bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urinary nitrogen compounds in dairy cows fed urea as the sole or partial source of nitrogen
Authors: Ettala Terttu , Kreula Matti
Published: July 2018

Urinary nitrogen compounds were determined in test cows with urea as the sole (0-cows) or partial (ULP-cows) source of nitrogen. An average of 0.49 % total nitrogen was found in 0-cows and 0.88 % in ULP-cows, the values for urea nitrogen being 2.24 and 2.63 mg/ml, for ammonium nitrogen 0.14 and 0.09 mg/ml, for creatinine 0.77 and 0.90 mg/ml and for creatine 0.28 and 0,42 mg/ml urine, respectively. Differences between the two groups were highly significant (P < 0.001) as regards total nitrogen and significant (P < 0.05) as regards urea nitrogen and creatine. In each group the between-cow differences were highly significant with regard to total and urea nitrogen and creatine, and in 0-cows also with regard to ammonium nitrogen and creatinine. Smaller amounts of urinary allantoin and larger amounts of uric acid were found in 0-cows than in ULP-cows. Corresponding determinations were made to some extent also on the urine of cows on normal indoor or pasture feeding.
Effect of acidification of insecticide sprays in pest control of sugar beet seedlings
Authors: Varis Anna-Liisa
Published: July 2018

The pH of dimethoate, formetanate and methidathion insecticide spray liquids was reduced from 8.0 to 4.0 by adding 0.1 M H3PO4. Acidification did not improve the effectiveness of sprays against Lygus rugulipennis, Chaetocnema concinna or Piesma maculatum. There were also no significant differences in root or top yields between plots treated with acidified insecticides and the incecticides alone.
Sokeri- ja valkuaislisä korkeatuottoisten lypsylehmien väkirehussa nurmisäilörehuruokinnalla
Authors: Seppälä Juha , Poutiainen Esko , Luoma Päivi
Published: July 2018

Lypsylehmillä suoritetussa ruokintakokeessa tutkittiin väkirehussa lisätyn melassileikkeen ja soijarouheen vaikutusta rehunkulutukseen, maitotuotokseen, ravintoaineiden saantiin sekä eräisiin veriarvoihin. Kokeessa oli kolme ruokintaryhmää. Ryhmissä II (SM) ja III (SS) oli 6 lehmää, ryhmässä I (S) 5. Lehmät saivat perusrehuina heinää ja nurmisäilörehua. Väkirehunaryhmä I (S) sai pelkkää ohra-kauraseosta (50 ; 50). Ryhmä II (SM) sai sokerilisänä melassileikettä 20 % väkirehussa. Tämä kohotti koko rehuannoksen sokeripitoisuutta 1.9 %:ista 4.0 %:iin. Ryhmä III (SS) sai valkuaislisänä väkirehussa 11 % soijarouhetta. Soijarouheen osuus oli 11.4 % ryhmän koko rehuannoksen sulavasta raakavalkuaismäärästä. Rehunsyönti lisääntyi 40 g ka/100 elopainokiloa päivässä ensimmäisenkuukauden aikana poikimisesta. Rehun syönti kokeen lopussa (8 viikkoa poikimisesta) oli ryhmällä I (S) 2.8 ± 0.2, ryhmällä II (SM) 3.0 ± 0.2 ja ryhmällä III (SS) 3.0 ± 0.4kg ka per 100 elopainokiloa. Ryhmien välillä ei ollut merkitsevää eroa rehunkulutuksessa. Maitotuotos oli keskimäärin kokeen aikana (0—9 viikkoa poikimisesta) ryhmällä I (S) 21.7 ± 4.5, ryhmällä II (SM) 24.4 ±5.1 ja ryhmällä III (SS) 24.6 ± 6.5kg 4-%:ista maitoa päivässä. Erot eivät olleet tilastollisesti merkitseviä suuresta hajonnasta johtuen. Kaikilla ryhmillä oli poikimisen jälkeen energian saannissa vajausta. Ryhmä I (S) sai kokeen aikana 94 %, ryhmä II (SM) 82 % ja ryhmä III (SS) 90 % lasketusta energiantarpeesta. Sulavaa raakavalkuaista ryhmä I (S) sai keskimäärin 83g per 4-%:inen maitokilo, ryhmä II (SM) 75 g ja soijalisän saanut ryhmä III (SS) 89 g srv per 4-%:inen maitokilo. Lehmät eivät saaneet kalsiumia eivätkä magnesiumia rehussa poikimisen jälkeen tarvettaan vastaavasti. Rehuannoksen kalsium vastasi 70—82 % lehmien kalsiumin tarpeesta. Magnesiumin saanti rehussa oli 64—90 % tarpeesta. Plasman hemoglobiini-, hematokriitti-, glukoosi- ja ketoainearvoissa ei ryhmien välillä ollut merkitseviä eroja. Hypoglykemiaa (glukoosi < 40 mg-%) esiintyi ryhmissä I (S) ja III (SS) yhdellä lehmällä sekä ryhmällä II (SS) kolmella lehmällä. Plasman epäorgaanisen fosforin pitoisuudet olivat ryhmällä II (SM) 6.6 mg-% ja ryhmillä I (S) ja III (SS) 5.5 mg-%. Erot olivat merkitseviä (P < 0.01). Plasman kalsiumarvot olivat ryhmällä II (SM) merkitsevästi (P < 0.05) alhaisempia kuin ryhmillä I (S) ja III (SS). Plasman magnesiumarvot olivat hypomagnesemian rajan alapuolella koko kokeen ajan. Ryhmien välillä ei ollut merkitseviä eroja. Plasman magnesiumarvojen muutokset noudattivat lehmien magnesiumin ja energian saantia.
A polyol mixture or molasses treated beet pulp in the silage based diet of dairy cows: II. The effect on the lactoperoxidase and thiocyanate content of milk and the udder health
Authors: Korhonen Hannu , Rintamäki Olli , Antila Matti , Tuori Mikko , Poutiainen Esko
Published: July 2018

