum value of MR was nearly twice the minimum value. With increased stocking rate the mean annual GE decreased and MR and a increased. The maximum effect recorded was a 34 per cent decrease in GE and a 50 per cent increase in MR for the year. The relations between GE and MR was curvilinear. Possible causes of changes in MR are discussed and the paucity of evidence on stress mechanisms in grazing sheep is pointed out. The use of production data for evaluating pastures is discussed in the light of these results.
Sod-seeding of rice in New South Wales
Authors: Boerema EB
Published: March 2005

In a series of five experiments in the irrigation areas of N.S.W., currently grown rice varieties were sod-seeded and compared under several rates of seeding and levels of applied nitrogen. There were no differences between varieties in their adaptability to the sod-seeding practice. Seedling survival was poor but higher seeding rates increased yields in only one of the four trials where they were tested. Responses to nitrogen fertilizer at seeding were small in the two experiments where it was included, but in one, 80 lb N per acre increased yield from 10,872 lb/acre to 12,292 lb/acre (P<0.05).
Alternate cropping of the Delicious apple: the effect of 2, 3, 5-triiodobenzoic acid spray on blossom bud initiation in the on year
Authors: Greenhalgh WJ
Published: March 2005

Alternate-cropping trees of the Delicious variety of apple were treated with a single post-bloom spray containing 75 p.p.m. of 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA). The TIBA treatment caused more blossom buds to be formed in the 'on' year, with consequent increases in crop in the following 'off' year. The effect was more pronounced in unthinned limbs than in limbs blossom-thinned prior to treatment. Evidence is presented of reduction in fruit-set and of fruit size following TIBA treatment in the on year. The results are discussed in relation to the anti-auxin properties of the chemical applied.
Observations on the superphosphate requirements of two grazing experiments
Authors: McLachlan KD , Norman BW
Published: March 2005

The superphosphate requirements of the pastures on two existing grazing experiments were examined. The evidence suggested that at high stocking rates a nutrient cycling process may be set up resulting in a lower fertilizer demand by the pastures. In these experiments the greater utilization of pasture at high stocking rates appeared to place no greater stress on the pasture's fertilizer requirement than the standing unused herbage. Consequently, the maximum fertilizer requirement of a pasture may well be the requirement of that pasture in the ungrazed state. Existing knowledge of superphosphate requirements, derived from ungrazed pastures, may therefore define the upper limit of fertilizer need.
The effect of chisel ploughing and inter-row cultivation on soil water content and yield of bulrush millet (Pennisetum typhoides) at Katherine, N.T
Authors: Phillips LJ , Norman MJT
Published: March 2005

A multifactorial experiment comprising combinations of three pre-wet-season chisel ploughing treatments, three wet-season chisel ploughing treatments, and three inter-row cultivation treatments was carried out on bulrush millet (Pennisetum typhoides S. & H.) at Katherine, N.T., in 1963-64, and was repeated in 1964-65. Pre-wet-season ploughing throughout the growth of the nitrogen yield of millet when treatments had very little effect on the dry matter or nitrogen yield of millet crop. Increasing the depth of wet-season ploughing increased the dry matter and sampled at 7 and 12 weeks after sowing, but at the final sampling, 18 weeks after sowing, only the differences in dry matter yield were maintained. Responses in dry matter and nitrogen yield were obtained to one inter-row cultivation, but not to a second. Differences in dry matter yield due to wetseason ploughing and inter-row cultivation were associated with differences in soil water content measured in the 1-4 feet profile in 1964-65.
Soil management of peach trees in the Goulburn Valley, Victoria
Authors: Cockroft B
Published: March 2005

A soil management trial on peach trees at Tatura Horticultural Research Station included four treatments that were cultivated, three permanent sods, a bare surface, and a straw mulch. The trees under straw mulch grew the largest and produced the highest yields (11.4 tons an acre a year over five years). Yields of all other treatments were similar (7.8 tons an acre a pear over five years) although the trees under clean cultivation and bare surface tended to be larger than the rest. The results are discussed in terms of competition from summer covers, tree root growth in the surface soil, and the utilization of irrigation water.
Diffusion pressure deficit measurements as a means of timing irrigation for tomatoes
Authors: Till MR
Published: March 2005

