bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DAIRY PRODUCTION FROM PASTURE; A COMPARISON OF TWO METHODS OF CONTROLLED GRAZING AT TWO RATES OF STOCKING
Authors: Foot A. S. , Line C.
Published: April 2006

An experiment was started in 1957 that compared the production from dairy cows on daily strip‐folding with that from a system of rotational grazing where the cows were given a fresh allocation of pasture about once or twice a week. Management was so arranged that equal areas of pasture were grazed off by the same number of cows in a similar period of time. The experiment was carried out at two rates of stocking, one about 20% greater than the other, the lower rate considered to be equivalent to good close folding practice and the higher rate therefore somewhat restrictive. No supplementary food was given during the grazing season.

At the high rate of stocking, rotational grazing gave an average milk yield of 40 lb./cow/day whilst daily strip‐folding yielded 38 lb./cow/day. At the low rate of stocking production was 42 lb./cow/day for both methods.

At the high rate milk yield/acre from the rotational grazing was 1007 and from the strip‐folding 977 gals. At the low rate comparable results were 881 and 874 gals.

There was no general trend in yield per cow or per acre in favour of either the rotational grazing or daily strip‐folding systems of management. Increasing cow days/acre by 21% decreased yield/cow/day by 7% but significantly increased milk yield/acre, by 13%.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF CARBOHYDRATES, NITROGEN AND LIGNIN IN SOLUBLE FRACTIONS OF THE STEMS AND LEAVES OF LUCERNE HAY
Authors: Couchman Jean F.
Published: April 2006

The nitrogen‐free extractive (or soluble carbohydrate) and total nitrogen contents of the stems and leaves of lucerne hay were separated into three fractions, soluble in (a) 90% ethanol, (b) cold water, and (c) acid + alkali of the same concentrations as used in the crude fibre determinations. Total and “soluble” lignin contents were also determined.

The soluble carbohydrates in the stems comprised a lower proportion of the simpler types (90% ethanol soluble) and a higher proportion of a more complex nature (acid + alkali soluble) than in the leaves. The differences between the 90% ethanol soluble fractions were not due to the sugars but to unidentified materials which would include oligosaccharides, acids, saponins and possibly other constituents of an unknown nature.

The lignin content of the stems was more than three times that of the leaves, but, in both parts of the plant, the amount of “soluble” lignin was small.

In the stems, “protein” nitrogen constituted a lower proportion of the total nitrogen, and was possibly of a less digestible type than that in the leaves.

These results added emphasis to the importance of preventing leaf loss during the conservation of lucerne hay, not only to prevent actual loss of material but also in order to preserve its nutritive value.
THE INFLUENCE OF NIGHT GRAZING ON THE GROWTH RATES OF ZEBU CATTLE IN EAST AFRICA
Authors: Joblin A. D. H.
Published: April 2006

Results are reported from a 10‐month trial, using 50 oxen, in which growth rates of groups receiving restricted and normal night grazing were compared. The resiriction of night grazing was found to lead to a significant decline of 30% in live‐weight gain. This difference was largely attributed to periods of moderate grass shortage (i.e. marginal day grazing) when those animals with the longer grazing period were able to select a diet of superior quality and quantity. Under good, or very bad, grazing conditions the availability of night grazing did not appear to be critical.
SWEDES OR GRASS SILAGE FOR BEEF CATTLE IN EAST LOTHIAN?
Authors: Livingston H. R.
Published: April 2006

Four East Lothian farms, two growing silage and two roots (swedes) for winter keep of beef cattle were studied in detail. The yields of all crops grown for winter keep and the output of each crop in terms of pounds starch equivalent per acre were measured. The following are the main conclusions reached:

The output per acre from roots was approximately twice that from silage.

Output per acre from hay was lower than from any other fodder crop.

The output per acre from all fodder crops, taken together, was very similar on all four farms. This was because the farms growing swedes grew a proportionately larger acreage of hay than did the silage farms.

The yield of starch equivalent per acre from sugar beet tops was approximately half that from swedes.
SOME EFFECTS OF GANGMOWING AND NITROGENOUS FERTILIZER ON A RYEGRASS/WHITE‐CLOVER LEY
Authors: Wheeler J. L.
Published: April 2006

Gangmowing encouraged the spread of unsown grasses (Poa spp.) in a ryegrass/white‐clover ley, compared with grazing and no gangmowing. Herbage production from an ungrazed gangmown sward receiving a range of nitrogen dressings was higher than from grazed swards receiving little or no fertilizer nitrogen, but was almost identical at high rates of N application. The experiment was ploughed up in autumn 1955 and sown to wheat. The yields of wheat in 1956 were increased by previous nitrogen treatments up to the moderately high dressing but declined with the final increment.

Attention is drawn to the need for further experimental work on the practice of gangmowing.
THE RELATIVE EFFECT OF FREQUENCY AND TIME OF CUTTING LUCERNE
Authors: Davies W. Ellis
Published: April 2006

Eight varieties of lucerne were compared under three cutting schedules for two years. Yield comparisons of early and late types subjected to different cutting treatments gave significant interactions and indicated that their behaviour was not identical in each treatment. With one exception the late types compared unfavourably with the early, so that the latter appear more flexible in their management requirements.