The study investigated the effect of a diet containing either a polyol mixture (polyol group) or molasses (molasses group) on the lactoperoxidase (LP) and thiocyanate (SCN- ) content of milk and the udder health of dairy cows during a 12 week trial period. The control group received no extra carbohydrate feed. On the basis of the weekly milk samples from all test animals the polyol group had on an average the highest LP content (17.8 µg/ml), the lowest SCN- content (0.87 mg/l), and the lowest somatic cell count (152 000 cells/ml). The mean values for the molasses group were; LP: 12.6 µg/ml, SCN- ; 1.01 mg/ml and cell count: 626 000 cells/ml. The same values for the control group were 11,7 µg/ml, 0.91 mg/l and 285 000 cells/ml, respectively. The polyol group yielded milk with an average of 51.5 % more lactoperoxidase daily than the molasses group, and 42.5 % more than the control group. These differences were, however, not found to derive from the different carbohydrate diet, because no significant change in the LP level in any group occurred during the test feeding. The LP and SCN- contents varied considerably from one cow to the other. The degrees of correlation between the factors tested varied markedly among the test groups. The overall values for r were as follows: LP: SCN- = —0.049, LP: cell count = 0.222 and SCN-: cell count = 0.080. On the basis of cell content and the occurrence of mastitis cases, the polyol group had the best and the molasses group the worst udder health. The possible effect of the LP/SCN- /H2O2 antimicrobial system on mastitis resistance is evaluated.
Hehtolitrapainon ja lajikkeen vaikutus ohran rehuarvoon sikojen ruokinnassa
Authors: Salo Maija-Liisa
Published: July 2018

Kuuden ohraerän sulavuus määritettiin kahtena 3x3 latinalaisena neliönä lihasioilla painovälillä 42—72 kg. Valkuaistäydennyksenä oli 16 % rehumaitojauhetta yhdistelmästä. Ohrat käsittivät neljä lajiketta ja niiden hehtolitrapainot vaihtelivat 53—63 kg/hl ja raakaproteiinipitoisuudet 10.5 12.8 % karsta. Heikoimman ja parhaan ohran orgaanisen aineen, raakaproteiinin ja typettömien uuteaineiden sulavuuksien välinen ero oli merkitsevä (P < 0.05 - 0.01). Typpitaseessa ei ilmennyt merkitsevää eroa. Muuntokelpoisen ja nettoenergian kohdalla eri ohraerät poikkesivat toisistaan 0—4 %. Pienten koostumusmuutosten vaikutusta energia-arvoon vähentää ohralle ominainen tärkkelys- ja raakaproteiinipitoisuuden välillä vallitseva negatiivinen vuorosuhde ja vähän myös raakaproteiinin pitoisuuden ja sulavuuden välinen positiivinen vuorosuhde.
Hydrothermal treatment of sprout-damaged grain: II. Effects on the technological quality of rye
Authors: Westermarck-Rosendahl Christina
Published: July 2018

Sprout-damaged rye with the falling number of 87 was heat-treated by immersing the grain in water having temperatures of 80, 90 and 100°C. The treatment lasted at the most 60 sec and was followed by an immediate chilling process. The aim of the treatment was to suppress the excess of a-amylase activity in the outer layers of the kernels. The changes in the quality of the rye were determined by the falling number test, amylograph test and baking tests in which yeast and no acid was added. All the performed treatments affected the results of the quality determinations. Treatment at 80, 90 and 100°C lasting 30 sec raised the falling number values to 102, 117 and 155, respectively. After treatment for 60 sec the values were 101, 142 and 223. In the amylograms the peak viscosity increased markedly. Processing at 100 and 90°C for more than 20 sec resulted in an increase of the peak viscosity beyond 1000 B.U. The peak temperature of all the samples was rather low and some decrease in the peak temperature was indicated at the processing temperatures of 80 and 90° C. The loaf volumes of loaf made from the treated samples were all lower than the volume of the loaf from the untreated sample. The samples treated for 30 and 60 sec at 100°C gave lowest volumes. Stickiness of the doughs was diminished by the more severe processing conditions, as also were dampness and elasticity of the crumb. All loaves except the ones made of grain heated at 100“C for 30 and 60 sec had a rather large cavity beneath the crust. The samples processed at 90 and 100°C for 30 and 60 sec gave a lighter brown crust colour than the rest of the samples.
Leaching of plant nutrients from cultivated soils: I Leaching of cations
Authors: Hartikainen Helinä
Published: July 2018

Leaching of native and added basic cations was studied in a lysimeter experiment. The trial was carried out with three surface soil samples: sand, fine sand and sandy clay. The effect of the acidic precipitation on the leaching losses was studied by using 0.025 M sulfuric acid as irrigation solution. The cation concentration in the leachate seemed to be determined by the CEO of the soil sample. The relative and absolute leaching losses were lowest in the sandy clay and highest in the sand soil. Five percolations extracted most abundantly calcium and least abundantly sodium, the losses of magnesium and potassium were of about the same magnitude. In regard to cation reserves of the soils the relative amounts leached usually followed the sequence: Na >Mg≈ Ca>K. Fertilization seemed to promote the leaching of cations, especially that of soil calcium. Water extracted 10 to 37 % of added magnesium, but only 2 to 6 % of added potassium due to the effective retention. The acid in the irrigation water increased the losses of all cations studied, most drastically the losses of divalent ones.
Ensiling, preservation losses and effluent binding of sugar beet tops
Authors: Salo Maija-Liisa
Published: July 2018

