bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OBSERVATIONS ON DAMAGE TO GRASSLAND IN EAST YORKSHIRE BY LARVAE OF THE COMMON LEAF WEEVIL, PHYLLOBIUSPYRIL. AND NOTES ON ITS BIOLOGY
Authors: Bevan W. J.
Published: April 2006

An account is given of the damage caused by the larvae of the Common Leaf Weevil, Phyllobius pyri L. to grassland on sandy soils in E. Yorkshire. This insect is probably an insidious pest of grassland causing deterioration of some swards, but occasionally large infestations occur causing severe damage. These investigations suggest that the severity of the damage is related to the degree of larval infestation, the age and the composition of the sward.

Work on the biology of the pest indicates that eggs are likely to be laid from the second week of April up to the fourth week of May. Larvae begin feeding on the grass roots in May and continue until about mid‐September, when they start migrating into the 3‐ to 6‐in. level in the soil prior to pupation. When environmental conditions are favourable, all larvae are in the pupal stage by late November and adult beetles emerge from the soil during the second week of April. These beetles feed on the grass for a short period before migrating to their woody hosts, whitethorn, hazel, oak and fruit trees.
A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF GERMINATION AND EARLY SEEDLING GROWTH IN PERENNIAL RYEGRASS
Authors: Anslow R. C.
Published: April 2006

Seedlings of perennial ryegrass were grown in soil and growth was studied up to 21 days from sowing. The shoot grew exponentially during this period. The weight of the whole plant fell to about 65% of the original weight of the caryopsis at about 9 days from sowing and did not regain this original value until about 16 days after sowing. Endosperm reserves were virtually exhausted within 14 days.

The interval between the 7th and 14th day appears to be critical in the establishment of the seedling, when conditions adverse to the development of a rapid rate of photosynthesis by the shoot could severely reduce seedling growth and the chances of survival.
SOILAGE FOR BEEF CATTLE
Authors: Hood A. E. M.
Published: April 2006

Over three seasons, 1957–9, soilage or zero‐grazing was found to be more efficient than rotational grazing. This increased efficiency amounted to a 5% greater output of beef per acre and 8% greater stock‐carrying capacity.
THE EFFECT OF TYPE OF CONCENTRATE ON MILK PRODUCTION WHEN SILAGE IS THE ONLY ROUGHAGE OFFERED TO COWS
Authors: Murdoch J. C.
Published: April 2006

Trials are described in which barley was compared with a concentrate containing barley and groundnut cake, both concentrates being used to supplement silage. An increase in milk yield was obtained when the compound concentrate was given to the cows, which may be attributable to an inadequate supply of protein in the silage/barley ration or to the effect of supplementary protein on silage intake.
THE YIELD AND COMPOSITION OF LUCERNE, GRASS AND CLOVER UNDER DIFFERENT SYSTEMS OF MANAGEMENT
Authors: Davies W. Ellis , Tyler B. F.
Published: April 2006

The yields of two varieties of lucerne grown with and without each of three companion grasses, under two cutting treatments, were compared during 1956–9 to elucidate further the potential production of this crop and to clarify some contradictions in earlier results.

Du Puits lucerne (early) and its mixtures produced 20% more dry matter than the corresponding mixtures based on AF1 (late). Meadow fescue S215/lucerne mixtures were superior to lucerne grown alone in the first year, but not subsequently. Mixtures with S37 cocksfoot and S22 Italian ryegrass gave significantly lower yields.

Over three years higher yields were obtained from three cuts in the first harvest year compared with two.
NITROGEN AND HERBAGE PRODUCTION*
Authors: Castle M. E. , Reid D.
Published: April 2006

A plot experiment is described in which the direct effects of and the interactions between two of the main sources of nitrogen for grassland, namely clover and fertilizer nitrogen, were measured. The results demonstrated the value of both clover and fertilizer nitrogen in raising yields and showed that these two sources of nitrogen had a marked additive effect on yield in at least the first two years of the experiment. The practical implications of these results are discussed with reference to the results obtained on a field scale on the Institute's farm. Possible methods of combining the use of clover and fertilizer nitrogen within a fanning system are considered.
THE EFFECT OF DALAPON ON THE SPECIES OF HILL GRASSLAND
Authors: King J. , Davies G. E.
Published: April 2006

The effect of dalapon is described on pastures of Agrostis/Festuca, Festuca ovinal Deschampsia flexuosa and related Nardus‐ or Molinia‐rich hill grasslands. The results are discussed in relation to the technique of surface sowing and the choice of vegetation types suitable for treatment.
STUDIES IN HERBAGE DIGESTIBILITY
Authors: Harkess R. D.
Published: April 2006

White‐clover herbage proved to be of relatively high digestibility and it was possible to predict the digestibility of mixed grass and clover herbages from a knowledge of the digestibility and proportions of the components. Lucerne proved to be of low digestibility. Aftermath herbage was not so highly digestible as first cuts; and in autumn digestibility falls slowly as herbage ages. Digestibility was unrelated to the nitrogen content of herbage. In three trials no significant differences were found between the digestive efficiencies of wether sheep and dairy cows, while hormone implantation, although affecting animal metabolism, failed to influence feed digestibility. Restricted feeding at 50% of the ad libitum intake resulted in a slight increase in the apparent digestibility of herbage.
STRIP GRAZING VERSUS PADDOCK GRAZING UNDER TROPICAL CONDITIONS
Authors: Joblin A. D. H.
Published: April 2006

A sixteen‐month trial is described where strip grazing was compared with a 3‐paddock system of rotational grazing. 71/2 acres of grazing was allotted to each group, but the strip‐grazed cattle were limited to half an acre of grazing while the paddock‐grazed beasts had access to 24 acres at a time. The pasture was rested for 6 weeks after strip grazing and 2 weeks after paddock grazing.

