bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A system for the trough feeding of supplements to grazing sheep
Authors: Tulloh NM , Watson MJ , Burnell DA
Published: March 2005

An attempt was made to devise a new system of trough ,feeding a supplement to grazing sheep. A summer grazing experiment is described in which sheep were allotted to the following treatments :- 1. Dry pasture (control group). 2. Dry pasture, some of which was sprayed with a mixture of urea and molasses ( UM group). 3. Dry pasture supplemented with a home-made block (group A ) fed ad libitum. The block contained urea, molasses-yeast fermentation distillers solubles, common salt, and finely ground wheat grain. 4. Dry pasture supplemented with another home-made block of similar composition to that wed in group A except that it contained no urea (group B) fed ad libitum. Both blocks were prepared by pouring the food mixtures into a trough, spraying them with water, stirring, and allowing the resultant mass to settle. The mean body weight changes in each group between November 23, 1961, and March 27, 1962, were :-Control : -12.7 kg, UM : -7.0 kg, A : -2.5 kg, B : -2.6 kg. The differences between treatments were all statistically significant (P<0.001) except for the A and B treatments which were not significantly different from each other. There was no significant difference in wool production between the groups. The mean daily faecal dry matter outputs of six sheep in each treatment during the final week of a three week collection period, were :-Control : 454g, UM : 540g, A : 607g, B : 536g. These faecal outputs indicated that all three supplements stimulated grazing intakes.
Sugar cane trials at the Kimberley Research Station in north-western Australia
Authors: Lee LC , Chapman JL , Basinski JJ
Published: March 2005

Preliminary investigations into the possibilities of cane growing in the Ord River area of the East Kimberleys were carried out between 1950 and 1957. Special attention was given to variety comparison, time of planting, and fertilizer requirements. Results showed that the crop is well adapted to the environmental conditions of the area. The weighted mean yield for all experiments and treatments, including plant crops, first ratoons, and second and third ratoons, was over 30 tons an acre for each harvest, with a sugar yield of 4.25 tons an acre per harvest. Variety trials indicated that Pindar was the most promising variety. Time of planting trials showed that delay in planting after April tends to reduce yields, the magnitude of the reduction depending on variety. Responses to both nitrogen and phosphate were recorded in fertilizer trials. In addition to rainfall, about 20 irrigations totalling 60 inches were needed to ensure satisfactory cane growth. No major pest and disease problems were encountered.
Seed treatment with systemic insecticides for the control of red-legged earth mite (Halotydeus destructor)
Authors: Wallace MMH
Published: March 2005

Successful control of the red-legged earth mite, Halotydeus destructor (Tuck.) (Acarina : Eupodidae) was achieved by treating subterranean clover, vetch, and pea seed with systemic insecticides before sowing. The most satisfactory measure of dosage was the quantity of insecticide per unit area of seed surface. Residual action in peas for up to one month after sowing was achieved with dimethoate, metyl demeton, phorate powder, and phorate liquid at dosages of 0.3, 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 grams per .square metre of seed surface respectively. A t these dosages, seedling emergence of peas was reduced by two to seven per cent. Phorate inhibited the germination of cereals to a greater extent than it did legumes. These insecticides may kill the nodulating bacteria of legumes and this is a potential difficult in their use. Dimethoate appeared to be less toxic than either methyl demeton or phorate. Stimulation of bacterial growth can also occur at certain dosages. This problem needs further investigation.
Some responses to lime on established pastures
Authors: Barrow NJ
Published: March 2005

A survey of the pH of samples of Coolup sand under pastures of various ages showed that pastures which had been sown for more than 10 years had pH (CaCl2) values lower than 4.5. This is equivalent to about 5.2 for pH determined with a soil: water ratio of 1 : 5. The lowest value recorded was pH (CaCl2) 4.0 for a pasture about 30 years old. The pH (CaCl2) of virgin samples of this soil was found to be about 5.0. Application of 1 ton an acre of ground limestone to old pastures increased total yields by an average of 26 per cent in the year of application. The increased yield was probably not due to increased availability of molybdenum, phosphorus, sulphur, potassium or calcium. Decreased toxicity of manganese or of aluminium are explanations which could not be disproved on the present data but the explanation considered to be most probable was increased availability of soil nitrogen.
The performance of three Australian wheat varieties at high levels of nitrogen supply
Authors: Barley KP , Naidu NA
Published: March 2005

The response of Gabo, Javelin 48, and Bencubbin 48 to nitrogen fertilizers has been compared and changes in soil water and mineral nitrogen contents during the growing season described. Field experiments were conducted on a red brown earth at low and moderate fertility levels in wet and in dry seasons. Nitrogen fertilizer increased tillering early in the season, the greatest increase being shown by Bencubbin. In three of four experiments application of nitrogen led to earlier depletion of soil water, and high rates (60 lb an acre, 120 lb an acre of nitrogen) reduced the grain yield. Gabo was less affected than the other two varieties. On low fertility sites each fertilizer increment produced a considerable increase in grain nitrogen percentage.
A simple flow-metering device for use in flood irrigation experiments
Authors: Baxter RI
Published: March 2005