The percentage of leaf and of crude protein showed significant positive correlations; these were most pronounced in the individual cuts.
A COMPARISON OF LUCERNE VARIETIES IN SOUTH‐WEST SCOTLAND
Authors: Castle M. E. , Reid D.
Published: April 2006

Five early, three mid‐season and two late varieties of lucerne were grown in drills in a replicated plot experiment at the Hannah Dairy Research Institute in south‐west Scotland in the period 1956–59, inclusive. The lucerne was cut three times each year after the year of establishment (1956).

Average yields were 10,200 lb. of dry matter and 1970 lb. of crude protein per acre in the first harvest year, but declined rapidly to 6290 lb. of dry matter and 1190 lb. of crude protein per acre in the third year. On average, the early types of lucerne gave the highest yields of dry matter and crude protein. Over the three harvest years of the experiment, Flandria was the highest yielding variety and New Zealand B the lowest. The distribution of dry‐matter yields averaged over all varieties was 44, 29 and 27% for cuts 1, 2 and 3, respectively.

The crude‐protein content of the herbage from all the varieties was high, 63% of the values being greater than 19%. Grimm, a late variety, had the highest crude‐protein content.

With all varieties tiller density declined rapidly from the first to the second harvest year, but increased again at the third harvest year.

11–34% of the total yield of dry matter in the second harvest year consisted of weed grasses, but this was reduced in the following year by spraying the plots with Dowpon, a selective herbicide.
COMPARING THE OUTPUT FROM MIXTURES BASED ON PERENNIAL RYEGRASS AND ON MEADOW FESCUE
Authors: Hunt I. V.
Published: April 2006

Herbage and livestock production from swards based on meadow fescue and on perennial ryegrass were measured over three years. The meadow fescue mixture had no practical advantages in terms of either annual output or seasonal distribution of production. This may have been due to inefficient methods of measurement or may have been peculiar to the management imposed, but it is considered that it was due to the depressing effects of timothy and cocksfoot on the meadow feseue.
THE EFFECT ON THE SOIL OF THE COMPONENTS AND MANAGEMENT OF A LEY
Authors: Troughton Arthur
Published: April 2006

The effect of four grasses, and four methods of utilizing the herbage, on the root weight, the proportion of organic matter in the soil and the water‐stability of the soil aggregates was measured over a period of three years. The grass species in the sward had a greater effect upon the measurements than had the methods of management. Of the grass species, Lolium perenne produced the greatest root weight and highest percentage of organic matter in the soil.
THE ESTIMATION OF ‘GREEN DRY MATTER’ IN A HERBAGE SAMPLE BY METHANOL‐SOLUBLE PIGMENTS
Authors: Hunter R. F. , Grant Sheila A.
Published: April 2006

To estimate the proportion of the total dry matter of a herbage sample which arises either from dead or from green herbage, four methods have been compared. One of the methods, the pigmentation method, is described.
SOME ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF THE APPLICATION OF PHOSPHATES TO PERMANENT PASTURES IN IRELAND
Authors: Neenan M. , Murphy W. E. , Conway A.
Published: April 2006

During the years 1957 to 1959 a number of trials carried out at various centres throughout the country showed that the yield of Irish pastures could be greatly increased through the application of fertilizers. Phosphorus increased both yield and the protein content of herbage. The increase in yield was a linear function of the initial P status of the herbage. For the series as a whole, phosphorus increased the yield by approximately 20%, potassium by 7% and phosphorus and nitrogen by 45%. The national and sociological implications of these results are discussed.
THE RESPONSE OF SOME HILL PASTURE TYPES TO LIME AND PHOSPHATE
Authors: Robertson R. A. , Nicholson I. A.
Published: April 2006

A study was made of the responses of four upland soil‐ and vegetation‐types to applied lime and phosphate in the north of Scotland. Light and heavy dressings were used, the former at a rate which might be economically considered for aircraft application. Two experiments were laid down on graminaceous communities and two on contrasting types of Callunetum. The low rate of lime produced little measurable soil response, whereas the high rate induced marked and persistent effects. In terms of botanical response, however, the high rate of liming showed little advantage over the low rate in the presence of phosphate at the two grassland sites. Only very minor vegetation effects were observed at the Calluna centres, particularly where the community was in the mature stage. The results emphasize the importance of an ecological approach to upland pasture improvement, involving a knowledge of the specific responses of different plant communities to fertilizer application, combined with an appropriate measure of stock control.
THE EFFECT OF THE TIMING OF AMMONIUM NITRATE DRESSINGS ON THE HEADING OF S48 TIMOTHY (PHLEUM PRATENSE L.)
Authors: Stoddart J. L.
Published: April 2006

The response of single plants of Aberystwyth S48 timothy (Phleum pratense L.) to increasing rates of ammonium nitrate applied in the spring and autumn is described.

All spring treatments markedly increased the number of heads, as well as the total head‐length per plant, but autumn dressings had no significant effect. Percentage head‐length distribution was also greatly influenced by applications of nitrogenous fertilizer in the spring. Each higher rate of application gave a proportionate increase in the number of heads over 9 cm. in length, and a corresponding reduction in the frequency of those of 4 cm. or less. There was a positive correlation between head‐length and number of florets per unit length.

The results are discussed in terms of their relationship to current practices in managing timothy crops for seed.
THE PRODUCTION OF EARLY SPRING GRASS
Authors: Baker H. K. , Chard J. R. A. , Jenkins D. G.
Published: April 2006

The effects of autumn management and nitrogenous manuring on the production of early spring grass were studied from 1954 to 1957 on farms throughout England and Wales.