Treatment effects were found to vary with the pasture conditions. The paddock‐grazed cattle benefited most when average grass quality was declining following the onset of drying conditions. The strip‐grazed group showed to advantage when drying conditions persisted for several months and the usefulness of a rationed system of grazing management became apparent. There was an overall trend in favour of paddock grazing which is interpreted as suggesting that, under the conditions of the experiment, pasture quality was more frequently limiting animal production than was pasture quantity.

After one year's grazing the liveweight gains per acre were 221 lb from strip grazing and 251 lb from paddock grazing.
SEED FORMATION IN PERENNIAL RYEGRASS
Authors: Anslow R. C.
Published: April 2006

In a seed crop of S24 perennial ryegrass the processes of anther exsertion and seed formation were measured in inflorescences which emerged early, intermediate and late. The peaks of anther exsertion in the three groups were simultaneous, although the proportion of heads showing anthers was lower in late heads.

Two‐thirds of all florets set seed, but the proportion was lower in late heads than in the earlier groups. There was a slight fall in floret fertility in the upper spikelets, compared with those in the middle and at the base of the spike, and a marked reduction in fertility in the outer florets of each spikelet.

Factors likely to affect the efficiency of the pollination and fertilization process are discussed.
WILD WHITE CLOVER SEED PRODUCTION
Authors: Haggar R. J. , Holmes W. , Innes P.
Published: April 2006

Field experiments on the management of ryegrass/white‐clover pastures for seed production were carried out from 1958 to 1961. Replicated trials with 1/6‐acre plots compared continuous grazing, rotational grazing and cutting once at the silage stage of growth as methods of pasture management from April to June. An additional mechanical method, gang mowing, was introduced in 1960 and Hayter mowing was used in 1961. In 1958 to 1960 the treatments were studied with and without the application of 70 lb nitrogen per acre. Clover flower heads per square foot, clover seed and ryegrass seed yields were greatest under continuous grazing, although in some years comparable results were obtained from the mechanical defoliation treatments. There were substantial differences between potential and harvested clover seed yields, the latter ranging from 20% to 75% of the potential yield. The weight of ryegrass seed harvested was highest under continuous grazing and least under the cutting treatments. The nitrogenous fertilizer increased the production of herbage dry matter and of ryegrass seed, but greatly reduced clover seed yields. The results are discussed in relation to the influence of weather on the incidence of flowering and the influence of methods of defoliation on flower‐bud emergence. It is concluded that mechanical methods of defoliation can produce yields similar to those obtained under continuous grazing, provided that cutting is carried out at the correct stage of growth.
A COMPARISON OF THE PRODUCTIVITY OF ABERYSTWYTH‐BRED AND COMMERCIAL GRASS VARIETIES IN SMALL FARM UNITS
Authors: Alder F. E.
Published: April 2006

A comparison of Aberystwyth‐bred and commercial grass varieties on two small farms of approximately 17 acres was started in April 1958. The 10 plots comprising each unit are scattered in pairs over a total area of 35·5 acres [used from 1951 for a grazing management experiment (1, 2)]. The management and results for the first three years are given in this paper.

Varieties for both long‐ and short‐term leys were compared; the re‐seeding plan and seeds mixtures used are detailed. The stock numbers, grazing management and fertilizer treatments were kept as nearly similar as possible for the farms and for the individual mixtures. Figures for utilized herbage production from individual plots, assessed from grazing data and from sample cuts taken during silage and hay making, are discussed in relation to botanical composition. The levels of production are given in terms of utilized starch equivalent, live‐weight gain, wool from the ewes and cattle grazing days. All show consistent differences in favour of the Aberystwyth‐bred varieties, but mask a difference in favour of Danish compared with S37 cocksfoot.
THE NUTRITIVE VALUE AND AGRONOMIC ASPECTS OF SOME FODDERS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA
Authors: Miller T. B. , Rains A. Blair
Published: April 2006

The results of digestibility trials are presented on Andropogon gayanus, Brachiaria brizantha, Chloris gayana (Rhodes grass), Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass), Hyparrhenia rufa (Janagua grass), Panicum maximum (Guinea grass), Pennisetum pedicellatum, P. purpureum (Elephant grass), unimproved bush grass, Centrasema pubescens (Centro), Desmodium scorpuris and Stylosanthes gracilis (Stylo). The nutritive values are discussed, together with agronomic aspects important in relation to the growth of these species in Northern Nigeria.
FERTILE TILLER PRODUCTION AND SEED YIELD IN MEADOW FESCUE (FESTUCA PRATENSIS L.)
Authors: Lewis Joseph
Published: April 2006

The fertile tiller production and seed yields of spaced plants of meadow fescue varieties were found to vary widely with the time of sowing, particularly in the first harvest year. The benefit of early spring sowing is indicated in the total productivity over two harvest years.

Varieties differed in the amount of heading in the seeding year; the American type was the most prolific. This had a bearing on the relative yields in the first harvest year, since many of the potentially productive tillers of this variety were wasted through the plants becoming ripe to flower in the seeding year and, therefore, the rate of tiller production was checked. Competition within the plant appeared to be the cause of tillers remaining vegetative when conditions otherwise seemed suitable for generative development. The smaller‐sized plants gave a higher proportional increase of fertile tillers at harvest than would be expected from the vegetative tillers counted in April, while at the same time there was a negative relationship at harvest from plants which had a very high number of vegetative tillers.