The diffusion pressure deficit (D.P.D.) of leaves of tomato plants was measured in three groups of plants by Shardakov's dye settling method to show the effects of three different spacings of irrigations on their values. The change in D.P.D. as irrigation was delayed was not sufficient to distinguish between different irrigation treatments although the difference in D.P.D. between frequently and infrequently watered plants did increase significantly during this time. The diurnal range in D.P.D. was correlated with the evaporation conditions during that day.
A diagrammatic standard of face cover scoring
Authors: Hyland PG , Turner HN
Published: March 2005

Diagrammatic standards for scoring face cover on sheep are presented and described. The nose and jowl sections are scored separately and the scores added to give a range in scores from 2 to 8. The standards can be applied to all breeds.
Face cover and fertility in Merino, Corriedale, and Polwarth sheep in western Victoria
Authors: Mullaney PD
Published: March 2005

Face cover was scored at mating on 7,200 sheep on one Polwarth, four Merino, and three Corriedale flocks in the Western District of Victoria. The average face cover scores were : Merinos 5.50, Corriedales 5.28, and Polwarth 4.65. Merino and Polwarth ewes showed no association between face cover score and the average number of lambs born, except that in 1961 muffled faced Merino ewes had fewer lambs per ewe mated than open faced ewes. Corriedale ewes with muffled faces had significantly fewer lambs per ewe mated than open faced ewes (P<0.05).
A study of silo samples for wheat protein in Victoria
Authors: Mullaly JV , Mander KC , Jardine R
Published: March 2005

This study of wheat protein per cent for 92 silos in the Victorian Mallee and Wimmera from 1945-46 to 1964-65 gives indirect evidence of a general improvement in soil fertility in the region due to the introduction of barrel medic pasture into rotations in the late 1940's. Assuming a constant yield over the period, the analysis showed that mean protein per cent would have increased by 0.5 per cent in the first ten years and by 1.4 per cent during the second ten years. The yearly frequency distributions of protein per cent were also characterized by the standard deviation and coefficients of skewness and kurtosis. These characteristics showed no trend with time, but the coefficient of skewness was negatively associated with mean protein per cent.
The effect of time of planting on yield attributes of oat varieties in the Ord River Valley
Authors: Beech DF , Norman MJT
Published: March 2005

During the 1964 dry season a study was made at Kimberley Research Station of the effect of time of sowing on the yield attributes of oats grown under irrigation. Two varieties, Avon and Ballidu, were sown at four dates from May to July. Avon, the later variety of the two, declined in grain yield from the first sowing onward and gave a negligible yield at the last two sowings. Ballidu reached maximum grain yield at the second sowing and gave a negligible yield at the last sowing. It appeared that, as in wheat, the major factor influencing grain yield in relation to time of sowing was the steep rise in temperature from August onward. There was a close relation between date of anthesis and grain yield irrespective of variety. Maximum grain and dry matter yield would be expected if sowing date were selected to bring a given variety to anthesis in early August.
The effect of frequency and time of shearing on the reproduction and wool growth of Bungaree South Australian Merino ewes
Authors: McGuirk BJ , Paynter JR , Dun RB
Published: March 2005

Two hundred and seventy-five Bungaree South Australian Merino ewes were divided into three groups after shearing in June 1963 at Trangie Agricultural Research Station. One group was shorn in December 1963 and 1964 (December group), another in June 1964 (June group), while the third group was shorn at all three of these times (Dual group). The ewes were joined with rams on February 25, 1964. Twenty-nine days later 88 per cent of the ewes shorn in December (December and Dual groups) had exhibited oestrus compared with 72 per cent in the unshorn (June) group (P<0.05). Shearing in December also increased the percentage of wet ewes. Pre-lambing shearing did not influence lamb losses. Shearing twice a year (Dual group) increased the wool production of dry ewes compared with shearing once in the same 12 month period. The increases in clean fleece weight when the additional shearing in the Dual group was in December and June were 15 and 10 per cent respectively. However, Dual shearing did not increase fleece weights over the December group when the ewes were pregnant at the time of the additional shearing in June. Dual shearing improved wool colour and reduced fleece rot, but the wool of the Dual group had fewer crimps per inch and poorer handle than the June shorn wool (P<0.05). Estimated wool returns favoured the groups shorn once per year (P<0.05).
Vitamin A reserves of sheep maintained on mulga (Acacia aneura)
Authors: Gartner RJW , Anson RJ
Published: March 2005