A flow-metering device has been developed for the measurement of rate of flow of water for flows up to one cubic foot per second from surface irrigation channels on to flood-irrigated land with a head difference less than six inches. Approach flow conditions do not affect the relation between rate of flow and head loss across the meter within the degree of accuracy required. A simple version of this meter is cheap to construct and gives adequate accuracy.
Chemical constituents in the blood and liver of a sample of normal pigs
Authors: Wilkie WJ , Irving EA
Published: March 2005

Samples of blood and liver from 101 bacon pigs of known histories were analyzed for calcium, magnesium, vitamin A, carotene, sodium chloride, alkaline phosphatase, phosphorus, copper, and zinc contents of the blood and copper, cobalt, zinc, manganese, and vitamin A contents of the liver. The mineral, trace element, and vitamin A status of a sample of normal bacon pigs varied within wide limits. The results have been analyzed to show the effect of season and of type of ration. Although the subdivision of the results by season and type of ration does not give results which lie outside the ranges bounded by the mean and standard deviations of the sample, it indicates that these factors may be related to the wide ranges obtained for many of the constituents. These parameters should therefore be considered in the evaluation of the results of tests used in diagnostic work.
The effect of age at castration and of testosterone propionate on weight gains and carcass measurements of steers
Authors: Tulloh NM , Romberg B , Seebeck RM
Published: March 2005

In one experiment studying the effects of delaying castration of bull calves from four or five months until eight months of age, under grazing conditions, there were significant differences in relative growth rate and body weights, while in another experiment, carried out at the same location in a later year, there were no differences, thus indicating a wide variability between years. In the second experiment an earlier castration (at approximately one month) was included, and some of the calves castrated at one month and at four months were implanted with testosterone propionate. There were significant differences in eye muscle area, but no differences in relative growth rates, body weights, and fat depth over eye muscle, between the group castrated at one month and those castrated at four or eight months, and between those with and without testosterone. It was concluded that testosterone secretion before puberty is of some biological importance.
A comparison of the production of F1 and F2 Border Leicester × Merino ewes
Authors: Pattie WA , Smith MD
Published: March 2005

A comparison has been made of the production characteristics of 255 F1 and 288 F2 Border Leicester x Merino ewes. These sheep comprised a total drop of ewes born in a breed establishment trial in March-April 1960. There were no significant differences between the means of each group of ewes for the following characters : 18 month body weight, mutton score, fleece and breech score, yield, staple length, crimps per inch, fibre diameter, follicle density, ratio of primary to total follicles, and wool colour and character. The F1 ewes had significantly heavier greasy and clean fleece weights and showed significant though only slightly greater face cover scores. There was no significant increase in the variation of any character studied, in the F2 ewes. It is considered that these results are reasonable when the nature of inheritance of production characters, and their susceptibility to environment are considered. On the other hand the variance of horn growth, which is controlled by a few major genes, increased considerably in the F2 ewes. There was a large (40 per cent) and significant drop in fertility in the F2 ewes brought about by a drop in the number of wet ewes and multiple births, and an increase in lamb losses. The significance of these findings in relation to crossbreeding and breed establishment is discussed.
The measurement of seasonal wool production - a comparison between midside sampling and a dye-banding technique
Authors: Clark NT , Kohn GD
Published: March 2005

A comparison has been made between the dye-band technique and the conventional method of clipping a measured midside patch. Comparative growth rates as estimated by each method are closely similar.
Residues in milk and body fat of cattle grazed on pastures treated with dieldrin
Authors: Hudson WJ , Gilbert WS , Swain FG , Braithwaite BM , Jane A
Published: March 2005

Residues of dieldrin in the milk and body fat of cattle grazed on pastures sprayed or dusted with 1 lb dieldrin an acre were determined. Cattle were grazed on treated pastures immediately or three weeks after dieldrin was applied. Grazing was either continuous or restricted to two hours a day. Samples of milk for analysis of dieldrin were taken at weekly intervals for 3-4 months after treatment of pastures. Composite samples from the renal, omental, and subcutaneous fat of cattle were analyzed for dieldrin 9-13 weeks after the commencement of grazing on treated pastures. Dieldrin in milk and body fat was analyzed by modifying the colorimetric method of Cueto. Samples were saponified with ethanol and potassium hydroxide, the unsaponified matter extracted into petroleum ether and the whole sample chromatographed on an alumina column. Colour estimations were made with a recording spectrophotometer and the absorbances obtained, converted to �g dieldrin. The method detected at least 20 �g pure dieldrin. Dieldrin was found in milk and body fat regardless of the grazing practice or the formulation of dieldrin used. Residues were low when cattle were restricted to two hours grazing a day beginning three weeks after the application of dieldrin and were lower with dieldrin applied as a dust than as a spray.
The effect of daily photoperiod on the wool growth of Merino rams subjected to unrestricted and restricted feeding regimes
Authors: Williams AJ
Published: March 2005