Infertility as reflected in a poor seed set at the time of harvest is a serious wastage of potential production in meadow fescue and, in selecting for superior seed output, breeders need to take this factor into consideration.

The 1000‐seed weight varied between varieties, the pasture type being inferior to the two hay types.
AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE SIMULATION OF NUTRIENT RETURNS BY THE GRAZING ANIMAL IN GRASSLAND EXPERIMENTATION
Authors: Wolton Karen M.
Published: April 2006

An experiment is described that examined mowing with the return of excreta and mowing with the return of clippings as methods of simulating the return of nutrients by grazing animals in experiments where grazing is impracticable. These treatments were applied to a pure grass and to a grass/clover sward. Both methods gave herbage nearer in yield and composition to that resulting from natural grazing than did mowing with no return, but neither was suitable for use on sites outside experimental stations. Although the nitrogen returned in excreta was rather inefficiently used, it appeared to be the major factor in increasing yield on the grass sward and in changing the grass/clover balance on the mixed sward. The return‐treatments had a marked effect on the potassium nutrition of both swards and the results suggest that omitting the grazing animal from trials assessing potassium fertilizer requirements may invalidate the results.
THE GRASSLANDS OF EAST ANGLIA
Authors: Hughes G. Pearson
Published: April 2006

Because in the past the main emphasis was placed on arable farming, grassland husbandry has played a minor role in East Anglia. Now the increased efficiency exercised in the arable farming of the area is being applied to the grasslands. The main trends are discussed.
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ON SYMPTOM EXPRESSIONS OF VIRUS DISEASES IN GRASSES
Authors: Emecz Tibor I.
Published: April 2006

Viruss damage was observed on plants of Lolium perenne L. and Dactylis glomcrata L. undergoing growth‐analysis studies. On the basis of visual symptoms the damage was presumed to be caused by barley‐yellow‐dwarf virus (BYDV) in ryegrass and by streak virus (CSV) in cocksfoot. The number of plants which could be clinically diagnosed as infected and the degree of damage were both positively correlated with temperature. It was inferred that at low temperatures both viruses could remain relatively inactive, or even latent. This was subsequently confirmed by removing cocksfoot plants from a heated glasshouse (19°–23°C) to a cold environment (6–10°C) which resulted in a progressive loss of symptoms in newly developing leaves. Some possible explanations and practical implications are briefly discussed.
THE PRODUCTIVITY OF A FESTUCA/AGROSTIS ALLUVIAL GRASSLAND AT 1700 FT IN THE NORTHERN PENNINES
Authors: Rawes M.
Published: April 2006

A seasonal herbage dry‐matter yield of 2400 lb/acre was obtained on a soil which by chemical analysis was infertile. Fertilizer treatment doubled yield. Monthly cuttings more than halved the yield but increased the mineral content. The highest levels of ash (8·04%) and nitrogen (3·75%) were obtained on the unfertilized sward in August, under the combined effect of sheep grazing and monthly clipping. Phosphorus levels were very low: 0·002% in the soil and 0·11% (August) in the grazed sward. The effect of varying cutting regimes and of a fertilizer treatment in the first year on yields over 4 years was measured. Little difference was detectable in the final year. Variability in the mineral content was found during the season. The August levels, under enclosure, on a dry‐weight basis, were: ash 5·58%, calcium 0·45%, nitrogen 2·05%, phosphorus 0·13%, potash 1·75%, sodium 0·04% and magnesium 0·09%.
THE RESPONSE TO FERTILIZER TREATMENTS OF WINTER WHEAT GROWN AFTER LEYS
Authors: Milbourn G. M. , Innes P. , Holmes W.
Published: April 2006

Over three years, eight replicated experiments were conducted in which winter wheat was sown after a ley with and without seedbed applications of P and K. Fertilizer N was applied at 0, 45, 90 and 135 lb per acre in one dressing in early spring. Observations were made on tiller counts, grain size and yield.

There were no significant interactions between N and mineral fertilizer. Mineral fertilizer had no important effect on tillering or grain yield. Consideration of the previous fertilization of the pastures showed that there was probably an adequate reserve of P and K in the soil, although soil analysis did not always reveal it.

Nitrogenous fertilizer significantly increased fertile tiller numbers and raised yield of grain up to an application of 45 lb N per acre in 1960 and 90 lb N per acre in 1961 (after a wet winter). The average responses to 90 lb per acre of N after leys were 74, 6·3 and 101 cwt grain per acre in 1959, 1960 and 1961, respectively. In 1961 the corresponding response in an arable field was 16·3 cwt.