The most important management factor influencing spring yields was the application of spring nitrogen. In the early spring 6 to 10 lb. of dry matter were produced per lb. of nitrogen applied. Autumn nitrogen increased herbage yields in the auttimn by 8 to 17 lb. of dry matter per lb. of nitrogen applied.

Italian and perennial ryegrass responded well to autumn nitrogen but it was important to graze off the extra growth fairly quickly to prevent the sward becoming too open. The yield of ryegrass swards which received spring nitrogen were very much higher if they were grazed during the previous September and October than if they had been rested during those months.

In two years neither the autumn management nor alumni fertilizer appeared to influence the spring yields of cocksfoot, timothy or meadow fescue swards, in one year, however, when autumn growth was poor, autumn nitrogen and resting resulted in slightly better yields on these swards in the following spring.

It is suggested that resting swards during September and October to build up “reserves” is relatively unimportant in relation to the yields of grass in the following spring.
BENEFIT OF LEYS—STRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENT OR NITROGEN RESERVES
Authors: Clement C. R.
Published: April 2006

Although it has been widely established that increased crop yields follow leys sown on arable land, the relative importance of the many causative factors which may be involved is obseure. An attempt has been made to evaluate the influence of 3‐ to 4‐year leys on the organic matter in an arable soil and to distinguish also the relative importance of the resultant change in moisture‐holding capacity, crumb stability and the nitrogen status of the soil as factors in the yield of winter wheat.

An increase of about 4 tons per acre in total soil organic matter was recorded after 3 years under grazed swards. Moisture‐holding capacity increased by an amount equivalent to the evapo‐trans‐piration loss from a full plant cover on one summer day. An increase in crumb stability was largely confined to the top inch of soil, which is effectively buried when leys are ploughed.

The influence of variation in soil nitrogen status and in crumb stability on the yield of winter wheat after leys was examined by multiple regression analysis of data obtained over a number of yean from field experiments. After allowing for the effect of variation in the nitrogen status of the soil, the influence of variation in crumb stability was insignificant Conversely variation in the nitrogen status of soils, sampled under leys before ploughing, was closely correlated (r =+0.93***) with wheat yield.
THE ROLE OF GREEN SOILING IN THE ECONOMY OF THE DAIRY FARM
Authors: Moore Ian , Williams H. T.
Published: April 2006

With modern machinery and modem techniques of grass production, mechanical‐or zero‐grazing offers a means of utilizing the crop to perfection. Whether this results in enhanced profits depends largely upon the farm and the specific circumstances. It may, it may not. What is evident is that the health of the cows is not affected by an unnatural manner of summer feeding; the sward, per se, may be improved by the regular and uniform defoliation; and under conditions of intensive production and the vital need to use profitably every blade of grass, as for instance on small, highly‐rented farms, the practice of zero‐grazing merits the most careful consideration. It cannot lightly be dismissed as merely a new fad.
COMPARISONS OF GRASS VARIETIES FOR SURFACE SEEDING UPLAND PASTURE TYPES
Authors: Molinia I. , Pastures Nardus , Hughes R. , Nicholson I. A.
Published: April 2006

A series of experiments was laid down in 1957 on different upland vegetation types in Scotland to provide a basis of critical information on the performance of 18 herbage varieties. The present paper deals with results on areas dominated originally by Molinia and Nardus at Sourhope farm, Roxburghshire. Data obtained between 1957 and 1954 are discussal in relation to sward development, competition with remnants of native herbage and seasonal productivity.
A REVIEW OF SILAGE‐MAKING TECHNIQUES
Authors: Murdoch J. C.
Published: April 2006

One of the main problems associated with silage‐making is the wastage which occurs through either the use of unsuitable silos or lack of care in filling the silo. The nutrient losses caused by waste can be very high, a fact which is seldom recognized, and it is imperative that wastage should be kept to a minimum. There need be very little side‐waste when a container silo is properly filled, but surface waste is more of a problem, as applying and removing conventional sealing materials, such as soil or ground limestone, are laborious and costly. In many cases, however, the cost would be amply justified because of the quantity of silage which is wasted. Using plastic sheet as an airtight seal is a possible alternative, but it is not easy to ensure that it is completely airtight and the sheet is unlikely to be of use for more than one season. An increasing number of farmers are protecting their silage with permanent roofs, a practice which will lead to a general improvement in silage quality. Theoretically, however, the hermetically‐sealed tower silo is ideal from the point of view of protecting silage. The cost of this type of silo and of the ancillary equipment required is prohibitive, and it remains to be seen whether a relatively cheap form of gas‐tight silo can be evolved.

In future it is likely that the recommendation to allow a temperature rise to 90–100°F in silage will be ignored, as results from a number of trials clearly show that there is no advantage in doing this. Continuous filling of the silo, rather than filling in layers and allowing the mass to heat up, will allow a greater quantity of herbage to be ensiled in a given time, thus making it easier to ensile the herbage at the correct stage of growth.

In the past when an additive was used it was applied by hand, a very inefficient method of distribution. Silage‐making has become highly mechanized, and it is likely that mechanical application of additives will become much more popular.