The hepatic reserves of vitamin A were determined in different classes of Merino sheep maintained on the leaves of mulga (Acacia aneura F. Muell) for periods varying from 33 to 16 months. Concurrent data were obtained on the p-carotene content of mulga leaves growing in different habitats and at different periods after cutting. The mean liver vitamin A concentration in 27 sheep was 610 � 376 �g per g with a range of 63 to 1,710 �g per g. The mean �-carotene content of 13 samples of fresh mulga leaves was 21.5 � 8.7 mg per lb D.M. with a range of 37.7 to 4.6 mg per lb. Drying caused a variable loss in �-carotene unrelated to the time of exposure. A maintenance drought ration of mulga leaves is adequate to meet the requirements of vitamin A in sheep.
Some symbiotic characteristics of rhizobia responsible for spontaneous, effective field nodulation of Lotus hispidus
Authors: Brockwell J , Hely FW , Neal-Smith CA
Published: March 2005

Twenty-three strains of rhizobia were isolated from vigorous well-nodulated Lotus hispidus Desf. sown in the field at Milton, N.S.W. The isolates bore no symbiotic resemblance to the strains used as seed inoculant nor to rhizobia isolated from other members of the tribe Loteae. It was concluded that the effective field nodulation of L. hispidus at Milton resulted from infection by rhizobia present at very low levels in the local microflora. L. hispidus rhizobia possessed the unusual characteristic of fixing nitrogen in association with both Lotus corniculatus L. and Lotus pedunculatus Cav. (formerly known as Lotus uliginosus Schk.). Their reaction with L. pedunculatus was good enough to indicate their potential value in commercial inoculants.
Phosphate and potash requirements of sugar cane in relation to soil chemical analysis and soil type
Authors: Holford ICR
Published: March 2005

The superphosphate and potassium chloride requirements of sugar cane were studied in relation to soil test levels on 25 different soil types in Fiji. Soil phosphorus was determined by a modified Truog method and soil potassium by extraction with 0.5N acetic acid. Percentage yields of sugar cane in fertilizer field experiments harvested over a five-year period were highly correlated with soil test levels in the control plots. The regressions of percentage yield on soil test level were curvilinear, and a modified Mitscherlich equation gave an excellent fit to the points. Critical soil test levels were found to exist, below which soils gave significant yield responses to applied nutrients. Critical soil test levels ranged over 5 to 20 p.p.m, for phosphorus and 51 to 150 p.p.m. for potassium. Within the deficient range of each nutrient there were only weak relationships between optimum fertilizer requirements and soil test levels. There was some evidence to suggest that soil type may be a useful complementary criterion for predicting fertilizer requirements.
The internal microflora of wheat grains in Western Australia
Authors: Shipton WA , Chambers SC
Published: March 2005

The microflora of 568 samples of surface sterilized wheat grains, harvested in 1963-64 and 1964-65 in Western Australia, were examined. Alternaria spp, were the most commonly isolated organisms, being present in 17.7 per cent of all grain and 98.7 per cent of all samples over the two years. The frequency of occurrence was not related to grain discolouration. Of the remaining organisms, Helminthosporium sativum, Fusarium spp., Podosporiella vertillata, and Septoria nodorum are known to be pathogenic to wheat. H. sativum and Fusarium spp. were isolated only in trace amounts in the grain and in few samples, whereas P. verticillata and S. nodorum occurred in 1.86 and 3.40 per cent respectively of all grain and 39.92 and 70.57 per cent respectively of all samples. Pithomyes chartarum, the organism causing facial eczema in animals, was isolated once from each of two grain samples.
The relative effectiveness of diphenylamine and ethoxyquin in inhibiting superficial scald on Granny Smith apples
Authors: Scott KJ , Roberts EA
Published: March 2005

Diphenylamine and ethoxyquin were compared as inhibitors of superficial scald on Granny Smith apples treated with several levels of each inhibitor and stored for various periods. When the inhibitors were applied by dipping the fruit in ethanol solutions, diphenylamine was about twice as effective as ethoxyquin if concentrations were compared on a weight basis. When the compounds were impregnated into the fibre trays of traypack cartons, diphenylamine was about eight times as effective as ethoxyquin.
Effects of close cutting and nitrogen fertilizer on growth of a Siratro (Phaseolus atropurpureus) pasture at Samford, south-eastern Queensland
Authors: Jones RJ
Published: March 2005