It is concluded that after a well‐fertilized ley neither mineral fertilizers nor N are necessary in the seed bed and that the ley contributes about 45 lb N per acre towards the succeeding crop. The practical advantages of autumn drilling without fertilizer are stressed and reference is made to the importance of considering fertilizer applications for the rotation as a whole.
THE EFFECT OF CONDITIONING ON THE RATE OF DRYING AND LOSS OF NUTRIENTS IN HAY
Authors: Murdoch J. C. , Bare D. I.
Published: April 2006

Treating cut herbage with a roller‐crusher or a crimper resulted in an increased drying rate compared with tedding. A higher rate of drying was obtained when herbage was treated within a short period of the crop being cut, this effect being more marked with the crimper than with the tedder. Nutrient loss was higher when a crimper was used than with a roller‐crusher or tedder. Applying water at an early stage in the drying process did not have a marked effect on nutrient loss, but appeared to decrease the digestibility of the crimped hay.
THE INFLUENCE OF TWO LEVELS OF NITROGENOUS FERTILIZING ON THE LONG‐TERM PRODUCTIVITY OF LEYS
Authors: Baker H. K. , Chard J. R. A. , Gwynne G.
Published: April 2006

Two levels of nitrogen application (70 and 180 lb per acre per annum) were compared on 6 long‐duration leys. The treatments were repeated for periods of up to 4 years on tiie same swards. The higher N dressing produced 2230 lb more dry matter per acre than the low rate, an increase of 28%, and the yield was also more evenly spread throughout the season. There was virtually no clover on the high‐N swards. The proportion of clover varied under low N but tended to increase as the season progressed. The sown grasses remained the dominant sward constituents throughout the experiment, and there was no sign of loss of vigour on the high‐N swards. Utilized‐starch‐equivalent outputs were calculated from 3 different swards for 1956–8 and there was a significant positive correlation between the dry‐matter yields and utilized‐starch‐equivalent output of swards.
THE EFFECT OF A COVER CROP ON THE SEED PRODUCTION OF LEAFY COCKSFOOT S26
Authors: Roberts H. M.
Published: April 2006

There was a significant reduction in the seed yield of S26 cocksfoot in the first harvest year following undersowing in oats. Yields were markedly improved, however, by the application of extra nitro‐chalk in spring, by using a partial cover crop and by cutting the oats for silage.

Over three harvest years the financial returns were very similar for all treatments studied.
CONTROL OF HYPOMAGNESAEMIC TETANY BY FOLIAR APPLICATION OF CALCINED MAGNESITE
Authors: Todd J. R. , Morrison N. E.
Published: April 2006

An experiment on the prevention of hypomagnesaemic tetany by foliar application of calcined magnesite was carried out with the dairy herd of Greenmount Agricultural College. Hypomagnesaemia and tetany were prevented by‘dusting’ pasture with calcined magnesite at the rate of 28 lb per acre just before grazing, whereas hypomagnesaemia and cases of tetany (including one death) occurred when the animals were grazing pasture which had not been dusted.
DIFFERENTIAL SURVIVAL OF PLANT TYPES IN SWARDS
Authors: Charles Allen H.
Published: April 2006

Populations of Lolium spp., Dacrylis spp., and Phleum, each based on two or more cultivars, were subjected to three managements and iwo nitrogen levels. Rapid changes i n population structure occurred in response lo agronomic selection pressures and some cultivars were eliminated from the swards in less than four years, even though they were able to persist for longer periods when sown separately. The frequency and method of defoliation, time of nitrogen application, and edaphic factors produced changes i n the proportion of the cultivar subgroups in the populations, and there were indications of differential survival within cultivars. The results are discussed in relation to the utilization of cultivars in mixtures and the selective action of biotic and edaphic factors.
PLANT JUICES IN RELATION TO SILAGE FERMENTATION
Authors: Greenhill W. L.
Published: April 2006

The release of the plant‐cell juices is a prerequisite for a lactic‐acid fermentation in silage. Investigations with plant material at different moisture contents have indicated that above about 2 g water per g dry matter sufficient juice is released from properly ensiled material to permit the onset of fermentation; below this moisture content lactic‐acid production is delayed, if not prevented.

When material of suitable moisture content is ensiled at a temperature of 25°C, the onset of fermentation is somewhat slower than at 40°C. However, within these limits, the temperature is not critical, provided that the silage is completely sealed to exclude air. The infiltration of even small amounts of fresh air delays the release of the juices and, especially at the lower temperatures, often results in an undesirable fermentation.

A number of miscellaneous treatments, designed to hasten the release of the juices, failed to show any advantages in small‐scale tests.
THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF NITROGEN ECONOMY IN GRAZING EXPERIMENTS
Authors: Davidson R. L.
Published: April 2006

An hypothesis relating to the circulation of nitrogen between soil, plants and animals in fertilized grassland is presented. It embodies the results of small‐plot experiments and grazing trials on serai grassland in South Africa. Where the value of land is low in comparison with the cost of fertilizer, it is essential that the maximum response be obtained from fertilizer as well as from excretal N. The assumption that 80% of herbage N is returned as excreta, of which 25% is recovered by the grasses in the first season and 25% in the second season, appears to be in accord with liveweight data. Using average values of soil N and fertilizer recovery under local conditions, it is argued that applying 30 lb N per acre (with an initial heavy dressing) should provide higher percentage recoveries of fertilizer N than fixed annual dressings of 60 Ib N per acre. In grazing trials over five years, in which these systems are compared, the apparent recoveries of fertilizer N in animal liveweight were respectively 22.4% and 11.6%.