Sugar beet tops harvested with a mower chopper make a good silage, without additives, but the losses through effluent are great. A low silo model — flat silo or stack— reduces the losses. Effluent losses can also be decreased by ensiling dry straw with tops. Straw binds the effluent 3 5,5 kg/kg. corresponding to 150 —200 g dry matter/kg, of which about 60 g is crude protein. About 20—25 kg long straw/tn beet tops is suitable in the feeding of cattle.
Effects of some heavy metals on oats in pot experiments with three different soil types
Authors: Sorteberg Asbjørn
Published: July 2018

An account is given of two pot experiments, of which one has included all combinations of 5 heavy metals (cadmium, cobalt, lead, mercury and nickel), 3 rates of each metal, 2 rates of lime, and 3 types of soil (clay soil, peat soil and sandy soil). The experiment has run for 4 years (1973 —1976). Two parallels have been used for each treatment. A third parallel without crop has been used for soil sampling only. The second experiment has run for 3 years (1974 —1976), and has included the same soil types and lime rates, but only cadmium and mercury of the metals. The crop grown in all years has been oats. 250 mg/pot of all metals except lead have had a distinct yield reducing effect. In the case of mercury, the reducing effect ceases from the third year. It decreases gradually after nickel throughout the experimental period, but not after cadmium and cobalt. Heavy liming (pH 6—7) has almost eliminated the yield reduction after nickel, and has considerably reduced it after cobalt. The contents of cadmium, nickel, cobalt, and mercury in the yield have been multiplied with the application of 250 mg/pot of the metals mentioned. Application of even 0.5 mg/pot of cadmium resulted in a distinct increase of content both in grain and straw. 0.5 and 5 mg mercury, however, had only slight effect. The content of the metals decreased throughout the experimental period. The effect of mercury in the fourth year has been minimal, even after the highest application rate. Lead application led to only moderate increase in the content of the yield. Roughly 45—55 percent of the added rates of cadmium, nickel and cobalt, as a mean value for the soil series, has been recovered as AL-soluble at light liming with pH approximately 5. Heavy liming has reduced the uptake by 3—7 percent for cadmium, by 16—20 percent for nickel, and by 22—24 percent for cobalt. Generally, the amounts of AL-soluble metal in soils have decreased in the order: series peat > sand > clay.
Numbers and biomass of soil invertebrates in a reserved field in central Finland
Authors: Törmälä Timo
Published: July 2018

The numbers and biomasses of soil invertebrates were investigated in a reserved field in central Finland. Samples were taken monthly from June to September. Five methods were employed to extract the animals from the soil samples. The animals were counted, measured and their dry biomasses were estimated by body length/weight regressions and dry weight/wet weight ratios derived from the literature. In July the total biomass of the soil invertebrate community (excluding Protozoa, Tardigrada and Rotatoria) was about 9.6 g dry weight m-2. The most dominant groups were Lumricidae (73.1 %), Enchytraeidae (5,7 %), Oribatei (5.0 %), and Nematoda (4.4 %). In September the biomass of Diptera larvae was high (1.0 g dw m-2). In numbers nematodes were superior (maximum 12 million m-2) to other groups. Oribatei, Mesostigmata and Collembola were more concentrated to the soil surface than other Acari, Enchytraeidae and Nematoda. The mean individual size decreased with depth in all of the studied groups.
Effect of moisture and freezing on some physical properties of clay soils from plough layer
Authors: Kivisaari Simo
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of freezing on some structural properties of clay soils. The laboratory analyses were based on field observations including measurements of soil temperature and frost depth. The daily temperatures showed remarkable variations on the very soil surface both in the autumn and spring, ranging from below zero at night-time to above 10°C at daytime. The depth of soil frost was deepest in the ploughed field, whilst the straw cowers on the soil surface not only strongly reduced its depth, but also slowed up the thawing. Eight clay soil samples were analyzed in the laboratory. At the potentials of —0.001 to —0.1 bar the water retention capability of soil was reduced by freezing. Disruption of the 5 —10 mm aggregates by freezing, analyzed with wet and dry sievings and waterdrop analysis was strongly dependent on the water potential, the Water potential of 1.0 bar or lower having in general no effect. The total pore volume of aggregates Was dependent on the water potential when it exceeded —15.0 bar. Freezing had a minor effect on the pore volume of the aggregates, if they were let to thaw before drying. The freeze-dried aggregates showed a clear increase of pore volume when the water potential at freezing exceeded —1.0 bar. The movement of water due to ice formation was studied with small and big soil cylinders. It showed a great effect on the structure, if total pore volume, determined with a mercury method, is considered the standard of judgement. Thus it was concluded that the water movement even at a short freezing period is one of the most essential factors determining the structural formation of ploughed clay soil.
Taimikasvatuslämpötilan vaikutus kukkakaalisadon valmistumiseen
Authors: Tahvonen Risto
Published: July 2018

Satokauden lyhentämiseksi ja sadon varmistamiseksi selvitettiin kahdessa eri lämpötilassa eri aikoja kasvatettujen kukkakaalintaimien sekä lämpöisessä tehdyn taimikasvatuksen päätteeksi annettujen erimittaisten kylmäkäsittelyjen vaikutusta sadon ajoittumiseen ja määrään. Kokeet tehtiin vuosina 1973, 1975 ja 1976 Viikissä. Lämpöisessä, 20° C, kasvatettujen kukkakaalintaimien ’Erfurter 291’sato oli suurempi kuin kylmässä, 14°C, kasvatettujen taimien. Lämpöisessä kasvatetuilla 3 ja 4 viikon ikäisillä taimilla oli lyhin sadonkorjuuaika. Lämpöisessä kasvatetuilla 45 viikon ikäisille kukkakaalin taimille (’Erfurter 291’ ja ’Igloo’) annettu kylmäkäsittely 8°C:ssa aikaistutti satoa ja lyhensi sadonkorjuuaikaa sekä vähensi Igloo-lajikkeella valmistumattomien kukintojen määrää.
Untreated and formaldehyde treated protein concentrate mixture in the feeds of bulls
Authors: Syrjälä Liisa , Poutiainen Esko
Published: July 2018