Uninterrupted growth of Siratro (Phaseolus atropurpureus) in a Siratro-grass pasture was slow in spring, increased rapidly in mid-December, and attained a maximum growth rate of 79 lb dry matter an acre a day in February-March. The slow spring growth appeared to be associated with low temperatures. Yield and percentage of Siratro increased for at least 191 days after commencement of growth in spring. Yields of Siratro increased linearly from 1400 lb to 6500 lb dry matter an acre as the cutting interval increased from 4 to 16 weeks. Yields of other species declined as the cutting interval increased. With a 4-weekly cutting regime, the stand of Siratro was greatly reduced after one season. Lucerne subjected to the same treatment gave higher yields and the stand remained good. Urea reduced the mean yield of Siratro by 16 per cent and 33 per cent at the N,, and N,,, levels respectively, but increased total dry matter yields. The response of Siratro to cutting frequency was quite different from that reported for white clover. This difference may be of fundamental importance in the management of sub-tropical grass-legume pastures.
The food conversion efficiency in lambs of two crosses of sheep
Authors: Bourke ME
Published: March 2005

The experiment investigated factors associated with differences in growth rate from birth to seven weeks, by two crossbreeds of lamb. The Dorset Horn x Border Leicester-Merino grew at 0.18 kg per day, and the Dorset Horn x Merino grew at 0.14 kg per day (P<0.001) although both crosses consumed the same digestible organic matter intake. Thus the second cross was significantly more efficient (P<0.05) than the first cross. Two levels of milk were also fed to both crosses and, although the high level improved growth rate (P <0.001), it did not effect the efficiency of conversion of food to animal tissue.
The comparative performance of tropical crossbred and local shorthorn beef cattle on native pasture at Katherine, NT
Authors: Norman MJT
Published: March 2005

The liveweight performance and carcase characteristics of Brahman x Hereford, Africander x Hereford and Africander x Shorthorn F, crossbred spayed heifers were compared with those of local Shorthorn spayed heifers on native pasture at Katherine, N.T., between 1962 and 1965. The breed groups were divided for planes of winter nutrition, viz., with and without 2 lb a day of peanut meal from early June until the start of the wet season. Without supplement, the average weight gains of B x H, A x H, A x S, and Shorthorn cattle between June 1962 and May 1965 were 0.49, 0.37, 0.36, and 0.23 lb a day respectively. With supplement, cattle reached slaughter weight a year earlier ; the average weight gains of B x H, A x H, and Shorthorn cattle between June 1962 and May 1964 were 0.61, 0.63, and 0.50 lb a day respectively. (There was no A x S supplemented group). Without supplement, the dressing percentage and estimated proportion of fat of B x H cattle was higher and the estimated proportion of muscle and bone lower than those of other breeds. With supplement, there were no significant differences in dressing percentage or carcase composition between breeds. Measurements made of thermoregulatory attributes indicated that the local Shorthorn cattle, through body temperature control, showed adaptation to heat stress.
Nodulation of lime pelleted lupins and serradella when inoculated with peat and agar cultures
Authors: Shipton QA , Parker CA
Published: March 2005

Lime coating yellow lupin (Lupinus luteus L.) seed, when inoculated with bacteria from agar slopes, reduced nodulation substantially. By contrast, when peat cultures were used there was no adverse effect of lime coating on nodulation, even when inoculated seeds were stored for 61 days at 75�F, before planting. In two experiments the nodulation of unhulled serradella (Omithopus comljressus L.) was generally unaffected by lime coating when either agar or peat cultures were used. In a third experiment nodulation was significantly reduced with both agar and peat cultures on unhulled and hulled seed. This adverse effect was greater with agar cultures than with peat cultures. It is concluded that peat, and possibly the serradella seed pod, protects the bacteria from the effects of lime. The practice of lime coating lupin and serradella seed, when inoculated with peat cultures, is a useful technique, particularly when the seed is sown in contact with acid superphosphate. On the other hand, some adverse effects of lime on the nodulation of serradella when a peat culture was used suggest that other workers should test the suitability of the lime pelleting method under their own conditions. Rock phosphate and bentonite were also investigated as pelleting agents, but neither seemed to offer any advantages over lime.
Environmental variation in the long term pattern of germination from hard seeds of Lupinus varius
Authors: Quinlivan BJ
Published: March 2005