A distinction is drawn between the initial build‐up of nitrogen in circulation and the long term maintenance of a nitrogen level providing maximum recovery of fertilizer N.
THE DIGESTIBILITY AND VOLUNTARY INTAKE OF S22 AND H.1 RYEGRASS, S170 TALL FESCUE, S48 TIMOTHY, S215 MEADOW FESCUE AND GERMINAL COCKSFOOT
Authors: Minson D. J. , Harris C. E. , Raymond W. F. , Milford† R.
Published: April 2006

Pure swards of S22 Italian ryegrass, H.1 hybrid ryegrass, S170 tall fescue, S48 timothy, S215 meadow fescue and Germinal cocksfoot were each harvested at several stages of maturity during first growth in the spring, and in the subsequent regrowths. Each batch of herbage was fed to sheep in a digestion trial under conditions of voluntary intake. Results from the first growth herbages showed the expected fall in digestibility with increasing maturity. However, the digestibility of S22, H.1, S170 and S48 began to fall well before ear emergence, whereas the digestibility of Germinal fell only slowly up to the time of ear emergence, as had been found previously with S24 and S23 ryegrass and S37 cocksfoot. The rate of fall of digestibility in H.1 and S48 (0.4 units/day) also appeared to be lower than with the perennial ryegrasses and cocksfoot (0.5 units/day). The monthly regrowths within each herbage were of similar digestibility, but the mean digestibility of regrowths differed between herbages, being highest for S215 and lowest for Germinal and S170. The grasses with highest digestibility in the early Spring, in particular S22 ryegrass, were not, however, always the most digestible in the subsequent regrowths. The numbers of sheep fed on each herbage were insufficient to show whether there were significant differences in voluntary intake between different herbage species of the same digestibility. It is suggested that an intake/digestibility relationship, based on data from more animals, should be developed for each herbage species. Only if different relationships are found can it be concluded that factors other than level of digestibility have an effect on intake.
AN ASSESSMENT OF (2‐CHLOROETHYL) TRIMETHYLAMMONIUM CHLORIDE AS A POTENTIAL AID TO GRASS‐SEED PRODUCTION
Authors: Stoddart J. L.
Published: April 2006

The effects of (2–chloroethyl) trimethyIammonium chloride (CCC) on inflorescence production and culm length in seedlings of Aberystwyth S51 timothy (Phleum pratense L.) are described. Concentrations of CCC ranging from molar to 0.01 molar were applied as a soil drench at a rate of 75 ml/sq. ft to plants at the 3rd, 6th or 8th leaf stage. All treatments reduced the culm length at heading, maximum effect being obtained from those given at the earliest growth stages. The number of heads per plant and the total head‐length per plant increased with treatment, showing a maximum after molar treatments at the 6th or 8th leaf stages. Mean head‐length remained relatively constant. The results are discussed in relation to seed production problems and the questions to be answered prior to field‐scale treatment are outlined.
AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE MERITS OF INTENSIVE ROTATIONAL GRAZING
Authors: Ruane J. B. , Raftery T. F.
Published: April 2006

An investigation into the merits of intensive rotational grazing or paddock grazing was started in 1960. The experiment covered 40 acres, half of which was divided into 20 single‐acre paddocks and the other half into 2 fields of 9 and 11 acres, respectively. Two groups of carefully paired cows were used to measure the output of milk per acre. Surplus grass was used for drystock and for conservation. The final output was expressed in terms of U.S.E. per acre, which was computed from the records of milk production, livestock maintenance and fattening and grass cut for conservation. The following conclusions seem reasonable: (a) Where the stocking rate is the same under both systems and the grass supply exceeds the animals' appetites, very little difference in terms of milk yield per acre will be found between intensive rotational grazing and lax rotational grazing over the grazing season; (b) Where, because of heavier stocking or a poorer growth of grass, the animals' appetites begin to exceed the grass supply, the intensive system of rotational grazing will be able to carry the stock for a longer period and consequently will give a greater output of milk per acre; (c) Intensive rotational grazing gives greater opportunity for taking off surplus grass for dryslock or for conservation.
THE GROWTH OF LAMBS AT PASTURE
Authors: Large R. V. , Spedding C. R. W.
Published: April 2006

Two groups of ewes, each containing single and twin lambs, were folded over a ‘worm‐free’ pasture, with a creep provided for the lambs, allowing them to graze ahead of the ewes. The lambs of one group received supplementary feeding. Higher growth rates of the Iambs were recorded than those previously reported by other workers. The growth rates of twin lambs were improved more than those of singles and the lambs receiving supplementary feeding gained at a significantly faster rate than those on pasture only. Faecal egg counts indicated that worm infestation in the lambs was maintained at a very low level.
STUDIES IN CALF MANAGEMENT
Authors: Chambers D. T.
Published: April 2006

In 1960 spring‐born calves were reared indoors or at pasture on 3 dairy farms near Hurley. In the following year the experiment was repeated on 3 farms in the nortli‐east and on 2 in the south‐west of England.

Several calves died, and this may have been because of inadequate milk feeding. Generally, however, the growth of calves reared at pasture was comparable with that of animals reared indoors. Tfie use of grass enabled substantial savings to be made in the amount of concentrate feedingstuffs and hay fed.
THE EFFECT OF FERTILIZER NITROGEN AND FREQUENCY OF DEFOLIATION ON YIELD OF GRASSLAND HERBAGE
Authors: Holliday R. , Wilman D.
Published: April 2006

The effects of 4 levels of applied nitrogen, ranging from nil to a maximum of 417 lb N/ acre/annum, in all combinations with 3 frequencies of defoliation, ranging from 2 to a maximum of 10 cuts per annum, on herbage production from a perennial ryegrass/ timothy/meadow fescue/white clover sward were measured. These treatments were operative for 2J years, and in a subsequent year the residual effect of cutting frequency was tested. Dry‐matter yields of total herbage and of the clover fraction are quoted, together with N yields of total herbage. Yield response to N was higher than in some other experiments in the U. K. Cutting frequency had a very large effect and, in general, the longer the interval between cuts, the higher was the dry‐matter (though not the N) yield. There was a marked interaction between cutting frequency and level of N: at the high cutting frequency, dry‐matter yield increased linearly with increasing level of N; at the medium frequency, response tended to fall off at the highest level of N; at the low frequency, yield declined with increasing level of N beyond 139 lb N per acre per anum.
MECHANICAL TREATMENT FOR IMPROVING UPLAND GRAZING
Authors: Hughes Roy , Munro J. M. M. , Warboys B.
Published: April 2006