Twelve adult Merino rams were divided into two groups matched for body weight and previous fleece weights. One group was subjected to a reversed and accentuated rhythm of seasonal changes in day length. The second group received normal seasonal changes in day length (latitude 32�s). There was no temperature control for either group. For eighteen months, these rams were fed a constant ration ad lib. Daily food intakes and wool growth from a tattooed mid-side patch were recorded. Although the periodic differences in wool growth were very highly significant (P<0.001), no well defined rhythm of wool growth was expressed. There was a highly significant treatment x period interaction (P<0.001). Examination of daily food intake values revealed very highly significant period interaction ; due to a positive relation between day length and food intake during part of the eighteen months. In each treatment group, 75 per cent of the period variation in wool growth could be accounted for by variations in food intake. During a further period of fifteen months, when all rams received the same quantity of a constant diet, there was a progressive loss of body weight which amounted to 18 per cent of the initial weight in each group. The wool growth responses of the two groups were similar, and there was no significant interaction term. The very highly significant period variation in wool growth was confined largely to the first three months following the decreased intake. It appears that temperature and day length have little direct effort on wool growth of Merino sheep. However, day length may influence wool growth indirectly through its effect on voluntary food intake.
Early weaning of Merino lambs during drought
Authors: Franklin MC , Briggs PK , McClymont GL
Published: March 2005

Merino lambs were weaned successfully at an early age by complete hand feeding on simple mixtures of roughage and grain.Significantly heavier losses occurred in groups weaned when 4 weeks old than in those weaned when 6, 8 and 12 weeks old.Mean birth and weaning weights of lambs that survived were significantly greater than mean weights of lambs that died after weaning.There was no significant difference between mean growth rates of lambs after weaning or between mean final body weights of lambs in the various groups at 22 weeks of age.The minimum weaning weight for survival of Merino lambs weaned under pen-feeding conditions appears to be about 7 kg. In subsequent field observations, using the pen-feeding technique for early weaning, it was shown that Merino lambs could be weaned successfully under drought conditions at ages ranging from 8 to 16 weeks.
The response of Phalaris tuberosa and other grasses to seasonal heavy stocking on the southern tablelands of New South Wales
Authors: Biddiscombe EF
Published: March 2005

Seven perennial grasses were evaluated for animal production and for persistence, when stocked heavily in summer or winter with young Merino wethers. The commercial strain of Phalaris tuberosa L., which is sown commonly in south-eastern Australia and is often low yielding during summer and winter, was taken as the standard. At first, the productivity of Bromus inernis Leyss. in summer and Dactylis glomerata L. (Brignoles strain) in winter was reflected in higher liveweight and wool yields for these seasons. This advantage over Phalaris was lost when the Bromus pasture weakened in the third summer and the Dactylis in the third winter. The latter sward revived by natural regeneration from seed, whereas P. tuberosa developed and maintained a dense sward of the original plants. On this evidence Bromus and Dactylis are possible replacements for Phalaris for specific seasonal purposes, but management to retain vigorous swards still needs study. These aspects are discussed.
Field studies on the potassium and phosphorus nutrition of lupins
Authors: Gladstones JS , Leach BJ , Drover DP , Asher CJ
Published: March 2005

Evidence was obtained that Lupinus angustifolius absorbs less potassium from the soil than L. digitatus or L. luteus, and that it is more susceptible to potassium deficiency. More limited data pointed to a similar difference between species in regard to phosphorus. Observation of lupins and subterranean clover growing together on a potassium-deficient soil indicated that all three lupin species are more tolerant of potassium deficiency than subterranean clover. Possible mechanisms for the species differences are discussed.
Crimp in wool - the incidence of abnormal staple crimp within individual flocks
Authors: Chapman RE , Short BF
Published: March 2005

Fleeces of Polwarth and Corriedale, and of fine-wool, medium-wool, and strong-wool Merino sheep in 13 commercial flocks and 3 experimental flocks in five Australian States were graded for abnormality of staple crimp. The incidence of abnormally crimped fleeces in individual flocks ranged from 26 to 96 per cent, and within each flock the frequency varied considerably with age. This survey suggests that as much as 10 per cent of the Australian wool clip may have some crimp abnormality. Evidence of an effect of flock husbandry was a higher incidence of abnormally crimped fleeces amongst spring-mated than amongst autumn-mated ewes in a flock at Trangie, N.S.W. Differences in the availability of feed at times of increased requirement may have been responsible. In several flocks fleeces that exhibited superimposed secondary waves (over-crimping) generally had higher crimp frequencies than normally crimped fleeces, but not always correspondingly smaller fibre thickness. In all flocks doggy fleeces had substantially lower crimp frequencies and frequently greater fibre thicknesses than normally crimped fleeces.
Sow and litter performance studies in Queensland
Authors: Todd ACE
Published: March 2005