The importance of the dry‐matter content of the herbage being ensiled will be more generally recognized. There are many benefits in pre‐wilting herbage before it is ensiled, and this treatment is well worth consideration. It is obviously undesirable to have a prolonged wilting period, and one technique which may be of some interest is cutting the crop with a flail‐harvester, allowing it to wilt and then picking up with a harvester. Cutting with a harvester gives a very much increased drying rate of the herbage, and the double lacerating action of the harvester in cutting and picking up results in short material which is easily handled and consolidated.
STUDIES ON THE ROOT DEVELOPMENT OF HERBAGE PLANTS
Authors: Baker H. K. , Garwood E. A.
Published: April 2006

Two cutting treatments were applied to a cocksfoot sward, and the changes in fructosan and soluble–sugar contents of the roots, stubble and herbage were studied over a complete year.

Both the soluble‐sugar and fructosan contents of roots were at a low level throughout the experiment. The total soluble carbohydrate in the roots never exceeded 4%. It is concluded that cocksfoot roots are not important storage regions for soluble carbohydrates.

The total soluble carbohydrate in herbage varied with season and reached a maximum of 10%. It was not affected by cuuing treatment.

In stubble the total stubble‐carbohydrate content fluctuated markedly with season and reached a maximum of 18% in October; it was generally higher on the infrequently‐cut swards than on those cut frequently. The soluble‐sugar content was small and changed little with season or cutting treatment; the fructosan content, however, varied from 2 to 16–6% and accounted for most of the changes in the soluble‐carbohydrate content. Stubble is apparently the major storage region for soluble carbohydrates in cocksfoot.

Under sward conditions, the quantity of soluble carbohydrates in the stubble of cocksfoot may have a positive effect on the herhage growth immediately after winter defoliation. However, when swards are actively growing in spring, other factors, such as tiller size and number, may be equally important in determining the amount of herbage recovery growth.
A LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR FREEZE‐DRYING HERBAGE SAMPLES
Authors: Bath I. H. , Budd R. T.
Published: April 2006

A laboratory apparatus has been constructed which makes use of a commercial compressor‐type refrigeration unit and enables fresh or previously‐frozen herbage samples to be freeze‐dried in trays. During drying the moisture content and temperature of the herbage have been determined and shown to be closely related.
THE EFFECT OF PHOTOPERIOD AND TEMPERATURE ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE ROOT AND SHOOT SYSTEMS OF LOLIUM PERENNE
Authors: Troughton Arthur
Published: April 2006

In controlled environment cabinets, root growth relative to shoot growth varied directly with the temperature within the range 50·–80·F. Increasing the photoperiod from 6 to 12 hours increased the root growth relative to shoot growth; additional hours of light had no further influence on this ratio. These results are discussed in relation to the maintenance of a balance between photosynthesis and the absorption of water and minerals.
ANTHILLS AND TERMITE MOUNDS IN PASTURES
Authors: Thomas A. S.
Published: April 2006

The distinctive vegetation of some anthills in chalk grasslands is shown diagrammatically, and some differences between the soils of anthills and those of the surrounding grasslands are discussed. The termite mounds of the tropics also have soils differing from those of the grasslands in which they are built; some harvester termites destroy areas of pasture: and the large mounds of fungus‐eating termites hinder mechanical cultivation. Temperate and tropical pastures benefit from control of ants and termites.
THE PERFORMANCE AND SURVIVAL OF CONTRASTING NATURAL POPULATIONS OF WHITE CLOVER WHEN PLANTED INTO AN UPLAND FESTUCA/AGROSTIS SWARD
Authors: Snaydon R. W. , Bradshaw A. D.
Published: April 2006

A technique is described for the assessment of white clover populations implanted as rooted cuttings into an upland Festuca/Agrostis sward.

Five natural populations of white clover, taken from widely different soils and habitat conditions, were tested by this technique on an acid soil, low in calcium and phosphate and just outside the natural limits of clover distribution.

Throughout the experiment, populations from acid upland soils showed a superior performance and a lower percentage mortality than did populations from lowland calcareous soils and from medium‐fertility soil at a very high altitude.

After two years, plants of the acidic populations alone remained alive, and of these only 19–25% of the number originally planted.

The order of performance in the natural sward was an almost complete reversal of the order of performance as spaced plants on a high‐fertility lowland soil.

The results indicate that the differential response to soil fertility factors, previously shown to exist between natural populations of white clover by soil‐ and sand‐culture techniques and by field fertilizer trials of spaced plants, became even more marked when the plants were subject to competition from native species.

The possibility of breeding white clover varieties adapted to acid upland conditions is discussed, particularly in relation to compatibility with native species.
DEFOLIATION AND MANURING OF PERENNIAL RYEGRASS (S24) FOR SEED PRODUCTION
Authors: Evans Gwilym
Published: April 2006

Autumn defoliation of the early perennial ryegrass, S24, expedited or delayed heading and increased or decreased the number of heads and seed yield, according to the age of the stand, winter conditions and previous management.

Nitrogen applied as late as anthesls significantly increased the seed yield of the first harvest crop, but the after‐effect on the next seed crop was not better than from an application made immediately after the first harvest. One application in spring was more effective than two in the previous summer and autumn.