Twelve bulls within the age period 113—294 days were used in an experiment in which the effect of formaldehyde treatment of protein on the live weight gain and feed utilization was studied. Their rations were a combination of a protein concentrate mixture, barley, mineral and vitamins according to nutrient requirements for a growth rate of 1000 g/animal/day. Oats and barley straw was available ad libitum. In the experimental group the protein concentrate mixture was treated with formaldehyde, 0,88 g/100 g crude protein, whereas in the control group it was untreated. The proportion of treated protein was 45 % of the total protein in the diet. The study involved feeding trials, digestibility and nitrogen balance trials, and rumen fluid investigations. The live weight gain of the bulls in the experimental group was 10 % better than that of the control group. The amount of feed used per kg live weight gain was 8 % less in the former group than in the latter. The differences in both cases were, however, not significant (P > 0,05). The differences in the digestibility and nitrogen balance and in the pH, ammonia and VFA concentrations of the rumen fluid between the groups were small and insignificant (P > 0,05).
Nutritive value of full-fat rapeseeds for growing pigs
Authors: Salo Maija-Liisa
Published: July 2018

The digestibility and nutritive value of full-fat, ground rapeseeds of two low-erucic acid, low-glucosinolate varieties, Candle (Brassica campestris) and Regent (B. napus), were determined for three pigs, weighing about 40 kg each. The ME values were 18.72 and 20.26 MJ ME/kg DM, the NE values 1,58 and 1.70 FU/kg DM (FU = 0.7 kg starch) and the DCP values 155 and 201 g DCP/kg DM, respectively, for the two varieties. Nitrogen balances in the same trials were 21.0 and 22.0 g N/d. Twenty-eight freshly weaned piglets averaging 11 kg in weight were fed during four weeks 1) a control diet containing barley and skim milk powder, or 2) the control diet with 10% finely ground Candle seeds incorporated. The calculated energy and DCP values of the diets were alike. The growth rates of both groups were equal, as were the palatabilities of the diets. The feed conversion figures were 2.0 and 2.1 FU/kg liveweight gain, respectively. Accordingly, the energy value of Candle seeds was a little poorer for piglets than for the older growing pigs.
Oxygen as an exchangeable ligand in soil
Authors: Aura Erkki
Published: July 2018

An attempt was made to clarify the adsorption of oxygen ligands onto the Al- and Fe-oxides in the soil. In the ligand exchange the central ions Al3+ and Fe3+ of the oxides are Lewis acids or electron acceptors and the ligands are Lewis bases or electron donors. The binding of ligand oxygen by the central ion is primarily dependent on the nucleophilic strength of the ligand oxygen. The proton is a hard Lewis acid as are Al3+ and Fe3+. The pKa-value of the acid corresponding to the anion shows the ability of ligand oxygen to bind a proton and also the ability to bind Al3+ and Fe3+. The greater the nucleophilic strength of the ligand, the more covalent the nature of the bond between ligand oxygen and the central ion. However, the covalent character of this bond does not make the adsorption of a ligand by oxides an exothermic reaction. The entropy changes in adsorption determine the exchange equilibrium of the anions. The nucleophilic strength of ligand oxygen also determines the rate of exchange. If an anion has a high nucleophilic strength, it is rapidly adsorbed by oxides but the desorption is slow. The theory explains the relationship between the adsorption of anions to oxides and the pH-value in the equilibrum solution. The theory also illuminates the factors, which determine the leaching of an anion from the soil and the uptake rate of an anion from the soil by plants.
Incorporation of radioactive carbon from [14C] alanine in the rumen of a cow given feed containing urea as the sole source of nitrogen
Authors: Syväoja Eeva-Liisa , Kreula Matti
Published: July 2018

The utilisation of exogenic amino acid in a cow given feed containing urea and ammonium salts as the sole sources of nitrogen was studied by means of intraruminal administration of [14C]alanine. The labelling of the trichloracetic acid-precipitated bacterial cell mass, the main volatile fatty acids (acetic, propionic and butyric acid) and a number of isolated amino acids after 1,3, 8 and 26 h was determined. The rumen micro-organisms rapidly incorporated the [14C]alanine into their cellular constituents. After the above-mentioned times the microbial cell mass was found to contain 47.4, 49.7, 70.0 and 80.0 % of the total activity of the rumen contents. Although the carbon skeleton of alanine can be used for the formation of many amino acids the rumen bacteria studied were shown to utilise only small amounts of this amino acid in their synthesis of Asp, Glu, Tyr and Phe. The combined label present in these 4 amino acids was 1.5, 1.9, 2.9 and 5.5 % of the total activity of the rumen fluid at the stated times. A considerable proportion of the [14C]alanine was degraded to volatile fatty acids: label present in acetic, propionic and butyric acid totalled 40.8, 32.3, 23.0 and 5.0 % of that in the rumen fluid. Of these, acetic acid had the strongest labelling after 1 and 3 h, and propionic acid the weakest at all stages.
Fertilizer effect and a model for forecasting yields
Authors: Kettunen Lauri , Heikkilä Tuomo , Jaakkola Antti
Published: July 2018