The food consumption, weight changes, and performance of sows and their litters was recorded in herds at three research stations in Queensland. The studies involved different breeds and were based on results from a four year period ending in March 1963. The food consumption during gestation had a highly significant influence on the body weight of the sows at all points in their reproductive cycle and also influenced the average birthweight of the pigs. Other nonsignificant trends are also examined and details of performance outlined.
The effect of frequency of picking on the yield and quality of raingrown cotton at Katherine, N.T
Authors: Basinski JJ , Phillips LJ , Norman MJT
Published: March 2005

In an experiment at Katherine, N.T., in 1963, the yield and quality of raingrown cotton harvested once, twice, and thrice was compared, Delaying the harvest and taking off all the crop in a single pick had very little effect on the yield and quality of lint in comparison with more frequent picking.
The effect of vernalization on the heading of Wimmera ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) and on five cultivars of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)
Authors: Silsbury JH
Published: March 2005

The responses of annual and perennial ryegrass to 0, 6, and 12 weeks artificial seed vernalization were determined by recording the percentages of plants heading and the leaf numbers at heading for populations of 40 plants grown in a glasshouse under continuous light. All plants of the annual L. rigidum headed without vernalization but the vernalized plants headed at a much lower leaf number than did the unvernalized controls. At least six weeks of cold treatment were needed for complete induction of the five cultivars of L. perenne examined. The vernalization responses of cultivars of Mediterranean origin were similar to those of the Australian Colac. It was shown that late heading in L. perenne is not always associated with a large cold requirement and it is suggested that photoperiod may be an important factor controlling heading of ryegrass in southern Australia.
The effects of composition of the atmosphere and the length of storage on the development of brown heart in Williams Bon Chretian pears held in polyethylene bags
Authors: Roberts EA , Scott KJ , Wills RBH
Published: March 2005

The onset of brown heart was studied in Williams Bon Chretien pears stored in polyethylene bags for various periods at 30�F and subsequently held at 68�F for seven days. During storage at 30�F the carbon dioxide contents of the atmospheres inside the bags varied from 3.4 to 7.1 per cent and the oxygen levels varied from 6.5 to 18.7 per cent. The proportion of pears with brown heart has been related quantitatively to storage period and concentrations of carbon dioxide and oxygen within the bag. The average incidence of brown heart increased linearly from about 9 per cent after 56 days to about 51 per cent after 118 days. The incidence of brown heart increased with increasing levels of carbon dioxide and fell as oxygen levels rose.
Skin folds and Merino breeding. 1. The net reproductive rates of flocks selected for and against skin fold
Authors: Dun RB
Published: March 2005

Single character selection flocks-Folds Plus (selection for high fold score) and Folds Minus (selection for low fold score)-were established at Trangie in 1951 from a Peppin Merino flock. The Trangie environment over the period 1951 to 1960 has been described relative to the management of these experimental flocks. An analysis of the vital statistics for the first nine joinings showed a net reproductive rate (the number of 19 month old replacement ewes produced by a ewe in her lifetime) for Folds Plus of 1.248 compared with 2.270 for Folds Minus. This resulted from the Folds Minus flock having a higher percentage of ewes wet and twins mothered, from it having lower mortality rates of young sheep between birth and mothering, between mothering and weaning, and between weaning and 19 months, as well as from it having lower death and casting rates of mature ewes. An analysis of the relative importance of each component of net reproductive rate (N) in contributing to the difference between the Folds flocks (percentage deviation technique) showed :- 1. Twenty eight per cent of the difference could be ascribed to wet ewes (W) and nine per cent to twinning (M) a total of 37 per cent from lambs born per ewe mated (L). 2. Differential survival rate of lambs between birth and 19 months (S) contributed 36 per cent, made up of 17 per cent birth to mothering (Sm), 11 per cent mothering to weaning (Sw), and 8 per cent weaning to 19 months (Sj). 3. The remaining 27 per cent was contributed by the annual wastage of breeding ewes as this affected the number of times a ewe is joined in her lifetime (J). This component was further divided into 16 per cent from death rate (D) and 11 per cent from casting rate (C).
The effects of castration and of the poll gene on prime lamb production
Authors: Pattie WA , Godlee AC , Bouton PE
Published: March 2005

During 1961 and 1962 experiments were conducted at Tamworth Agricultural Research Station to evaluate the effect of several castration treatments and of the poll gene on prime lamb production. Ram lambs and lambs sterilized by removal of the cauda epididymis had significantly heavier live weights at 16 weeks of age than did partially castrated lambs (half of each testis removed). These in turn were significantly heavier than wethers and ewes. Among single lambs, rams and sterilized rams had carcasses that were nine per cent heavier than those of wether and ewe lambs (P<0.01). With twins this difference was reduced to 1.3 per cent for wethers (n.s.) and eight per cent for ewes (P<0.05). The average carcass weight of partially castrated lambs was between these two groups. Mean horn volumes and preputial adhesion scores suggested that these lambs had less endogenous androgen than rams and sterilized lambs. All single lamb carcasses were classed as First Grade. There were no significant differences in the number of twin lambs that were down-graded in each treatment. Fifty-four per cent of the ram and sterilized ram carcasses were classed as Ram and would be subject to a price penalty regardless of their carcass grade. Taste panel tests of meat from the hind legs of wether and sterilized ram carcasses showed that the sterilized ram meat was slightly more acceptable. There were no significant differences in live weight, carcass weight or carcass grade between polled and horned lambs.
A preliminary trial on the effect of topdressing and cultivation on lucerne production on Mallee sandhills
Authors: Amor RL , Mann AP
Published: March 2005