The long-term field germination pattern from hard seeds of sandplain lupin varied between sites. At Perth, where environmental conditions are almost ideal for the species, the hard seeds formed at the end of a growing season soften and germinate over the following five years. Some 15-20 per cent softened each summer and germinated with the following autumn rains. At Chapman, some 300 miles north of Perth in a drier more marginal environment for the species, all the hard seeds softened and germinated within two years. This wide site variation in the spread of germination from hard seeds is ascribed to environmental differences during the growing and dry seasons.
Control in bananas of black-end rot caused by Gloeosporium musarum
Authors: Scott KJ , Roberts EA
Published: March 2005

Thiabendazole, 2-amino butane, and Shirlan were compared as dip treatments for the control of black-end in bananas artificially inoculated with Gloeosporium musarum Cke. and Masse. Thiabendazole virtually eliminated black-end at a concentration of 0.014 per cent and did not cause damage at a concentration of 0.16 per cent. The 2-amino butane gave satisfactory control at 0.58 per cent, but this concentration damaged the fruit. Shirlan was the least effective fungicide as it gave only moderate control at 0.6 per cent, and this was accompanied by severe damage to the fruit.
Activities of foxes and crows in a flock of lambing ewes
Authors: Alexander G , Mann T , Mulhearn CJ , Rowley ICR , Williams D , Winn D
Published: March 2005

The feasibility of direct observations on the activities of foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in a flock of lambing ewes has been proven in a pilot trial at Minnipa in South Australia. Ewes were confined to an open six-acre paddock near fox-infested scrub, and continuous observations were made from a 'hide' on a tower in the paddock. Progress of lambs was followed by direct observation and by weighing twice a day. Foxes were readily detected by the naked eye when the moon was almost full and their activity was easily followed with the aid of binoculars. Foxes appeared unaware of the observers and were little disturbed by a spot-light. Ewes were very little disturbed by the close proximity of foxes. Most foxes approached ewes or lambs very cautiously and were easily frightened away. Foxes mainly scavenged foetal membranes and dead lambs, but one attack on a healthy lamb was witnessed. Foxes were not seen during daylight. Crows (Corvus spp.), attracted by grain feeding of the sheep, showed an appetite for foetal membranes and lamb faeces. Lambs separated from ewes were frequently attacked, but healthy lambs were not injured
Growth and yield of irrigated wheat varieties at several rates of nitrogen fertilizer
Authors: Syme JR
Published: March 2005

In an irrigated wheat experiment two Australian varieties and two introduced semi-dwarf varieties were compared in growth and yield, each at three levels of nitrogen fertilizer. The semi-dwarf wheats yielded more grain than Heron and Olympic in the sampling harvest, the increase over Heron being 26 per cent for Mexico 120 and 15 per cent for Chile 1B. This higher yield resulted from a longer duration of grain growth, probably associated with earlier flowering. The semi-dwarfs produced fewer tillers, both at the maximum and at maturity. Their higher yield was derived not from increased total dry matter production but from an increased harvest index. Nitrogen fertilizer stimulated tillering and early growth and increased the weight of grain set at flowering. Relative growth rates at each fertilizer level then remained approximately equal until maturity. Although there was a large response to nitrogen, there was no varietal interaction, possibly because of the relatively low level of production and absence of severe lodging.
Selection for economic characters in Lupinus angustifolius and L. digitatus
Authors: Gladstones JS
Published: March 2005

A search among field populations of Lupinus angustifolius L. and L. digitalus Forsk. yielded two morphologically and genetically distinct lines in each species with markedly reduced pod-shattering at maturity. In all four lines, reduced shattering was found to be due to a single recessive gene, the two genes of each species being non-allelic and probably unlinked. Double homozygotes were obtained, and proved to be fully non-shattering in both species. The anatomical changes resulting in reduced- or non-shattering are of at least two types. In one type of each species there is fusion of the normally divided strips of sclerenchyma in the pod seams, similar to that in the non-shattering Strain 3535A of L. luteus. In the others there is a weakening of the sclerified inner layer (endocarp) of the pod walls, similar to that in L. albus, L. mutabilis, and many other cultivated legumes. It is suggested that at least two independent homologous series of genes control pod-shattering in the genus Lupinus.
Yellow pigment content of some Australian flours
Authors: Moss HJ
Published: March 2005

Yellow pigments are apparent in some foods prepared from wheaten flour or semolina, and may affect the visual appeal of the product. A survey of the yellow pigment content of flours milled from eighteen common varieties of Australian wheat has been completed. Those of the variety Mendos gave the lowest mean figure of 1.45 parts per million whereas the figure for Festival, 4.33, was the highest. Yellow pigment content was not related to protein level or milling yield within the range of material examined.
Nutrient requirements of white clover based pastures on a krasnozem basalt at Maleny, south-eastern Queensland
Authors: White RE
Published: March 2005

