bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimated metabolizable energy yields of perennial and annual grass swards compared with those of spring barley and oat
Authors: NIEMELÄINEN O. , KONTTURI M. , JAUHIAINEN L.
Published: July 2018

The dry matter yields of cultivar trials (from 1976 to 1998 at 15 sites in Finland) of perennial grass sward (meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) cv. Boris), annual grass sward (Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), cv. Barmultra and Mitos), spring barley (Hordeum vulgare cv. Otra, Arra, Arve) and oat (Avena sativa cv. Veli) were used to estimate metabolisable energy yields (MEY) by using the feeds metabolisable energy concentration values (MJ/kg DM) from ruminant feed tables. Harvest index (HI) of barley and oat was set to 50%, and straw yields and whole crop cereal silage (WCCS) yields were generated from grain yields accordingly. The MEY in the third year of perennial grass (81.4 GJ/ha) was significantly lower than that in the first (90.0 GJ/ha) and second years (90.7 GJ/ha). However, on average, the one to three year old perennial grass-swards had significantly higher MEY than the annual grass swards (87.7 vs. 83.3 GJ/ha, respectively). The MEYs of perennial and annual grass swards were substantially higher than the MEY of barley grain (52.7 GJ/ha) and oat grain (47. 8 GJ/ha). When the total herbage of cereals, i.e. straw and grain, was used in the calculations, at a ME value of 6.0 MJ/ kg dry matter (DM) for straw, the MEY of barley rose to 75.8 GJ/ha and that of oat to 72.6 GJ/ha. Additionally, the MEY of barley was estimated in the WCCS production situation by converting total herbage to MEY by using ME value 9.9 MJ/kg DM. The MEY of barley in the WCCS calculations was 77.4 GJ/ha, which was significantly lower than the MEY of annual and perennial grass swards. The MEY of barley was a) 60%, b) 86%, and c) 88% of the average MEY of one to three year old perennial grass sward when the MEY of barley was calculated according to a) grain, b) grain + straw, and c) whole crop cereal silage. Perennial grass sward was the most productive of the studied crops in metabolisable energy production for ruminants.
Cost-benefit analysis of multifunctional agriculture in Finland
Authors: YRJÖLÄ T. , KOLA J.
Published: July 2018

This study aims at assessing the costs and benefits of multifunctional agriculture, and it is one of the very first studies using a quantitative approach to this new subject. The starting point is that if current farm subsidies are regarded as means to maintain the multifunctional characteristics of agriculture, what happens if subsidies are reduced. The effects of the decline in agricultural support on multifunctional characteristics of agriculture in Finland are estimated using the cost-benefit analysis (CBA). Only a part of the consequences can be assessed by the CBA due to lack of data on the economic value of many elements of multifunctional agriculture. Hence, the results should not be generalised too strongly, but they still provide useful information for the political decision-making. Concerning further research, we should study, inter alia, what the so-called correct level of compensation for the adequate supply of public goods would be, and what kind of means of agricultural policy are the most efficient to unambiguously enhance the multifunctional character of agriculture.
Optimal beef cattle management under agricultural policy reforms in Finland
Authors: PIHAMAA P. , PIETOLA K.
Published: July 2018

The supply for domestic beef has been decreasing sharply since Finland joined the European Union (EU) because profitability of beef production has been low. The goal of this study is to search for optimal beef management practices that increase returns on beef production in Finland. Numerical dynamic programming (DP) is used to simultaneously optimise feeding and timing of slaughtering. The DP-algorithm is solved under alternative subsidy, output price, and silage price scenarios. At 1998 prices and subsidies, the optimal carcass weight is estimated above 250 kg. The European Agenda 2000 reform is predicted to decrease the optimal carcass weight to 200 kg, which is 50 kg lower than under the 1998 prices and subsidies. This reform will increase farmer returns significantly and its income effect depends crucially on the price of silage. The results indicate also that the reform will result in adjustment of feeding. Particularly, farmers having high silage production costs will substitute feed concentrates for roughage in the diet. A farmer is entitled to a premium subsidy of FIM 200 (e33.63), provided that the carcass weight of a culled animal exceeds 270 kg. But when the Agenda 2000 reform is fully implemented, this premium subsidy is not large enough to supply carcasses heavier than 270 kg. The results suggest that carcass weights of at least 270 kg would require a premium subsidy of FIM 400-800 (e67-134). Rearing heavy animals will significantly increase production costs and, therefore, most of the subsidy will be taken away from the farm in terms of increased costs.;
Plant communities of field boundaries in Finnish farmland
Authors: TARMI S. , TUURI H. , HELENIUS J.
Published: July 2018

To determine the importance of field boundary habitats for farmland biodiversity, we surveyed a total of 193 boundaries from four climatically and agriculturally dissimilar regions in Finland. We measured the current plant species richness and composition of the boundaries, and based on the differences in vegetation characteristics, we describe six boundary types. The observed plant species were mainly indicators of fresh to wet soils and moderate to rich mineral nitrogen content. The most frequent species were tall, perennial monocots and dicots indicating the high productivity of thevegetation. Moreove, herbicide-tolerant species were common. No species rare for Finland were found.In animal husbandry regions, the most frequent species were sown grassland species and typical grassland weeds. In cereal production regions, fast-spreading root weeds tolerant of herbicides were the most frequent. Mean species richness was highest in the cluster Ca-lamagrostis-Phalaris (24 species (s)/boundary (b)), which we considered as representative of moist sites with some disturbance by agricultural practices. Most species-poor were the clusters Elymus-Anthriscus (14 s/b)and Elymus-Cirsium (16 s/b),both found predominantly in cereal production regions in southern Finland. Our results suggest that the biodiversity value of boundaries is lowest in the most intensive cereal production areas and highest in areas of mixed farming.;
Dietary preferences of weaned piglets offered diets containing organic acids
Authors: PARTANEN K. , SILJANDER-RASI H. , SUOMI K.
Published: July 2018