Under the conditions typical of the area sown to lucerne in the Victorian Mallee, an annual application of superphosphate at 90 lb an acre resulted in a 92 per cent increase in winter production and a 44 per cent increase in summer production. There were only small differences due to time of application; autumn application favouring winter production and spring application favouring summer production. Summer production of lucerne was nearly three times the winter production in the absence of fertilizer, and double the winter production when superphosphate was applied. There was no benefit from annual cultivation except for a slight improvement in summer production of lucerne which had been topdressed in autumn.
Variation in flowering time and in some growth characteristics of Townsville lucerne (Stylosanthes humilis)
Authors: Cameron DF
Published: March 2005

Significant variation (P<0.001) in flowering time was found between collections of Townsville lucerne (Styloanthes humilisHBK.) from a number of localities in Queensland and the Northern Territory. Collections also varied in plant diameter, growth habit, stem colour, and degree of hard-seededness. Further avenues of study to elucidate the origin and significance of this variation are briefly discussed.
Estimation of soil drainage losses following irrigation
Authors: Bartels LF
Published: March 2005

Soil moisture data, collected in the course of a field trial with flood irrigated perennial pasture on a red-brown earth, are used to present a water balance from which soil drainage losses can be estimated. Both water intake, and water storage in the root zone one or two days after irrigation, were related to the pre-irrigation water storage (S,). Substitution of the calculated regression relationships in the water balance equation led to an expression for water losses in terms of S, and evapotranspiration. As the latter is of the same order as tank evaporation (E) for several days after irrigation, it was possible to express soil drainage losses in terms of S, and E. The results indicate that it is difficult to prevent water loss by deep percolation, if irrigating this soil for optimum pasture production.
The nature of available phosphorus in some acid pasture soils and a comparison of estimating procedures
Authors: McLachlan KD
Published: March 2005

Several methods of evaluating the phosphorus status of soils for the growth of pasture plants were compared. NaHCO3 and NH4F in HCl were the most suitable extractants used. On these soils, differing widely in origin and fertilizer history, phosphorus values of 30 p.p.m, as determined by three of the methods distinguished responsive from unresponsive soils. For the other, the bicarbonate method of Olsen et al. (1954), the corresponding value was 15 p.p.m. The evidence suggests that in the soils examined, all inorganic forms of soil phosphorus, as determined by the method of Chang and Jackson (1957), contributed in some degree to the pasture plants needs. The principal source of available phosphorus, however, was the aluminium phosphates. On the other hand, the evidence suggests that the principal loss in the availability of residual phosphorus to the plant may be through its conversion to organic forms. Iron phosphates appeared to be the least available of the inorganic forms. The common ability of the four successful methods to efficiently extract phosphorus from the aluminium source appears to be the prime reason for their measuring the soil phosphorus status for plants equally well. The physical nature of aluminium phosphate, however, has a marked effect on its ability to supply the plant's phosphorus needs. A crystalline form was less available than an amorphous one. The greater availability of the amorphous forms, of both iron and aluminium phosphates, appeared to depend more upon their solubility than on their positional availability due to the greater specific surface presented. Fertilizer application enriches the aluminium phosphate content of the soils, but, in these experiments, the quantities found were related significantly to the total applications made in the previous three years only.
Defects of perlite as a medium for plant growth
Authors: Wilson WJ , Tunny J
Published: March 2005

Perlite, which is currently used as a medium for the nutrient culture of plants, causes deformity in a significant proportion of the seedlings of certain species. Further, because the hydraulic conductivity of perlite is low, up to 80 per cent of the water that it can hold is unavailable to rapidly transpiring plants. Capillary watering allows more rapid growth than frequent hand-watering, but, even with capillary watering, growth is slower on perlite than on vermiculite, sand, soil, or water culture.
The influence of superphosphate fertilizer on the yield and uptake of phosphorus by wheat
Authors: Smith AN
Published: March 2005

The yield of dry matter at ear-emergence was greatly influenced by the amount of superphosphate applied. The grain yield at harvest was not affected so greatly. Superphosphate had an effect on the proportions of the plant parts. The uptake of phosphorus proceeded at a greater rate during later stages of growth and still continued during the pre-flowering and early post-flowering stages. The effect of differential uptake of phosphorus by the various plant parts on the residual value of the fertilizer is discussed.
A microchondrometer for determining bushel weight
Authors: Taylor AC
Published: March 2005