The botanical changes in a wet (Molinia) and a drier (Nardtts) upland pasture that followed a single defoliation by a forage harvester are briefly described. Without fertilizer the bare and litter‐covered areas were soon recolonized by the original dominants; with lime and fertilizer the recolonization was mainly by Agrostis spp., even when Agrostis was a minor element in the original sward. These changes were markedly accelerated by the forage‐harvester treatment. The results of surface seeding after the forage‐harvester treatment are compared with those obtained after rotary cultivation. Contrasting moisture regimes and competitive thresholds led to considerable differences in sward balance and in establishment of sown species, and seeding was successful only on the wetter site. Too rapid regeneration of undesirable remnants was prevalent, but this and other hazards are related to the uneven deposit of litter left by the forage harvester; thick, slowly‐rotting accumulations inhibited the redevelopment of rapidly‐growing species and germination on seeded areas.
THE EFFECT OF THE BIPYRIDYL HERBICIDES ON HILL COMMUNITIES AND THEIR ROLE IN THE IMPROVEMENT OF HILL GRAZING
Authors: Douglas G. , Lewis C. J. , McIlvenny H. C.
Published: April 2006

The improvement of hill land is important to the national economy of the United Kingdom. An increase in the amount of enclosed productive land results in a greater stock‐carrying capacity of a hill farm. Improvement is not always possible by conventional implements, and herbicides are being used to kill the old sward. The bipyridyl herbicides offer a means of destroying or modifying the indigenous vegetation. The application of low doses of paraquat or diquat to an association containing Molinia caerulea, Nardus sfricta and Festuca avina resulted in a change in equilibrium in favour of the fescues. The application of 2 lb paraquat per acre practically eliminates all grass species in a sward and it is then possible to establish desirable pasture species after lightly cultivating the dead surface litter.
THE ASSESSMENT OF UTILIZED‐STARCH‐EQUIVALENT (U. S.E.) OUTPUT FROM FARM GRASSLAND BY THE FARM‐RECORDING METHOD
Authors: Frame John
Published: April 2006

In a survey in the West of Scotland, utilized‐starch‐equivalent (U. S.E.) outputs from the grassland of 67 farms, mainly dairy farms, and 9 hill‐grazing units associated with them, were assessed by the farm‐recording method. The limitations and possibilities of the method are discussed. The results obtained were above average, but the farms were a selected group. The wide range of U. S.E. outputs from farms of similar type indicates the scope for improvement on farms with low levels of output. The need for more surveys to clarify existing production levels on commercial farms is emphasized.
A COMPARISON OF COCKSFOOT‐ AND TALL FESCUE‐DOMINANT SWARDS FOR OUT‐OF‐SEASON PRODUCTION
Authors: Baker H. K. , Chard J. R. A. , Hughes W. E.
Published: April 2006

Swards based on a mixture of SI 70 tall fescue and S215 meadow fescue were very early in spring, gave high yields for conservation in mid‐season and, rested from mid‐August, gave good grazing in November‐December. Under this treatment, the tall fescue assumed dominance, and the swards were persistent and remained productive. The digestibility of the tall fescue swards was always higher than that of swards based on cocksfoot with which they were compared. During spring and autumn the former sward was better grazed by stock, but the position was reversed in mid‐summer. Cattle grazing tall‐fescue‐dominant swards made better liveweight gains than those grazing cocksfoot swards during November‐December.
THE WEED FLORA OF CHEMICALLY‐RENEWED LOWLAND SWARDS
Authors: Douglas G.
Published: April 2006

The viable‐seed content of soils under grass swards was investigated in relation to the potential weed flora which may occur in chemically‐renewed swards. The viable‐seed populations in the top 6 in. of the soils ranged from 46 million per acre for a 1‐year ryegrass ley to 1·7 million in an old permanent pasture. On the limited evidence available, there appears to be no close correlation between the broad‐leaved weed species present in the original pasture, the viable seeds in the soil, or the volunteer species in the new sward. Large populations of viable seeds of indigenous grass species occurred in most swards, while there was an almost complete lack of seeds of cultivated grasses. The effect of surface cultivation following the application of paraquat to a grass sward is to stimulate the dormant weed seeds in the upper layers of the soil to germinate. If these layers were left undisturbed a relatively weed‐free environment would eventually be achieved.
THE ENERGY VALUE OF BARN‐DRIED HAY
Authors: Morgan D. E. , Jones M. G. S.
Published: April 2006

Recent publications dealing with the efficiency of utilization of dietary energy by ruminants suggest that metabolizable‐ and net‐energy values may be calculated with reasonable precision from digestible‐energy values. Use has been made here of existing data to estimate the metabolizable‐energy (M. E.) and net‐energy values for maintenance and fattening (N. E.m and N. E.f) of 5 samples of barn‐dried hay of known in vivo digestibility, firstly to provide such figures for good quality barn‐dried hays and, secondly, to illustrate a method of estimating energy values for hays that might be useful for routine advisory purposes.
THE TESTING OF GRASS VARIETIES IN SWARDS WITH CLOVER: THE EFFECT OF GRASS SEED‐RATE ON COMPARISONS OF GROSS YIELD
Authors: Green J. O. , Corrall A. J.
Published: April 2006