A simulation model for forecasting the development of crop yields is built in the article. A parabolic function is applied to represent the fertilizer effect on yields. The biological-technological development is taken into account by including the time factor into the yield function. The parameters of the functions are estimated from the data obtained from field experiments. The economic optimum determines the use of fertilizers which, in turn, is needed to calculate final forecasts of yields for each year. The user of the model may freely select the growth rate of the fertilizer price. The rise in production costs is compensated to the farmers by raising producer prices accordingly.
Polyol mixture supplementation as a sweetener and/or feed additive in the diet of piglets
Authors: Näsi Matti , Alaviuhkola Timo
Published: July 2018

In a 2 X 2 factorial experiment the use of polyol mixture (sugar alcohols) in the diet of piglets was investigated by comparing it to sucrose as a sweetener or to growth promoter olaquindox. In the experiment 80 litters, eight or more piglets per litter, were allotted four dietary treatments: sucrose 4 %(1), sucrose 4% + olaquindox 50 mg/kg feed (2), polyol 8 %, 4 % DM (3) and polyol 8 % + olaquindox 50mg/kg feed (4). Creep feed was offered from one week’s age. The post weaning feeding period was from 5 to 7 weeks’ age. The litter size was 9.9 piglets on average. The mortality of piglets was 11.2%, 8.4 %, 8.8 % and 6.4 % in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 during the experimental period 7—49 d. After weaning the groups receiving growth promoter grew significantly(P
Field peas as a protein source for high-production dairy cows on grass silage and hay based feeding
Authors: Syrjälä-Qvist Liisa , Setälä Jouko , Tuori Mikko
Published: July 2018

Twenty-four dairy cows with high milk yields were used in an experiment in which peas and soybean meal were compared for feeding value, when given as protein sources in grass silage and hay based feeding. In their barley and outs based concentrate mixture three different groups recevied: 1) soybean meal 14 %, 2) soybean meal 7.5 %plus ground peas 15 % or 3) ground peas 35%. The peas were almost equivalent as a protein source to the soybean meal. There were no significant differences between the soybean and pea groups in the intake and utilization of feeds, milk production and milk composition or liveweight changes of the animals. Thus, in silage and hay based feeding the proportion of peas in the concentrate mixture can be at least 35 % and the daily pea ration can amount to 3—4kg without any harmful effects on milk production.
Untreated and formaldehyde-treated urea as nitrogen sources for young growing bulls
Authors: Setälä Jouko , Syrjälä-Qvist Liisa , Aspila Pentti
Published: July 2018

Untreated urea and urea treated with 1.5 % formaldehyde were compared as nitrogen sources for young growing bulls. The experiment was performed with 12 individually fed animals, eight of which were Friesians and four Finnish Ayrshires, and the average age of the animals at the beginning of the experiment was about 3.5 months. After a standardization period of two weeks, the animals were divided into two groups with similar distributions by daily gain, feed utilization, liveweight and age. During the following transition period of one week the feeding of the animals was changed to the experimental diets of the 24-week test period. The feeding was based on NaOH-treated barley straw and a mixture of barley, oats and molassed beet pulp, and planned for a daily gain of 1000 grams/animal. During the standardization period the animals received 2.9 % untreated urea in the concentrate, and soybean meal was also used to bring the feeding into agreement with the standards chosen. During the test period the animals received untreated or treated urea and their contributed about 35—40 % of their DCP requirements. There were no significant differences between the groups in daily gain, feed utilization or slaughter results. Nor did the two groups show any significant differences in plasma urea, albumin and total proteins. The plasma concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine amino transferase and creatinine did not differ significantly between the groups.
Damping-off of sugar beet in Finland: I. Causal agents and some factors affecting the disease
Authors: Vestberg Mauritz , Tahvonen Risto , Raininko Kyösti
Published: July 2018

The fungus Pythium debaryanum auct. non Hesse is the main cause of damping-off on sugar beet in Finland. The fungus is found especially in diseased seedlings during the first two weeks after emergence. Later on, when the plants have one or two pairs of true leaves, Fusarium spp. can be isolated to a rather great extent. However, pathogenicity tests with three different Fusarium species have shown that this fungus is unble cause damping-off on sugar beet when inoculated into peat substrate. Among the fungi tried in this respect, only Pythium debaryanum and Phoma betae Frank showed clear pathogenicity. Sugar beet seedlings that outlive the disease grow slower, and their quality at harvest in the autumn is poorer than that of healthy beets.
Chloride and sulphate solutions as extractants for soil P: II Dependence of the relative extraction power of chloride and sulphate solutions on some soil properties
Authors: Hartikainen Helinä , Yli-Halla Markku
Published: July 2018

The relative P extraction power of KCI and K2SO solutions of the same ionic strength was investigated in 102 mineral soil samples. By using the ratio of chloride soluble P to sulphate soluble P (”Cl-P”/”SO4-P”) instead of absolute differences it was possible to find out a more accurate relationship between soil properties and varying extraction efficiency of salt solutions. In the soils of low P intensity, the extractability ratio of P (”Cl-P’/”SO4-P”) seemed to decrease with an increase in the molar ratio of NH4F soluble P (CHANG and JACKSON’s method) to oxalate extractable Al, which indicates the improvement of the relative replacement power of sulphate. Conversely, in the samples of high or medium P intensity an increase in NH4F-P/AI had an opposite effect: the ratio ”Cl-P”/ √(”S04-P”) rather than ”Cl-P”/”SO4-P” was raised, suggesting a marked depression in the efficiency of sulphate. The superiority of sulphate, as compared to chloride, tended to be reduced also with increasing soil pH; the decrease seemed to be the greater the poorer the P status of the soil was. A theory explaining the variation in the relative extraction power of chloride and sulphate solutions was presented and the possible contributory influence of point of zero charge (pzc) was discussed.
The effect of fertilization and crop rotation on soil chemical and biological properties. Field trials on a clay soil in Southern Finland
Authors: Mettälä Aila , Koponen Maarit , Pirinen Heikki
Published: July 2018