Nutrient deficiencies of old kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst.) and paspalum (Paspalum dilatatum Poir.) pastures on a krasnozem on basalt at Maleny, Queensland, were investigated. On the establishment of white clover (Trifolium repens L.), significant responses to phosphorus, potassium, molybdenum, and lime were recorded ; where clover did not establish well, as in the kikuyu sward, the overriding deficiency appeared to be nitrogen. Maximum response to phosphorus, as NaH2PO4, was achieved at a rate equivalent to 10 cwt superphosphate an acre. However, soil equilibrium potentialSP values and pot results with Ca(H2PO4), suggested a maximum near 20 cwt an acre might have been expected. An initial molybdenum application of 1 oz an acre was adequate : the main effect of lime was to release molybdenum in this acid soil (pH 4.6 in M/100 CaCl2). Aluminium and manganese were not toxic ; nevertheless, lime increased the yield and nitrogen content of clover grown in pots, possibly due to preferential nodule formation by the introduced rather than the 'native' rhizobia at the higher soil pH.
The pre-disposition to mottling of certain wheats
Authors: Moss HJ
Published: March 2005

Mottling in wheat is the condition whereby starchy and vitreous sections are found together in a grain or a sample. The occurrence of mottling in nine varieties was studied in relation to flour protein content, proportion of large starch granules, and gluten strength. When protein levels fell below 10 per cent the varieties differed in mottling behaviour. Some varieties lost vitreousness but became opaque rather than mottled; others became mottled. It was concluded that although low protein level is a predisposing factor, mottling is aggravated by factors associated with high dough stability and a high proportion of large starch granules. The interaction of these factors is used to explain the differing susceptibilities of varieties to mottling.
The seasonal growth rhythm of some cultivars of cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata)
Authors: Knight R
Published: March 2005

The seasonal yields of twenty-seven introduced cultivars of Dactylis glomerata were compared under irrigation with Australian cultivars and ecotypes from the Mediterranean basin. Very large differences in winter yield were obtained between cultivars, some French ones having yields three times larger than those from continental climates in Europe and North America. The material in the trial was also assessed for heading date and a range of three months was obtained between the earliest and latest cultivars, with the French cultivars as a group being the earliest. Survival of the introduced cultivars was low over the summer when not irrigated, emphasizing the need for hybridization with drought resistant material.
Control of the biennial thistle, Onopordum, by amitrole and five perennial grasses
Authors: Michael PW
Published: March 2005

Experiments carried out from 1959 to 1967 Rear Goulburn in the southern tablelands of New South Wales were designed to test the relative effectiveness of the perennial grasses, Bromtls inermis C.P.I.7073, Dactylis glomerata CV. Brignoles, Festuca arumdinacea CV. Demeter, Lolium perenne CV. Victorian, and Phalaris tuberosa CV. Australian in seasonal control of the biennial thistle Onopordum. The grasses were sown in autumn and in spring. Amitrole (0.5 lb active ingredient an acre) was used to suppress the thistles in the first season. Harvests of the autumn- and spring-sown plots in December 1959 showed large decreases in yield of thistles and increases in yield of grass due to spraying, but in two or three years these effects had disappeared. Dactylis glomerata and Lolium perenne were the most productive grasses at the December 1959 harvest, but the former gave better thistle control. Harvests of the autumn-sown plots in October 1963 showed that Dactylis glomerata and Festuca arundinacea gave the best control of thistles, while in 1966 Dactylis glomerata had almost disappeared and was no longer effective. In 1966, Festuca arumdinacea and Phalaris tuberosa were the only grasses giving effective thistle control. Harvests of the autumn-sown plots in October 1960 showed an increase in yield of the sown grasses but not of the thistles to 30 and 60 lb nitrogen applied in August 1960 before active spring growth of thistles began. Despite a stronger growth of thistles in the first season, the spring-sown grasses showed essentially the same pattern of thistle control as the autumn-sown grasses throughout the remainder of the trial period. Root distribution studies in 1961 showed that Dactylis glomerata had a much higher proportion of its roots in the top six inches than either Festuca arundinacea or Phalaris tuberosa. The greater surface rooting habit of Dactylis glomerata was considered to be important in determining its early success in thistle control, its exclusion of Trifolium subterraneum and its apparent susceptibility to a drought experienced in 1964-65. On the other hand, the deeper rooting habit of Festuca arundinacea and Phalaris tuberosa was taken to explain their persistence and long-term success in thistle control.
The growth of barley grass (Hordeum leporinum) in annual pasture. 2. Growth comparisons with Wimmera ryegrass (Lolium rigidum)
Authors: Smith DF
Published: March 2005