Three experiments were carried out to examine the influence of grass seed‐rate upon the amount of clover growing with different varieties of perennial ryegrass. The bred varieties S23 and S24 were compared with Irish ryegrass. A larger quantity of clover grew with Irish ryegrass than with bred varieties at any given seed‐rate. If the varieties were to be compared in terms of herbage of similar clover content, then Irish ryegrass sown at 20 lb/ac had to be compared with S23 or S24 sown at about a quarter of that rate. Reducing the seed‐rate of the bred varieties from 20 to 5 lb/ac had only a small effect upon yield of ryegrass, and this was offset by an increase in yield of clover. Since weed grasses also took advantage of low grass seed‐rate, it is concluded that other factors in the management of variety trials must be so controlled as to produce a satisfactory clover content without too drastic a reduction in the seed‐rate of any variety. The relationship between grass seed‐rate and yield of clover varied markedly with the availability of moisture.
A MODIFIED CAPACITANCE PROBE TECHNIQUE FOR ESTIMATING PASTURE YIELD
Authors: Johns G. G. , Nicol G. R. , Watkin B. R.
Published: April 2006

An instrument for estimating pasture yield electronically was constructed. It was a modification of that described by Campbell et al (1). A transistorized crystal oscillator was incorporated to provide a highly stable frequency standard for use in the field. This provided a zero reference point for both the measuring head oscillator and the reading oscillator before and during use. The instrument is fully described and details are given of its field adjustment and operation.
THE EFFECT OF NITROGENOUS FERTILIZER ON THE RATE OF GROWTH OF ITALIAN RYEGRASS
Authors: Wilman D.
Published: April 2006

The rate of growth of Italian ryegrass in the spring was measured by recording dry‐matter yield at weekly intervals over periods of 6 weeks. There were 3 levels of applied N: 25, 75 and 125 lb/ac. Yield increased fairly slowly in the first 2 weeks and level of applied N had little effect. In the final 4 weeks the grass grew at a faster and fairly constant rate, which was very much affected by the level of N. Grass receiving 25 lb N produced 2900 lb of dry matter/ac in 6 weeks, 75 lb N 4400 Ib, and 125 Ib N 4700 lb. By the end of the first week, % N and % nitrate‐N were higher at the 75 lb than at the 25 lb N level and by the end of the second week they were higher at the 125 lb than at the 75 lb N level. The effect of weather factors and the question of predictability of yield are discussed.
THE BEHAVIOUR OF COCKSFOOT AND PERENNIAL RYEGRASS FAMILIES FROM WESTERN FRANCE GROWN AT ABERYSTWYTH
Authors: Beddows A. R.
Published: April 2006

Families of Dactytis g/omerata and Lolium perenne derived from ripe inflorescences collected in western France over a range of nearly 7° of latitude were grown at Aberystwyth, 52° N lat. Their growth was examined to determine whether latitude and the habitat of the collected families affected the dates of ear emergence, phml form, and height of the flowering shoots when the grasses were grown at Aberystwyth, Ear emergence was found to be delayed as the latitude of the seed source increased, irrespective of the year of sowing, or, in the case of cocksfoot, irrespective of whether the plants were in their first or second harvest year.

Plant growth‐form and panicle height were recorded only for the cocksfoots, and the results indicate that they were influenced by habitat and that they reflected the intensity of biotic control that had operated.

The families derived from meadows or road verges tended to contain a higher percentage of erect tall types. When, however, the seeds came from grazed orchards or pastures, there were few or no erect plants, but many with a more or less prostrate habit and shorter panicles.
THE APPLICATION OF THE IN VITRO DIGESTION TECHNIQUE TO SOME ARID‐ZONE FODDERS
Authors: Wilkins R. J.
Published: April 2006

The in vitro digestibility of organic matter and cellulose was determined in 17 fodders collected in western New South Wales. Further determinations were made on samples fortified or not by the addition of glucose, urea and yeast extract. There was a significant positive response to fortification in both organic‐matter and cellulose digestibility, the magnitude of the response varying with the fodder sample tested. The relationship between organic‐matter digestibility and cellulose digestibility was close only in the case of grasses, but for all samples consideration of both the amount and digestibility of cellulose accounted for 97% of the variation in organic‐matter digestibility. The results suggest that an inhibitor preventing cellulose digestion was present in Cassia eremophila.
THE DRYING OF TIMOTHY SEED
Authors: Nelltst M. E. , Rees D. V. H. , Higgs D. M. J.
Published: April 2006

Physical data, from an experiment to determine the effect of drying on the quality of S48 timothy seed, are used to derive an equation relating the average drying rate of the seed to the temperature and flow of the drying air. The relationship, which can be of use in practical problems, demonstrates the importance of air temperature in determining the drying rate, particularly when compared with similar Jula for wheat.
THE INTAKE AND NUTRITIVE VALUE OF FRESH, FROZEN AND DRIED SORGHUM ALMUM, DIGITARIA DECUMBENS AND PANICUM MAXIMUM
Authors: Minson D. J.
Published: April 2006

Sorghum almum, Digitaria decumbens and Panicum maximum were fed in fresh, frozen (−20 C) or dried (85° C) form to 21 wethers in metabolism cages. Neither freezing nor drying had a significant (P>0·05) effect on voluntary intake, dry‐matter digestibility or organic‐matter digestibility. Drying depressed the apparent digestibility of the nitrogen in all grasses but only in the case of D. decumbens was this significant (P<0·05). Freezing also depressed the apparent digestibility of N while both freezing and drying reduced N retention, compared with the fresh feed. None of these differences was significant.