The effects of prolonged fertilizer use and crop rotation on microbial biomass and activity and nitrogen content in a clay soil in Southern Finland were investigated. Neither fertilization nor crop rotation had any lasting effect on the level of inorganic nitrogen: the low level observed in the spring before fertilization was found again in the autumn in both a monoculture and a rotation, irrespective of the fertilization level. The clover-grass ley nevertheless had a residual effect on yield, as the average yield over the total trial period was higher in the rotation. Even in the second year after the clover-grass ley, nearly double the quantity of nitrogen was mobilized in unfertilized plots as compared with the monoculture: 36.8 kg/ha and 21.0 kg/ha, respectively. Fertilization resulted in a slight increase in the abundance and activity of microbes. An increasing effect on straw decomposition was found up to the highest level of fertilization. Decomposition was equally effective in monoculture and rotation. At different levels of fertilization (0, 400, 800 and 1200 kg/ ha NPK containing 15% N), an average of 24, 29, 34 and 38 percent of the straw was decomposed during the growing season in the monoculture, and 25, 28, 32 and 37 per cent in the rotation. Carbon dioxide evolved during the growing seasons in unfertilized plots at the rate of 4.3 mmol/m2/h in monoculture and 4.9 mmol/m2/h in rotation. At a fertilizer level of 400 kg/ha the rates were 4.7 and 5.3 mmol/m2/h in monoculture and rotation, respectively. Maximum carbon dioxide was evolved at fertilization levels of 800 and 1200 kg/ha: 5.0 mmol/m2/h the monoculture and 5.8 mmol/m2/h in the rotation. Maximum ATP content and dehydrogenase activity were observed at the fertilization levels of 400 and 800 kg/ha and were slightly greater in the rotation than in the monoculture. Fertilization and crop rotation increased the soil microbial activity and biomass by a few ten per cent. In this trial, favourable conditions for plant growth were also found to favour microbial activity.
The efficiency of dolomitic limestone, basic slag and peat ash as liming agents, and as calcium and magnesium sources for turnip rape
Authors: Jokinen Raili
Published: July 2018

Incubation and pot experiments were carried out on muddy fine sand and fine sand soils to determine the efficiency of dolomitic limestone and of industrial by-products, basic slag and peat ash, as liming agents. Calcitic limestone was used as reference material. In the incubation experiment 0, 0.6, 1.2 and 2,4 g calcitic limestone were applied to 390 g (muddy fine sand) or 360 g (fine sand) of air-dry soil. The amount of other liming agents added was 2.4 g. In the pot experiment the weights of soil were 3.9kg (muddy fine sand) and 3.6kg (fine sand) and 24 g of liming agent was applied. The turnip rape (Brassica campestris v. oleifera f.annua cv. Candle) was grown in two growing seasons and the crops were cut at the flowering stage. In both experiments the soils were sampled for analysis after four and sixteen months. The acidity of the soils was neutralized with the liming agents to the same extent in the pot and the incubation experiments. The increases in pH(CaCl2) obtained in the incubation experiment with 2.4 g liming agents were on the muddy fine sand and fine sand for calcitic limestone 2.0 and 1.4, for dolomitic limestone 1.5 and 1.1, for peat ash 0.3 and 0.2, for basic slag 0.8 and 0.6, respectively. At the end of the incubation 2.4 g of dolomitic limestone, peat ash and basic slag had increased the pH(CaCl2) of the soils to the same extent as 1.7 g, 0.4 g or 0.8 g of calcitic limestone, respectively. The proportion of non-exchangeable Ca at pH 7 of the amount added in 2.4 g liming agents was for calcitic limestone 14 and 23 %, for dolomitic limestone 42 and 52 %, for peat ash 27 and 51 %, and for basic slag 59 and 64 %, in the muddy fine sand and fine sand soils, respectively. Of the Mg added in dolomitic limestone, about 45 % was non-exchangeable, and in basig slag about 65 %. In the pot experiment about 13 % (average of the two soils) of the Ca applied in calcitic limestone was not found in turnip rape or as neutral 1 M ammonium acetate extractable from the soil. The corresponding value for dolomitic limestone was 41 %, for peat ash 45 % and for basic slag 65 %. The Mg applied in the liming agents but not found in turnip rape or in the soil amounted to 42 % for dolomitic limestone, 74 % for peat ash and 67 % for basic slag. The efficiency of basic slag as a liming agent will be over estimated if it is measured by the amount of acid neutralized or by the content of Ca and Mg (Ca + 1.65xMg) soluble in 1M HCI. The amount of Ca soluble in 1 M HCI, alone, may provide a better, though not good, measure of the neutralizing ability of basic slag.
Contents of mineral elements in Finnish cereal straw
Authors: Jaakkola Antti , Syvälahti Jorma , Saari Esko
Published: July 2018

Straw samples were collected in three consecutive years from 6 spring wheat, 26 barley and 9 oat plots fertilized normally. The plots were situated throughout Finland. P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu, Zn, B, Mo, Se and Cd as well as in a more limited material Co, Cr, Ni and Pb were determined. The contents were in the range of contents published abroad under different conditions. Applying a salt mixture containing various elements in the first year did not in general markedly raise their contents in straw. The samples were also taken from 6 field experiments where the effects of applying different elements in salt mixtures as well as that of the usual NPK fertilization on the mineral element composition of grain and straw were studied. NPK fertilizer did not change the composition markedly. Neither did it the direct application of elements to the soil.
Variability of topsoil properties at the southern coast of Finland and the number of soil samples needed for the estimation of soil properties
Authors: Jokinen Raili
Published: July 2018