Autumn defoliation influenced seed yield more strongly than the gross weight of the unthreshed crops.
PRODUCTIVITY, PERSISTENCE AND RESPONSE TO NITROGEN OF ITALIAN RYEGRASS VARIETIES
Authors: Hunt I. V.
Published: April 2006

The production of six varieties of Italian ryegrass was compared for three years by cutting 5 or 6 times during the growing season. All varieties showed falls in production of dry matter at high and low levels of N fertilization, but New Zealand HI and New Zealand Italian ryegrass showed significantly lower falls and gave top yields over the three years, in spite of severe frost damage in the first two. Crude protein and nitrogen absorption remained high at the lower level of fertilization (174–209 lb N/acre) and showed a fall only in the third year at the high level of N fertilization (348–418 lb N/acre).

The significance of the high response of the New Zealand varieties is discussed.
THE FEEDING VALUE OF SILAGE AND BARN DRIED HAY*
Authors: Culpin S.
Published: April 2006

This report deals with an experiment in which it was possible to follow a crop of grass through from the growing state in the field to its feeding performance as measured by the liveweight gain of bullocks. The objective was to compare what happened according to whether the first growth of the crop was made into silage or into barn‐dried hay.
THE PRODUCTION OF WINTER GRASS FROM A ROW CROP OF COCKSFOOT AND LUCERNE
Authors: Cowling D. W.
Published: April 2006

A crop of cocksfoot and lucerne in alternate rows was subjected to various autumn treatments for winter pasture. The yield of grass in winter, and the effect of autumn and winter treatments upon yield and composition in the following spring, are reported and discussed.

Maximum yield of winter grass was achieved by resting from an early date and applying nitrogenous fertilizer. The response to fertilizer applied in August and mid‐September for winter grass production was as good as that obtained on ordinary swards at other times of the year. To ensure an adequate yield in any year the crop would need to be rested from early August and to receive about 70 lb N per acre.

The spring growth of cocksfoot was distinctly retarded by cutting twice in winter, i.e. in November and February. Cutting once only had no such adverse effect.

Both cocksfoot and lucerne persisted satisfactorily. The use of nitrogenous fertilizer to promote autumn growth of grass did not greatly reduce the overall productivity of the lucerne.

The two species were complementary in the sense that, in combination, they maintained a high aggregate yield of herbage under a range of weather conditions in midsummer and in winter.
GULLE AS A GRASSLAND FERTILIZER
Authors: Herriott J. B. D. , Wells D. A.
Published: April 2006

An estimate was made of the fertilizer value of gülle for grassland under conditions in the East of Scotland. Organic nitrogen from liquid manure had an efficiency in herbage production about half that of inorganic nitrogen. The liquid manure was a rich source of potassium.

Generally, nitrogen response in this trial was low owing to the strong growth of clovers.
COPPER, MOLYBDENUM, MANGANESE AND IRON CONTENTS OF HERBAGE AS INFLUENCED BY FERTILIZER TREATMENTS OVER A THREE‐YEAR PERIOD
Authors: Hemingway R. G.
Published: April 2006

Results are given showing the effects of applying ammonium sulphate, superphosphate and muriate of potash on the micronutrient composition of herbage cut repeatedly at the silage stage over a 3‐year period. Grasses and clovers were separated before analysis.

Late‐season samples contained more copper, molybdenum, manganese and iron than early‐season samples. Clover contained more copper and iron but less molybdenum and manganese than grass.

Ammonium sulphate increased the amounts of copper, manganese and iron and reduced the levels of molybdenum in all years and at each time of sampling.

Superphosphate and muriate of potash had no material effects on micronutrient uptake.

There were appreciable differences in the levels of all four elements in each of the 3 years of the experiment.
THE INFLUENCE OF LEY MANAGEMENT ON EARTHWORM POPULATIONS
Authors: Heath G. W.
Published: April 2006

Results are given of 4 years’ sampling for earthworms on a ley management experiment. The ley was found to result in an increase in both weight and number of earthworms. There was some indication that the increase was greater under grazing treatments than it was under cutting treatments. The significance of this increase in terms of soil fertility and crop productivity is discussed.
PASTURE DEVELOPMENT IN THE BEEF CATTLE REGIONS OF ARGENTINA
Authors: Hawkins H. S. , Donald C. M.
Published: April 2006

An account is given of the climate, vegetation and native pastures of the beef‐cattle regions of Argentina. Though some of these native pastures have a satisfactory carrying capacity, most of them are defective in quality or low in productivity; there is considerable scope for increasing production through the establishment of sown pastures. Trials have been made with a wide range of grasses and legumes, principally of African and European origin. Though the pattern of species to be used in these regions is imperfectly resolved, the authors present a map showing tentative boundaries for temperate, sub‐tropical and tropical species. Work to date suggests that pasture development can probably proceed over great areas without the use of fertilizers, and this adds to the attractiveness of pasture programmes. A problem of no less importance than the technical aspects of pasture improvement is that of gaining a greater investment of capital into the development of cattle estancias.
THE USE OF GRAZING‐ANIMAL OBSERVATIONS IN THE EARLY STAGES OF PASTURE EVALUATION IN THE TROPICS
Authors: Joblin A. D. H.
Published: April 2006

The use of grazing‐time records for the estimation of grass species consumption was investigated in the context of two small‐plot grazing trials. It was found that sampling errors were significantly lower than those involved in the cutting techniques used and that a high level of repeatability of results could be obtained.

The overall correlations between fresh‐weight yield estimates from sample cuts and grazing records for individual plots were found to be 0·57*** and 0·72*** in the two trials. The bias that was introduced into some of the estimates of species yield appeared to be corrected through the use of palatability data.