Experiments to compare the growth of barley grass (Hordeum leporinum) and Wimmera ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) were carried out in small plots and boxes at Dookie College in northern Victoria, and near Melbourne. These covered a range of density, defoliation, and temperature and soil fertility conditions. At equal densities barley grass generally out-yielded rye grass over the first 50 days of growth. Frost was the only factor reducing this superiority, but high levels of nitrogen in the foliage greatly reduced frost damage. Barley grass also recovered more rapidly from defoliation. The results suggest that in frosty areas soil nitrogen levels will greatly influence the herbage production and dominance of barley grass ; in areas with milder winters, growth will be more consistent and the grass will be a more reliable forage plant.
Phosphate availability and phosphate needs of soils under Siratro pastures as assessed by soil chemical tests
Authors: White RE , Haydock KP
Published: March 2005

In field trials covering a range of soils and environmental conditions, the variation in soil equilibrium phosphate potentialSP accounted for 86 per cent of the variation in the percentage yield response of Siratro (Phaseolus atropurpureus) to phosphorus, compared to 72 per cent accounted for by the Olsen extraction, 51 per cent by Truog's and 38 per cent by Morgan's. The Truog and Morgan extractants gave improved correlations with phosphate uptake, but all four methods were poorly correlated with phosphate concentration in the plant. For the prediction of the soil's phosphate requirement for 90 or 95 per cent of the maximum yield, the Morgan method was superior to the equilibrium potentialSP, Olsen and Truog methods, and comparable to the quantity measurement P sorbed, derived from the soil's quantity-intensity (Q/I) relation at the minimum, non-limiting solution activity of 2.2 �M P : each accounted for 67 per cent of the variation in P required for 90 per cent of the maximum yield. The precision of the extractions in estimating P required decreased as the extractant/soil ratio and the extraction period increased. Of the conventional extractants, a method could be chosen that was well correlated with either P required (Morgan's) or plant relative yield (Olsen's), but none that was well correlated with both criteria. On the other hand, the measurement: of the one Q/I relation provided intensity (equilibrium potentialSP) and quantity (P sorbed) terms for the prediction, respectively, of a soil's phosphate availability and its phosphate needs for optimum plant growth.
The influence of sowing date on the yield of peanuts in a short summer rainfall environment
Authors: Stern WR
Published: March 2005

In an experiment conducted under natural rainfall at Katherine, peanuts were sown during one wet season every day for 81 days between December 8 and February 27. There was a subsidiary experiment comprising 41 daily sowings, between December 16 and January 25, to confirm any trends in the main experiment. There was an almost linear decline in yield from over 3000 kg/ha in the early sowings to nil in the last few sowings, but mean individual kernel weight remained constant at about 0.39g for most of the growing season. The store of available moisture at depth in the root zone was considered adequate until mid-April. It is suggested that a decline in surface soil moisture was the major feature in determining this trend and that declining minimum temperatures after the wet season initially retarded, and eventually prevented, further development and maturation of fruit. The number of peanut pods bearing mature kernels on a single plant declined from 51 in the first sowing to 2 in the 70th, but the weight of a mature pod remained at about 1.1g.
Ecological aspects of weed control in cotton in the Ord River valley, W.A. 1. Conditions affecting germination of weeds
Authors: van Rijn PJ
Published: March 2005

Germination tests on seeds of the predominant weeds in the irrigated cotton area of the Ord River valley, W.A., were carried out at different times at varying temperatures in dark germination chambers and at fluctuating temperatures under dark conditions in the glasshouse. Since many of the weed seeds failed to germinate at the time of conducting the experiments, the seed coats were treated either mechanically or with concentrated sulphuric acid. The experiments show that the range of temperatures throughout the year in the Ord valley is such that germination of most of the predominant weeds recorded in irrigated cotton during the wet season could also be expected in irrigated crops during the dry season. It became clear that temperature-germination relations alone are not sufficient to explain the field occurrence of the weeds.
Seed coat impermeability in the common annual legume pasture species of Western Australia
Authors: Quinlivan BJ
Published: March 2005