A total of 430 topsoil samples were collected from ten fields of the Viikki Experimental Farm, University of Helsinki. Particle size distribution, organic carbon content, pH(CaCl2), exchangeable Ca, Mg, K contents, plant available P (Bray 1), 1 M KCI extractable (Al+H) content and effective cation exhange capacity of the soils were determined. The coefficient of variation was used as indicator of the variability of soil properties with in each field. The lowest coefficients of variation were observed for pH(CaCl2) and the highest for exchangeable Mg 1 M KCI extractable (Al+H) and effective cation exchange capasity. The results indicate that from 1 (pH(CaCl2)) to 33 (exchangeable Mg) samples per hectare are needed from individual fields for strict level of accuracy in estimation of the soil properties. For determination of soil type (according to clay content) and organic carbon content on average 8 samples, and for the plant available P (Bray 1) and exchangeable Mg and K contents 10 to 16 samples per hectare appear sufficient. Four samples suffice for a less stringent, lax accurate determination of all properties. The variability of soil properties is discussed from the viewpoint of agricultural advisory work and field experiments for agricultural research.
Application of the direct sire comparison method to the Finnish dairy cattle population
Authors: Syväjärvi Jouko , Ojala Matti , Hellman Tapani
Published: July 2018

Data, consisting of a total of 400542 first lactation records completed in 1975 through 1982, were utilised for development of a model for ranking sires. Using the principle of direct sire comparison method(BLUP), sire evaluations were calculated assuming three models. Model 1 included random terms for sires and maternal grandsires (MGS) of cows, fixed sire and MGS groups within the three breeds and fixed two-year classes within herds. A two-year period within a herd was used to increase the number of records in a class. In model 2 genetic groups were only for breeds. Model 3 included fixed breed groups and herd-year classes. Relationships among bulls were used in all models. About 83, 13 and 2 % of cows making the records were of the Finnish Ayrshire (FAy), the Finnish Friesian (FFr) and the Finncattle (Fc), respectively, while about 2 % were of various crossbreds. About 20 % of the herd-year classes had cows of more than one breed. Practically all of the male ancestors of bulls and about 70 to 85 % of maternal grandsires of cows were identified in recent years. About 7 % of the total variation for fat corrected 305-day milk (FCM) production was accounted for by years within herds. The fraction of records lost in editing was 4 % for models 1 and 2, and 11 %for model 3. Assuming model 3, the average numbers of daughters for bulls of the FAy-, FFr- and Fc-breeds were 130, 152 and 44, respectively. Average number of records in a herd-year class was about 3.6 in recent years. The additive genetic superiority of the FAy-breed in FCM-production to the FFr- and Fc-breeds was 84 and 860kg, respectively. Joint use of bull groups and relationships among males (model 1) tended to underevaluate the youngest bulls and overevaluate the oldest bulls belonging to previous generations. Based on the results and the breeding structure in theFinnish dairy cattle population, model 3 was chosen to be used in official sire evaluation.
Orange wheat blossom midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana (Géhin) (Dipt., Cecidomyidae), on wheat in Finland
Authors: Helenius Juha , Tomminen Jyrki , Björkbacka Reijo
Published: July 2018

Sitodiplosis mosellana has been found for the first time infesting wheat in Finland. In the wheat field studied, the egg laying period was in mid July, and the larvae left the ears in mid August. On an average ca. 20 % of the ears were infested. It was estimated, that 1.7 % of the grains were sucked by the larvae. The level of infestation was found to differ between wheal varieties.
Comparison of and correlation between the characteristics of agricultural topsoil and subsoil at the southern coast of Finland
Authors: Jokinen Raili
Published: July 2018

Topsoil and subsoil samples were taken at 382 sites from the agricultural area of Viikki Experimental Farm, University of Helsinki. The samples were determinated for particle size distribution, pH(CaCl2), organic C %, at pH 7 exchangeable Ca, Mg and K, effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC), exchange acidity (AI + H) and plant available (Bray 1) P. The differences between topsoil and subsoil were studied taking into consideration the fertilization and liming during the past ten years before sampling. The correlations between soil characteristics were also studied. The clay (< 2 µm) and silt (2—20 µm) contents, exchangeable Mg and exchange acidity were lower in the topsoil than in the subsoil; as for the remaining characteristics, the values for topsoil were higher than those for subsoil. The subsoil seemed to be more heterogenic than the topsoil. There was a closer correlation between exchangeable Ca, Mg and K and the clay content in the subsoil than in the topsoil. In Litorina soils, there was a weak correlation between exchangeable cations and clay. It is more difficult to predict the cation contents on the basis of soil particle size distribution in soils cropped intensively, since fertilization and liming have changed the original contents. Vertical movement of applied Ca occurred slightly, possibly because the topsoils were rich in organic C. There was some correlation between organic C and exchangeable Mg or K, indicating a minor effect of organic matter on the leaching of these cations. The plant available P content of the subsoil was about 10 % of that of the topsoil irrespective of the amount of P applied. Clay and organic C contents were the main constituents of effective cation exchange capacity in the topsoil; in the subsoil the significance of clay was greatest.
Determination of soil specific surface area by water vapor adsorption: I Drying of soil samples
Authors: Niskanen Raina , Mäntylahti Väinö
Published: July 2018

Drying of three mineral soil samples (clay content 4—58 %, organic carbon content 1—5 %) equilibrated at 75.5 % relative humidity was studied. The soils were dried in an oven at +50°C, +70°C and + 105°C for 4 and 8 hours and in a desiccator over pure concentrated H2SO4 and P2O5. Drying over desiccants for 8 hours removed less water than drying at + 50°C. Drying over desiccants for 3—7 days was as efficient as drying at +70°C, for 14—24 days as efficient as 4 hours of drying at + 105°C. Eight hours of drying at + 105°C seemed to be too drastic, because it caused a greater weight loss in the clay sample of 5 % organic carbon content than did prolonged desiccant-drying. Drying at + 70°Cremoved as much water from fine sand which contained 4 % clay as prolonged desiccant-drying.
Critical aspects of phytoalexins in potato
Authors: Brishammer Sture
Published: July 2018