A microchondrometer has been developed which enables estimates of bushel weight to be made on grain samples only a little larger than one thousandth of a bushel. Estimates can be made accurately (S.E. = 0.45 lb), quickly, and with only slight operator effect.
The effects of change in concentration of carbon dioxide and oxygen on storage behaviour of Jonathan apples
Authors: Roberts EA , Wills RBH , Scott KJ
Published: March 2005

The behaviour of Jonathan apples in storage was studied in relation to the concentrations of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the storage atmosphere. A factorial design of 2, 4, and 6 per cent carbon dioxide and 1.2, 2.2, and 13.2 per cent oxygen was used and apples were removed from storage at 32�F after 20, 23, and 26 weeks. The concentrations of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the storage atmosphere were related quantitatively to weight loss, ground colour, firmness, titratable acidity, and to the incidence of superficial scald and breakdown. Rest retention of weight, acids, ground colour, and firmness, and least wastage from superficial scald were found in atmospheres with high carbon dioxide and low oxygen concentrations, but more of the fruit in these atmospheres had breakdown.
Diquat dibromide as a chemical aid to pasture establishment in the lower south-east of South Australia
Authors: Cocks PS
Published: March 2005

The use of diquat dibromide permitted the successful sod seeding of perennial grasses. Rates of 2 1/2 and 5 oz an acre of diquat dibromide ion controlled weed competition. Time of seeding affected the response to spraying. Spraying without sod seeding controlled capeweed (Cryptostemma calendula Druce) in the first year, but in the following year there was a re-entry of the weed. This re-entry was reduced and almost eliminated by sod seeding with a perennial grass.
The effects of nitrogenous fertilizers on the winter growth of pastures in a tablelands environment
Authors: Simpson JR
Published: March 2005

Second-year grass swards near Canberra, A.C.T., responded well in August and September to nitrogen (urea or ammonium sulphate) applied in June or July, with increases in yield of up to 17 lb of dry matter for each lb of nitrogen applied. Mixed grass-clover swards showed smaller responses in total dry matter after applications of urea in July, but applications of urea in April produced no significant response. In 1961, when the grass component of the mixed swards responded to urea applied in April, there was a concurrent clover suppression before the early September harvest, which eliminated any potential increase in total yield. Seasonal differences and the date of nitrogen application influenced the extent of August-September responses more than the particular grass species. The grasses differed greatly in their mean yields, irrespective of the nitrogen treatment, and also in their influence on the yield of the associated clover, but the response to nitrogen by the grass component was essentially similar for Wimmera ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaud.), Clunes perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), Phalaris (Phalaris tuberosa L.), and Demeter fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.).
The influence of seasonal pasture production and grazing management on seasonal wool growth
Authors: McFarlane JD
Published: March 2005

The wool growth by Merino ewes grazed on sown annual pastures and by Merino weaners grazed on sown perennial pastures was measured at six-weekly intervals for three years. The ewes were from four groups with different grazing treatments and the weaners were from two grazing treatments. Wool was clipped from tattooed mid-side areas and the weight of clean, oven-dry wool in each sample was determined and staple length and fibre diameter measured. In all pears and in all groups of sheep there were seasonal fluctuations in weight, length, and fibre diameter of the wool. Growth was rapid during autumn and late spring but retarded during winter and summer. With few exceptions the summer and winter minima were not significantly different. The exceptions were mainly due to the summer minimum for a group being less than the winter minimum for the same group ; only in two cases was the summer minimum significantly greater than the winter minimum, and in both of these there was drought during the autumn and winter. The results, obtained at Canberra, A.C.T., are considered representative of the southern and central tablelands of New South Wales.
Some effects of gamma radiation on several varieties of Tasmanian potatoes. 1. Storage problems
Authors: Wills PA
Published: March 2005

Some effects of gamma radiation and subsequent storage at 68�F and/or 45�F on Tasmanian Up-to-date, Kennebec, Sebago, and Sequoia potatoes were investigated in 1961 and 1962. In all cases sprouting was prevented for at least six months by the minimum doses given : 5000 rads for the Up-to-date, Sebago and Sequoia tubers, and 10,000 rads for the Kennebec tubers. Six months after harvest the majority of the irradiated tubers were commercially sound, except for the Kennebec variety. Tubers stored at 45�F were in a better condition than those stored at 68�F. Irradiated potatoes lost less weight but, in all varieties except Kennebec, had a slightly increased tendency to rot. Changes in specific gravity were variable.
Excess soil nitrogen and the yield and uptake of nitrogen by wheat in southern New South Wales
Authors: Storrier RR
Published: March 2005