It is concluded that the use of grazing‐time records for yield estimation amongst species of broadly similar growth habit may have a definite potential in tropical Africa, but that the method requires further testing before being widely adopted.
THE EFFECT OF WHITE CLOVER AND NITROGENOUS FERTILIZER ON THE PRODUCTION OF A SWARD
Authors: Cowling D. W.
Published: April 2006

Three‐year leys of cocksfoot/white clover and cocksfoot alone were dressed with 0, 35, 105 and 210 lb N per acre every year to provide information on the effect of clover and N on production.

Data from the grass‐alone swards allowed an estimate to be made of the effect of N on production at different cutting dates. This was compared with the effect of clover.

The effect of N was greater than that of clover in the mid‐ and late‐season cuts. Clover made its greatest contribution, both directly and indirectly, at the first cut, taken in May.

Under very dry conditions (1959), N was more effective than clover in maintaining production and the proportional response was large in relation to that produced under moist conditions.

The results are discussed with reference to the present seasonal use of N on grassland and an argument is advanced for increasing its use in mid‐season.
THE APPRAISAL OF GRASS VARIETIES BY THE STUDY OF SPACED PLANTS, 1950–58
Authors: Thomson J. R. , Sutton W. G.
Published: April 2006

General conclusions are drawn from the study of spaced plants of 29 varieties of Lolium perenne, 23 of Dactylis glomerata and 26 of Phleum pratense.

Highly significant correlations are established in each species between date of ear emergence and each of the characters, growth habit, stem length and aftermath shooting.

The classification of varieties proposed on the basis of the earlier trials by the spaced‐plant method is reviewed and revision in certain respects is proposed.

For each species the varieties are listed in order of ear emergence. New varieties tend to fill the gaps in such a sequence and in time there may be continuity from the earliest to the latest varieties. In such circumstances classification into clearly delineated groups would become impossible.
THE USE OF THE FORAGE HARVESTER IN THE IMPROVEMENT OF ROUGH GRAZING
Authors: Chippindale H. G. , Davies T. H.
Published: April 2006

Considerable improvement has been achieved in rough grazings by fairly frequent close mowing with the forage harvester or flail mower, particularly when combined with manuring and surface seeding.

The implement has proved capable of tackling very tough vegetation and converting it into grazing swards of fair value and good botanical composition. Undesirable species have been largely eliminated by treatment over two growing seasons.

The method is believed to compare favourably in cost with sward renovation by cultivation or by herbicides.
FERTILIZER USE ON GRASSLAND IN ENGLAND AND WALES
Authors: Boyd D. A. , Church B. M. , Hills Mary G.
Published: April 2006

The paper describes the use of fertilizers on grassland in England and Wales, as shown by surveys of fertilizer practice carried out during 1957–60.

About a third of the total consumption of N and K and almost half the total consumption of P is on grassland. Fertilizer use on leys has increased rapidly in recent years and the overall average rate of application is now of the order of 0·3 cwt N, P2O5 and K2O per acre per annum; permanent grass receives about half as much P and very much less N and K than the leys.

Generally speaking, consumption of N and K per acre of grassland was higher in arable districts than in livestock‐farming areas, and on dairy farms than on rearing and feeding farms. However, rearing and feeding farms received more P per acre of grass (in particular, more basic slag) than arable farms. Little farmyard manure was used on grassland in the arable districts, whereas in the dairy counties of the western half of England and in Wales it formed a substantial part of the total plant nutrients supplied to grassland, particularly on fields mown for hay.

The paper also gives information on types of fertilizers used and the timing of fertilizer applications to grassland. All but about a fifth of the nitrogen used on grassland was applied between February and April.
THE USE OF RUMEN‐FISTULATED STEERS IN THE DIRECT DETERMINATION OF NUTRITIVE VALUE OF INGESTED HERBAGE IN GRAZING EXPERIMENTS
Authors: Tayler J. C. , Deriaz R. E.
Published: April 2006

A rumen‐fistulated steer was used for the manual collection of samples of freshly swallowed herbage, in a grazing‐management experiment on a perennial ryegrass sward. Diurnal and seasonal changes in the in vitro digestibility of the herbage selected by the grazing animal were studied under both strip‐ and continuous‐grazing methods of management.

There was no appreciable change in digestibility as the sward was grazed down from upper to lower layers under strip‐grazing management in April and May. In June to October a within‐day fall in digestibility was found, much of which was attributable to an increase in the amount of old dead herbage grazed from the lower regions of the sward. Dead herbage taken in by the grazing steer was considerably lower in digestibility in August than in May. The in vitro digestibility of herbage samples, cut to ground level before and after grazing in a strip‐grazed treatment, fell markedly as the proportion of dead herbage in the sample increased, giving a high negative correlation.

In a continuous‐grazing management there was no pattern of diurnal variation, and the seasonal variation in digestibility of the ingested herbage was less than in strip grazing. The implications of these results are discussed in relation to indirect methods of digestibility determination (faecal‐index technique), the measurement of herbage intake, and to some aspects of grazing management.
STUDIES ON THE MAGNESIUM CONTENT OF MIXED HERBAGE AND SOME INDIVIDUAL GRASS AND CLOVER SPECIES
Authors: Jones Edryd
Published: April 2006

The magnesium contents of mixed herbage and four individual grass and clover species were studied under four treatments—control, magnesium sulphate, magnesian limestone and carboniferous limestone.