Freezing and drying are thus methods of pasture preservation that can be used to study the intake and dry‐matter digestibility of tropical pastures, but both methods may introduce bias into the measurement of N digestibility and retention.
THE EFFECT OF RELATING APPLICATIONS OF NITROGEN TO THE STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT OF COCKSFOOT (DACTYLIS GLOMERATA L.) GROWN FOR PRODUCTION OF SEED
Authors: Lambert D. A.
Published: April 2006

An experiment is described in which nitrogen was applied in relation to the physiological stage of development in cocksfoot grown for seed. All applications of N increased the yield of seed, but applying all the N during the phase of autumnal tillering was less effective than applying it at stages of development in spring (beginning of vernal growth, initiation of inflorescences, complete differentiation of inflorescences), or in autumn and spring, because of a decrease in the number of tillers which survived to flower in the following year. Differences due to the stage of development at which N was applied in spring were small. Primary effects of N were to increase the number of tillers and ears per plant, and to accelerate the rate of development of inflorescences; in addition, N advanced the date of initiation of inflorescences without similarly advancing the date of complete differentiation of inflorescences. It is concluded that a long period between the initiation and complete differentiation of the inflorescence is conducive to high yields of seed.
FERTILITY BUILDING UNDER GRASSES
Authors: Sinha A. K. , Chatterjee B. N.
Published: April 2006

Experiments were conducted to analyse the effect of 3‐year‐old grass plots, under a cut‐and‐carry system, on the yields of maize and groundnut crops, and at the same time to compare the relative importance of the water‐stable aggregates and the nitrogen status of the soil. The N reserves, organic carbon and water‐stable aggregate contents of soils were higher under grass plots than in the ploughed‐up‐fallow plots. Maize yields showed a close correlation with total soil N, mineralized N after incubation for 20 days, and water‐stable aggregate contents; groundnut yields showed close correlation only with water‐stable aggregates. The effects of the variations in soil N and in the water‐stable aggregate content of the soil on the yields of maize and groundnuts were examined by multiple regression analysis of data from a large number of plots.
CROSS–FERTILIZATION BETWEEN DIPLOID AND TETRAPLOID RYEGRASSES
Authors: Griffiths D. J. , Pegler R. A. D.
Published: April 2006

Preliminary studies have been undertaken to determine the degree to which diploid and tetraploid ryegrass varieties intercross under field conditions. The results obtained through the use of diploid and tetraploid non‐red‐base tester plants indicate that pollen from tetraploid ryegrasses constitutes little or no danger to the genetic purity of diploid seed crops, even if grown in close proximity. A small proportion of viable triploid hybrids can arise in the progenies of tetraploid plants heavily exposed to diploid pollen, but here again their frequency and incidence are not of practical consequence.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE UTILIZATION OF GRASS GRAZED BY YOUNG BEEF CATTLE WITH AND WITHOUT BARLEY SUPPLEMENTATION
Authors: Forbes T. J. , Raven A. M. , Robinson K. L.
Published: April 2006

A field trial was carried out in which 3 groups of cattle were grazed on a paddock system with and without supplementary barley. The cattle were 6 months old when turned out to grass and were each fed 4 lb/day of barley for one week to prevent any adverse effect from an abrupt change of diet. The trial began on 14 May and continued until 8 October. The mean liveweight gain obtained on the unsupplemented grass was only 0·97 lb/day up to 20 August and owing to the poor growth of the animals a supplement of 4 lb barley/head/day was then introduced. The daily liveweight gain for the remainder of the trial was 1·94 lb. When a supplement of 4 lb barley was provided throughout the trial the mean daily liveweight gain was 1·61 lb. When barley was fed ad lib. intake averaged 12·3 lb/head/day throughout the trial and the mean daily gain was 2·45 lb.

Indoor digestibility and nitrogen retention trials were carried out. The starch equivalents of diets on the three treatments were 63·7, 68·3 and 69·5, respectively. The respective mean daily intakes of dry matter were 11·2, 11·9 and 11·8 lb, and the mean daily retentions of N were 35·0, 35·8 and 33·6g. These results indicate that although the grass was of good nutritive value the poor performance of the animals on grass alone was mainly due to their inability to graze sufficient grass.
THE USE OF LIVEWEIGHT‐GAIN TRIALS FOR PASTURE EVALUATION IN THE TROPICS
Authors: Stobbs T. H. , Joblin A. D. H.
Published: April 2006

Two methods of measuring the liveweight gain of cattle on sown pastures are described in a 15 ac grazing trial. During the first 12 months of grazing, stocking rate was varied within and between pasture species. In the remaining 21 months, stocking rate was maintained at the same level between all pastures, but varied with the overall seasonal changes in grass availability. The relative merits of the two methods are discussed, and it is concluded that the trial using the same stocking rate on all species offered the more effective and practicable method of comparing pasture production differences of the order 30–50%.

The results showed significant improvements in liveweight gain in the latter 21 months of the experiment, resulting from the inclusion of a legume, Centrosema pubescens in a Hyparrhenia rufa sward, and from the use of Hyparrhenia rufa rather than Panicum maximum in association with Centrosema pubescens. The ability of unfertilized ley pastures to produce over 300 lb/ac of liveweight gain in favourable years was clearly demonstrated.