Phytoalexins in potato are sesquiterpenoid substances produced in response to infections and are believed to help plants resist attack by pathogens. However, these compounds appear in response to compatible as well as incompatible interactions and only accumulate in the tubers. The amounts of phytoalexins produced depend on the physiological condition of the tubers. Young tubers don’t get easily infected with Phytophthora infestans even though they synthesize extremely small amounts of phytoalexins. Furthermore, confusion as to the identity of specific races and the propensity for a given race to produce different effects in the same type of host makes it extremely difficult to predict host-parasite interactions with any acceptable degree of accuracy. It is doubtful that the production of phytoalexins in response to artificial inoculations is representative of that occurring in natural infections. Markedly different types of pathogens induce synthesis of same substances in the host cells. It therefore seems most probable that all the phytoalexins are synthesized in response to stimulation by an endogenous elicitor. Little knowledge is available regarding the biosynthesis of these sesquiterpenes, and many previous determinations have presumably been erroneous. When potato tubers were inoculated with the late blight fungus, secondarily appearing bacteria were not retarded, despite the presence of phytoalexins. There is no generally accepted hypothesis describing the mechanism by which phytoalexins inhibit pathogens and no distinction has been made between the effects on necrotrophs and biotrophs. Adequate bioassays capable of measuring the effects of inhibition have yet to be developed, thus far, no convincing inhibitory effects have been reported. During purification of the phytoalexins there is a high risk for artifact forming, implying that specific compounds cannot be detected with certainty. Moreover, present analytical methods must be improved before we can determine how phytoalexins act in vivo. Probably, phytoalexins are synthesized at a stage in the infection too late to be able to restrict its expansion with the tissues of the host. Phytoalexins are restricted to the attacked parts of the tubers and there is no evidence indicating that these compounds pose any health risks when present in potatoes used for consumption.
Performance of Booroola Merino and Finnsheep crossbred lambs and ewes
Authors: Young L. D. , Dickerson G. E.
Published: July 2018

Booroola Merino (B, n= 18) and Finnsheep (F, n =31) rams were mated to F ewes and C3 ewes (1/2 Columbia, 1/4 Suffolk, 1/4 Hampshire). Progeny of these matings were evaluated for performance traits including ewe reproduction through 3 years of age. Averaged over dam breeds, there was no significant difference between B and F sires for conception rate (CR), litter size (LS) at birth or weaning or for lamb mortality to weaning. The difference among sire breeds was not large or significant for birth weight but F sired lambs were significantly heavier than B sired lambs at 63 and 147 days of age. Relative to F sired lambs, B sired lambs had a higher dressing percentage and less fat at the 12th rib but equal estimated percentage kidney fat. A significantly smaller percentage of B-C3 than F, F-C3 or B-F ewe lambs reached puberty by the end of their first breeding season. Ovulation rate at first mating was higher but embryo survival rate tended to be lower for B sired ewes than for F sired ewes. At 2 years of age, B sired ewes produced about 1 kg more wool than F sired ewes. With the exception of the very poor CR of B-C3 ewes at first parity, the differences between the four ewe genotypes were not large or significant for CR at first, second and third parity. The difference between B and F sired ewes in LS at birth was not significant at first parity but B sired ewes were more prolific at second and third parities. However, differences in lamb mortality reduced, and in some cases removed, the differences in LS by weaning time. Relative use of these breeds in commercial U.S. production schemes is discussed.
Evaluating barley feed fractions from integrated ethanol-starch production in diets of ruminants
Authors: Näsi Matti
Published: July 2018

A new process for the integrated production of ethanol and starch yields barley fractions with different types and contents of carbohydrates and protein. The barley hulls and bran consist mainly of lignocellulose, the barley molasses has considerable contents of sugars and soluble protein, the barley protein contains 40 % protein and has a low fibre level, while the barley fibre consists mainly of cereal cell walls and its NDF is high. The amino acid content of the barley fractions is almost the same as in the barley raw material. The nutritive value of the barley fractions was assessed in six digestibility trials performed with rams. Barley protein and barley molasses had high digestibilities, 90—95 % for OM and 87—93 % for CP; barley fibre had slightly lower digestibilities, 73 % for OM and 77 for CP, while barley hulls and bran had low values, 58 % for OM and 64 % for CP. The nitrogen balance improved with increasing level of the barley fractions in hay diet. The FU values were 1.15,0.94, 0.97, 0.73, 0.30 and 0.93 per kg DM for barley protein, fibre, molasses, hulls +bran, hulls and a mixture of fibre and molasses, respectively. The present experiments indicated that, apart from the product of the dehulling process, the barley fractions obtained are of high nutritive value.
Effect of extractant pH on the release of soil phosphorus, aluminium and iron by ammonium fluoride
Authors: Niskanen Raina
Published: July 2018

Release of P, Al and Fe of five mineral soils in four-hour extraction by 0.1 M NH4F, pH 4.2—8.6, generally increased with decreasing pH of the extractant. Fluoride was a rather selective extractant of Al at pH 6.1—8.6 where the extractability of iron was low. NH4F, pH 4.2, released a great part of P solubilized in fractionation of inorganic soil P, and Al was extracted more than by Tamm’s acid ammonium oxalate. Acid fluoride solutions released OH- ions from soils. The initial pH of fluoride was 4.2—5.2, and it rose in the filtrates of all soils.