The magnesium values were lowest in the spring and early summer and then increased to maximum values by the autumn. The seasonal variations, however, differed appreciably from year to year.

The effect of magnesian limestone on the magnesium content of mixed herbage was relatively small in the year of application, but increased during the following years and reached a maximum in the fourth year after application. The increase in magnesium uptake from the magnesium sulphate treatment was small after the first year, whilst carboniferous limestone slightly depressed the magnesium content. This depression, however, was very small and probably of no practical significance.

The magnesium content of red clover was about 50% higher than that of Italian ryegrass, cocksfoot and white clover. In the second year after application magnesian limestone had a much greater effect on the magnesium content of the clovers than on that of the grasses.
THE PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF POPULATION DENSITY IN GRASS‐SEED PRODUCTION
Authors: Langer R. H. M. , Lambert D. A.
Published: April 2006

The constituent factors of seed yield in herbage grasses are outlined, and the need for a greater knowledge of the effect of population density on the physiological processes involved in seed production is indicated.
APPLICATIONS OF THE TWO‐STAGE IN VITRO DIGESTIBILITY METHOD TO VARIETY TESTING
Authors: Dent J. W.
Published: April 2006

The in vitro digestibility method described by Tilley and Terry (5) has been applied to varieties of kale, rape, flat poll cabbage, clover, lucerne and silage maize in trials at the National Institute of Agricultural Botany. Several small modifications of the method are described. The method was developed originally for grass and had not previously been used for the brassicas and maize. Steps taken to check in vitro against in vivo results are described briefly in the appendix.

The digestible dry‐matter content of the leaf in kale and rape was constant at about 80% but that of the stem varied over a wide range. Varietal differences were found, while a significant negative correlation was established between digestible dry matter and crude fibre. Some difficulties were encountered in applying the method to maize.
THE POTENTIAL VALUE OF SILAGE EFFLUENT AS A FERTILIZER
Authors: Purves D. , McDonald P.
Published: April 2006

Results of the analysis for dry‐matter, nitrogen and major base content of 9 silage effluents obtained from farm silos and 3 effluents from experimental tower silos are presented. The mean values obtained for the principal plant nutrients in the 12 effluents examined were 0·19% N, 0·037% P and 0·38% K. The results indicate that effluents may be a useful source of plant nutrients, particularly when undiluted with rainwater, and that, in general, silage effluents appear to be superior to liquid manure in manurial value.
THE EFFECTS OF MUIRBURNING MOLINIA‐DOMINANT COMMUNITIES
Authors: Grant Sheila A. , Hunter R. F. , Cross C.
Published: April 2006

The effect of muirburn (that is, periodic burning of rough land) on Molinia caerulea dominant communities of south‐east Scotland has been studied. The weight of burnable litter has been assessed at 1809 lb dry matter/acre and the chemical composition of this DM as SFA 0·64%, P2O5 0·23%, CaO 0·13%, MgO 0·05%, and K2O 0·19%. Data are also given on the chemical composition of Molinia leaf from both burnt and unburnt areas. The effect of burning, of raking off the litter and of manurial applications on the growth of Molinia and on the botanical composition of the sward is reported, as is the effect of different frequencies of burning. The agronomic value of muirburning is discussed. In the opinion of the authors the practice of muirburning Molinia is not be to recommended unless the burned areas are closely grazed.
A COMPARISON OF SILAGE AND BARN‐DRIED HAY FOR BEEF PRODUCTION
Authors: Kerr J. A. M. , Morrison J. , Brown W. O.
Published: April 2006

Three trials were carried out to compare the feeding value of silage and barn‐dried hay for fattening bullocks of approximately 8 cwt initial body weight. In each case the silage and hay were cut from the same sward at the same time. In the first trial the bullocks fed on hay gained 1·88 lb/day while those self‐fed on silage gained 1·55 lb/day during a 70‐day feeding period. In the second trial of 70 days, the bullocks fed on hay gained 1·96 lb/day and those fed on silage from a trough gained 2·39 lb/day. In the third trial, individually‐fed bullocks housed in stalls and given the same hay and silage as used in Trial 2 gained 123 lb/day on hay and 127 lb/day on silage. The significance of these results is discussed in relation to the findings of other workers.
THE INFLUENCE OF FERTILIZER ON THE WINTER SURVIVAL OF INTERMEDIATE WHEATGRASS FOLLOWING A LONG PERIOD OF DROUGHT
Authors: Lawrence T.
Published: April 2006

In Saskatchewan, intermediate wheatgrass (Agropyron intermedium Host. Beauv.) suffered severe winter injury during the 1961–2 winter season, which followed a series of drought years, the most severe being 1961. In two tests, designed to study fertilizer effects, the extent of severe winter injury increased with the rate of application. The killing ranged from 4% where no fertilizer was applied to 90% where 66 lb of N per acre were applied. Slightly more winter‐killing occurred after applications of ammonium phosphate/sulphate (16‐20‐0) fertilizer than after ammonium nitrate (33·5‐0‐0).