Ammonium sulphate was added at rates up to 150 lb nitrogen an acre to a soil containing 149 lb mineral nitrogen per acre-18 Inches at sowing, and the seasonal distribution of mineral nitrogen in the soil, nitrogen uptake, and yield of wheat was measured in a better than average season. Some of the applied fertilizer, at all rates of application, was taken up by the crop and resulted in increased dry matter yield and plant nitrogen content at jointing. However, at harvest, total dry matter and grain yield were depressed at all levels of fertilizer application. Grain yield was depressed from 40.5 to 30.5 bushels an acre with the addition of 150 lb nitrogen an acre.Yield potential, as represented by tiller production and spikelets per ear, was increased by fertilizer application, but ear number, grains per ear, and weight per grain, were depressed. Grain number per ear was the principle component of yield under the experimental conditions. Moisture stress and competition for light were responsible for an increase in tiller mortality, which resulted in the depression in ear number with increasing nitrogen supply. Inter-tiller competition for available moisture during the pre-anthesis period caused a decrease in grain number per ear, from 19.3 in the control to 16.6 at the maximum fertilizer rate. It is suggested that inter-tiller competition for available moisture during the pre-anthesis period is an important factor in determining potential grain yield in wheat grown on high fertility soils in southern New South Wales.
The leaching of nitrogen and its uptake by wheat in a soil from southern New South Wales
Authors: Storrier RR
Published: March 2005

The changes in nitrogen concentration in the profile of a red brown earth soil, containing the equivalent of 160 lb mineral nitrogen per acre 18 inches at sowing, and to which ammonium sulphate at 0, 50, 100, and 150 lb nitrogen an acre had been added in early July, were measured for two seasons. A slow rate of nitrification resulted in the presence of high concentrations of residual ammonia-nitrogen 33 months later, equivalent to 55 and 30 per cent of the nitrogen added at the highest rate in fallowed and cropped treatments respectively. This residual ammonia-nitrogen persisted until the spring of the second season, a period of 13 months. Nitrogen was leached into the deeper subsoil, in the autumn and winter, when soil moisture was high and rain frequent. This leached nitrogen was retained in the surface 30 inches of the soil and subsequently taken up by the wheat crop. This uptake was responsible for differences in mineral nitrogen concentration between fallowed and cropped plots of approximately 82 and 96 per cent in the 0-18 inch and 0-30 inch depths respectively. It is suggested that leaching in low fertility soils, following heavy autumn and winter rains, could result in short term nitrogen deficiencies for crops in the Wagga Wagga region.
Skin folds and Merino breeding. 3. The association between skin fold and the productivity of Merino ewes in fourteen New South Wales flocks
Authors: Drinan JP , Dun RB
Published: March 2005

The association between the skin fold and productivity of more than 4,000 Merino ewes has been examined in 14 flocks located in most of the major sheep producing areas of New South Wales. Each flock was divided into Plain (low fold score), Moderate, and Developed groups. The mean percentages of lactating ewes in 14 years-old flocks were 74.6 per cent, 69.3 per cent, and 59.2 per cent respectively. The corresponding values for 2i years and older flocks were 78.9 per cent, 76.2 per cent, and 71.5 per cent. The mean greasy fleece weights were 9.3 lb (Plain), and 9.8 lb (Moderate), and 10.3 lb (Developed). The mean correlation coefficient between greasy fleece weight and logarithm of fold score was 0.35, and the mean regression coefficient was 0.032 lb/unit log of fold score. Fleece quality deteriorated as fold score increased. The degree of association between fold and each production character varied markedly between flocks.
Selection for weaning weight in Merino sheep. 1. Direct response to selection
Authors: Pattie WA
Published: March 2005

The heritability of corrected weaning weight has been estimated by dam-offspring and paternal half-sib correlations in a random-bred, medium-wool Peppin Merino flock. All weights were corrected for age and type of birth within each year. The dam-off-spring heritability estimates were 0.28 � 0.10 for ewes and 0.32 � 0.11 for rams. The paternal half-sib estimates were 0.18 � 0.07 for ewes and 0.19 � 0.13 for rams. Responses in flocks selected for high and low weaning weight for four generations (1951 to 1961) were used to calculate realized heritabilities. These were 0.33 � 0.03 and 0.18 � 0.06 for ewes and rams respectively in the high weaning weight flock, and 0.22 � 0.10 and 0.23 � 0.19 for ewes and rams in the low weaning weight flock. The average increases in inbreeding coefficients since selection commenced were 3.97 per cent in the high weaning weight flock, 3.58 per cent in the low weaning weight flock and 0.39 per cent in the randomly selected control flock. The regressions of weaning weight on inbreeding, independent of the effects of selection, ranged from -0.076 to -0.387 with an average of -0.191 lb weaning weight per one per cent inbreeding.
Selection for weaning weight in Merino sheep. 2. Correlated responses in other production characters
Authors: Pattie WA
Published: March 2005

The heritabilities of seven production characters of Merino Sheep and their phenotypic and genetic correlations with corrected weaning weight have been calculated using half-sib and dam-daughter correlations. Realized genetic correlations calculated from responses in Weight Plus and Weight Minus selection flocks, which showed broad agreement with these correlations, were : 17-month body weight, 0.72 ; yield, 0.22 ; clean fleece weight, 0.24 ; and staple length, 0.17. There was zero relationship with greasy fleece weight and crimps per inch, and a large negative relationship between folds and high weaning weight. There were strong phenotypic correlations between lamb growth and milk production through the total weight of milk protein produced. The lamb's genotype was the most important contributor to the difference in weaning weight between the flocks. There were no differences in reproductive performance or survival rates between the flocks but twice as many twin rams and 20 per cent more twin ewes were mated in the Weight Minus flock over the selection period.
The apparent digestibility of ewes milk by young lambs
Authors: Hodge RW
Published: March 2005