Impermeable or hard seeds of 21 common annual legume pasture species of Western Australia were exposed for six months to a constant 15�C and to daily fluctuating temperatures of 15� - 30�C, 15�- 40�C, 15�- 50�C, 15�- 60�C, and 15�- 70�C. At a constant 15�C no softening of impermeable seeds took place with any species. With the fluctuating temperatures, the treatments capable of causing softening varied with the species and there were cultivar differences within species. All Trifolium species softened significantly after three months at 15� - 400C; some softened at 15� - 30�C. Hard seeds of Lupinus varius required a fluctuation of 15� - 60�C before softening commenced. For most species, once the critical temperature maximum for softening had been reached, the subsequent rate or total extent of softening in a set time interval increased as the maximum temperature of the daily fluctuation increased. Four species of Medicago all showed extreme impermeability compared with the Trifolium species. The extent of softening was relatively small at 15� - 500C and did not increase as the maximum temperature of the fluctuation was increased from 50�C to 70�C. The failure of Medicago species to regenerate and establish effectively in many of the cooler south coastal districts of Western Australia is attributed in part at least to this extreme hardseededness. In these districts daily surface soil 4emperatures fluctuate between 15� - 45�C during the dry summer period.
Losses of nitrogen from urine on soils from south western Australia
Authors: Watson ER , Lapins P
Published: March 2005

Nitrogen loss from sheep urine was measured on two soil types under different surface cover and moisture conditions at a location with high summer temperatures. Some of the factors influencing nitrogen loss were studied in pots and lysimeters. Grass plants utilized almost half the nitrogen applied in urine. Loss of nitrogen by volatilization and leaching was considerably less under a grass cover than on bare soil. When urine was applied during the hot summer months, there were large losses (50 per cent) of nitrogen even under a grass cover. During the summer, rewetting of urine patches to simulate rainfall increased the amount of nitrogen lost. Eighty per cent of the urine nitrogen was lost after three wettings. Frequency of wetting was more important than volume of water applied. Urine application markedly increased the pH of the soils over a long period.
A comparison of the digestibility by pigs of whole and rolled sorghum grain fed either in restricted amounts or ad libitum
Authors: Beames RM
Published: March 2005

Digestibility comparisons were made between whole and rolled sorghum when pigs were fed either ad libitum or at restricted levels. The method of restriction was to limit each of two daily feeding periods to 15 minutes. The organic matter and N.F.E. digestibility coefficients were higher for rolled grain than for whole grain. Restriction of feeding time had no significant effect on digestibility coefficients of rolled grain. The data indicate a tendency for digestion to be poorest when whole grain is given for restricted feeding periods.
The effect of dicalcium phosphate supplements on the intake and digestibility of Townsville lucerne and spear grass by sheep
Authors: Playne MJ
Published: March 2005

Sheep were fed either Townsville lucerne (Stylosanthes humilis) or spear grass (Heteropogon contortus) with and without dicalcium phosphate for an 11-week period. Voluntary intake, dry matter digestibility and liveweight changes of the animals were measured. Sheep fed Townsville lucerne gained body weight whereas those fed spear grass lost weight. Added dicalcium phosphate (4.5 g/day) increased dry matter intake and liveweight gain of the sheep fed Townsville lucerne, but not the digestion coefficient. Sheep consuming spear grass did not respond in any way to the supplement. All sheep fed spear grass received urea daily (2.9g N/day) as a nitrogen supplement. The difference between the two groups in response to dicalcium phosphate is discussed in terms of the chemical composition of the two feeds.
Efficiency of wool production of grazing sheep. 1. Differences between merino sheep selected for high and low fleece weight
Authors: Hamilton BA , Langlands JP
Published: March 2005

The intake, wool production, and efficiency of wool production (wool production per unit intake) of rams drawn from two flocks selected for 13 years for high (Fleece Plus) and low (Fleece Minus) fleece weights were estimated while the rams grazed three pastures differing in the amount of herbage available. In a second experiment the rams were fistulated at the oesophagus and determinations were made of the digestibility and nitrogen content of the samples collected while the sheep grazed two pastures. The wool production, intake, and efficiency of the Fleece Plus rams were greater than those of the Fleece Minus on all pastures. Variability in wool production was primarily attributable to variability in efficiency. Differences between flocks in wool production and efficiency increased when herbage availability and wool production were high.