The grass growing in rows 36 in. apart killed out to a greater extent than that growing in rows 18 in apart Less winter injury occurred after spring applications of fertilizer than after application in the fall.
THE EFFECT OF IRRIGATION AND STOCKING RATE ON THE OUTPUT FROM A SWARD
Authors: Bone J. S. , Tayler R. S.
Published: April 2006

The dairy‐cow results are presented from an experiment in which the response to grass irrigation was measured at two stocking rates. The method and herbage results have already been described (1).

Over two years, with an average application rate of 5·5 in of water per year, the main effect of irrigation was to increase the number of grazing days obtained by 35%. Neither yield per cow nor milk quality was significantly affected by the treatments.

The data emphasize the importance of high stocking rates for the full exploitation of irrigation. The practical implications of the results are discussed; they suggest that in the right circumstances of herd potential and grassland management, irrigation for milk production can be highly profitable.
A STUDY OF WILTING CONDITIONS IN SOUTH‐WEST ENGLAND
Authors: Taylor Anne
Published: April 2006

Moisture losses from swaths of long herbage were recorded on eleven occasions in May, June and September, in order to supply data on which to base advice on making prewilted silage. Mowing in the late afternoon and picking up the following afternoon and mowing in the morning and picking up in mid‐afternoon both resulted in losses averaging 9·6%. These losses occurred in fairly dry weather throughout the season, even when it was cloudy and cool. Mowing in the late afternoon and picking up next morning, before dew or overnight rain had evaporated, resulted in negligible losses, averaging only 2·4%.
GÜLLE AS AGRASSLAND FERTILIZER
Authors: Herriott J. B. D. , Wells D. A. , Crooks P.
Published: April 2006

A further report is made of work on the fertilizer value of gülle for grassland. Organic N had an efficiency in grass production about 84% of that of inorganic N.

The gülle used in this trial was particularly rich in available N and K. The abundance of K in gülle may require balancing with supplementary N in order to achieve efficient utilization of plant nutrients. Potassium/magnesium relationships in the nutrition of the grass plant are discussed.
THE USE OF GRAZING CONTROL FOR INTENSIVE FAT‐LAMB PRODUCTION
Authors: Broadbent P. J.
Published: April 2006

The effects of three stocking rates on fat‐lamb production were examined. These stocking rates were imposed upon four grazing systems. The grazing managements had no significant1 effects upon the rate of liveweight gain or the total liveweight of lamb produced per acre, nor were the ewes’ liveweights significantly affected. Reasons are suggested. The lambs’ rate of liveweight gain was related negatively and the total liveweight of lamb produced per acre was related positively to stocking rate. The ewes’ liveweights were similarly affected, there being the highest losses of liveweight under the high stocking rate. In all cases significant differences existed between the stocking rates and there was a significant linear relationship between them. It is concluded that high stocking rates are essential to obtain the maximum fat‐lamb production on a ‘per acre’ basis.
THE USE OF GRAZING CONTROL FOR INTENSIVE FAT‐LAMB PRODUCTION
Authors: Broadbent P. J.
Published: April 2006

Three grazing managements (set stocking, 4‐paddock rotation, 8‐paddock rotation), each with an undivided lateral creep area, were studied. Each of these managements carried 2 stocking rates (6 ewes and twin lambs per acre, 10 ewes and twin iambs per acre) and the sub‐divided managements were grazed at 2 severities of grazing.

Stocking rate had a major effect upon the lambs' liveweights but did not significantly affect the ewes’ liveweights. Lambs on set‐stocking managements had a significantly higher rate of liveweiglit gain than lambs on managements with sub‐divided ewe areas. Under lax grazing, for much of the experimental period, the lambs had a significantly higher rate of liveweight gain and the ewes had significantly higher liveweights than under severe grazing.
THE SAMPLING OF PIT SILAGE TO DETERMINE DENSITY AND DRY MATTER
Authors: Baker R. D. , Baker H. K.
Published: April 2006

Tools and technique for sampling pit silage to determine dry matter and density are described.
ANIMAL PREFERENCE IN RELATION TO THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND DIGESTIBILITY OF VARIETIES OF COCKSFOOT
Authors: Bland B. F. , Dent J. W.
Published: April 2006

Assessments of animal preference (measured as mean % herbage removed) were made on varieties of cocksfoot in Yorkshire and in Scotland, and parallel chemical analyses were carried out. A similar range of varieties were examined at progressive stages of spring growth at Cambridge. In vitro digestibility tests were made also. In the Yorkshire trials, a significant positive relationship was established between soluble carbohydrates and animal preference and a negative correlation between fibre and animal preference. In Scotland, the relationship between soluble carbohydrate and animal preference was less pronounced. Animal preference in the spring was for the early varieties which have thick and succulent stems up to the stage of ear emergence. In the aftermath animal preferences were less marked.

In trials at Cambridge, the early varieties, notably Scotia, were higher than the late varieties both in digestibility and in soluble carbohydrates. This tendency was also present in Scotland but was less pronounced.
SOME FACTORS AFFECTING THE INTAKE OF ROUGHAGE BY SHEEP
Authors: Murdoch J. C.
Published: April 2006

The dry‐matter intake of silage was increased when the silage had a higher dry‐matter content and when the time of access to the silage was increased from 3 to 24 h. Concentrate supplementation had a greater influence in depressing the intake of hay than that of silage. Only a small difference was observed in the replacement of hay by concentrates when the concentrates were given with two hays of different dry‐matter digestibility. Concentrates with a relatively high protein content depressed roughage intake to a lesser extent than concentrates with a low protein content.