The apparent organic matter digestibility of ewes milk by young lambs was not affected by level of intake, length of lactation, or age of the lambs. The high levels of apparent organic matter digestibility 369 obtained were consistent with a true digestibility of 100 per cent when allowance was made for faecal products of metabolic origin. A depression in the apparent dry matter digestibility with increase in age of the lambs was due to an increase in faecal ash.
Wheat crop surveys in southern New South Wales. 1. Some factors influencing grain protein
Authors: Taylor AC
Published: March 2005

Three surveys in southern New South Wales assessed the importance of a number of agronomic factors on grain protein content. Grain from clover ley areas had an average of 1.3 per cent more protein than grain from crops without a clover ley background. Multiple regression analyses of the 1961 and 1963 data from clover ley crops showed that each year of ley was associated with an average increase of 0.14 per cent protein. Each week's delay of sowing beyond April 1, was associated with an average increase of 0.17 per cent grain protein. Amount of superphosphate applied to ley, intensity of cropping, and length of fallow had no effect or inconsistent effects on grain protein. With crops after natural leys only sowing time had a consistent effect on grain protein. The regression was the same as for crops with a clover ley background.
The residual value of the phoshporus and suphur components of superphosphate on some Western Australian soils
Authors: Barrow NJ
Published: March 2005

Field trials were established on Coolup sand on three previously fertilized pastures and on one previously virgin site. The virgin site was found to be very deficient in phosphorus, but on two of the previously fertilized pastures, omission of phosphorus for as long as three years, did not reduce yield. Responses to sulphur occurred on all sites. Soil analysis showed that soil sulphate levels were highest at the end of summer, fell to low levels in winter and spring, and rose again after the cessation of growth. Applied sulphate was rapidly removed from the soils. Glasshouse trials on forty-two soils from the coastal plain and from the Kojonup district showed that most of the soils which had been regularly fertilized with superphosphate had a high phosphorus status. Some soils, both virgin and fertilized, also had a high sulphur status ; these soils either came from a low position in the drainage system or were known to have had contact with saline water. The remainder of the soils responded to sulphur. The response was little affected by the fertilizer history but was related to the soil texture- being greatest on the light soils. It is suggested that on some soils there is scope for reducing the phosphorus application and for using slowly-available forms of sulphur.
Phosphorus fixation studies with tomatoes on a krasnozem soil
Authors: Hughes JD , Merary RC
Published: March 2005

A series of glasshouse experiments was conducted with a krasnozem soil to determine the effect of previous applications of superphosphate on the rate at which the soil was able to fix further additions of phosphorus. Two soil samples were investigated, one a virgin soil, and the other a cultivated soil which had been fertilized with superphosphate. Fixation of currently applied phosphorus was measured by comparing plant data from treatments in which time of contact between soil and applied phosphorus varied from 0 to 16 weeks. Sixteen weeks contact between soil and fertilizer phosphorus prior to planting resulted in lower plant weight and less uptake of phosphorus on both soils but the effect was greater on the virgin soil. This showed that the rate of fixation was reduced by the phosphorus accumulation. The quantity of phosphorus extracted by 0.01 N sulphuric acid may be useful in detecting changes in phosphorus status, but is unreliable for assessing available phosphorus on this soil.
Soil fumigation of sultana vines
Authors: Sauer MR
Published: March 2005

Soil supporting mature sultana vines at 23 sites on loam and sandy loam soils in the Merbein district was fumigated with 92.2 per cent w/w 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropene at the rate of 2 1/2 gallons an acre. Significant yield increases were recorded at four sites in the second season after treatment, and at eight sites in the third season. Significant increases generally were of the order of twice the cost of treatment, or better. All sites were infested with citrus nematode, numbers ranging from an average of about 2,000 per 500 grams of soil on some sites to more than 20,000 on others. There was no relation between numbers of nematodes in the soil and vine yield. Soil counts indicated a substantial reduction in nematode numbers due to fumigation, but counts made at the end of the third season suggested that numbers in treated soil were increasing rapidly. No reason for the yield response was apparent-response was not related to mean untreated yield, to soil type, or to numbers of nematodes in the soil.
Studies in the wool production of grazing sheep. 5. Observations on teeth wear and carry over effects
Authors: Arnold GW , McManus WR , Bush IG
Published: March 2005

Merino wethers were grazed for four years on Phalaris-subterranean clover pastures at four stocking rates. Measurements over two years showed that wear of incisor teeth increased substantially with stocking rate. This wear was closely associated with intake of silica by the sheep. After the experiment marked carry-over effects in wool production and live weight were observed in adult wethers. Significantly more wool was produced by sheep previously grazing at high stocking rates. Possible reasons for this effect are discussed.