A preference test and a performance trial were carried out to examine weaned piglets feed intake response to diets containing either lactic acid,formic acid,calcium formate,or sodium benzoate (8 g kg-1 feed).In Experiment 1, throughout a 21-d post-weaning period,30 entire litters (306 piglets) weaned at the age of 30 d were allowed to choose between two organic-acid-supplemented diets. All of the four different organic-acid-supplemented diets were tested in pairs against each other,and the six possible combinations were lactic acid +formic acid,lactic acid +calcium formate,lactic acid + sodium benzoate,formic acid +calcium formate,formic acid +sodium benzoate,and calcium for-mate +sodium benzoate.Piglets preferred diets supplemented with sodium benzoate to ones supplemented with formic acid or calcium formate.The acceptability of diets supplemented with lactic acid,formic acid,or calcium formate was similar.In Experiment 2,until the age of 58 d,60 piglets from 10 litters weaned at the age of 28 or 38 d were fed non-acidified diets or ones supplemented with lactic acid,formic acid,calcium formate,or sodium benzoate.Feed consumption did not differ between piglets fed non-acidified and those fed organic-acid-supplemented diets. Growth performance was reduced by dietary calcium formate supplementation, while the performance of piglets fed other organic-acid-supplemented diets did not differ significantly from those fed the non-acidified control diet.The frequency of post-weaning diarrhoea was highest in piglets fed diets supplemented with calcium formate and lowest in piglets fed diets supplemented with formic acid.;
Sodium reduction in cooked meat products by using commercial potassium phosphate mixtures
Authors: RUUSUNEN M. , NIEMISTÖ M. , PUOLANNE E.
Published: July 2018

In addition to salt (NaCl), sodium phosphate also increases the sodium content of meat products. Thus, the effects of replacing sodium phosphate with potassium phosphate on sodium content and properties of low-salt cooked bologna-type sausage and cooked ham were studied. Four sausage formulations were prepared. In formulations 1 and 2, the target sodium content was 0.55 g Na/100 g, and in recipes 3 and 4, 0.63 g Na/100 g. The salt content in formulation 2 was the same as in formulation 3, namely 1.2% NaCl, but the sodium content in the former was lower. In the cooked hams of recipes 1 and 2, the salt content was 1.4%, and in recipes 3 and 4, 1.8%. Sodium phosphate was used in recipes 1 and 3, and potassium phosphate in recipes 2 and 4. Very low-salt (i.e. 1.0-1.4% NaCl) meat products can be prepared providing that phosphates are added. Further reduction of sodium content in low-salt meat products is possible by replacing sodium phosphate with potassium phosphate. The extent of sodium reduction depends on the phosphates used and their sodium content, being equivalent to a sodium content of 0.2% NaCl or more. The replacement resulted in no adverse effects. Alkaline phosphates are also recommended in very low-salt products to minimize risk of purge.
Monitoring of Finnish arable land: changes in soil quality between 1987 and 1998
Authors: MÄKELÄ-KURTTO R. , SIPPOLA J.
Published: July 2018

This study is part of the long-term monitoring of Finnish arable land and it is based on soil analyses of 705 monitoring sites sampled in 1998. The same sites were sampled twice previously,in 1974 and 1987. We describe here the state of the Finnish cultivated soils in 1998 and changes in soil quality since 1987. The samples were analysed for organic C, volume weight, pH, P, K, Ca, S, Mg, Al, B, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se and Zn.Macronutrients were extracted with 0.5 M ammonium acetate + 0.5 M acetic acid (pH 4.65) and most micronutrients, Al and heavy metals with the same solution + 0.02 M Na 2 EDTA. Hot water was used to extract B and Se. From 1987 to 1998, soil P, Ca, Mg, S, Cr, Cu, Zn, volume weight and electrical conductivity increased and soil K, B, pH and organic C decreased. There was no change in soil Al, Cd, Mn and Ni. Between 1987 and 1998,the use of P,K,B and Cu in mineral fertilisers declined whereas that of Ca in liming agents and Zn in mineral fertilisers increased. With the exception of P and Cu,these changes affected the concentrations of easily soluble macro- and micronutrients in the soil accordingly. The slight decrease in soil pH might be due to the increase in the use of fertliser N. The finding that soil Cd and Ni ceased to increase and that soil Cr increased only slightly was attributed to the dramatic reduction in national emissions and bulk depositions of heavy metals.;
Nutritional status in commercial currant fields
Authors: NISKANEN R.
Published: July 2018

The nutritional status on commercial currant fields was elucidated by advisory analytical data of 357 pairs of soil and leaf samples from commercial black, red and white currant fields in Southern and Middle Finland. The purpose was to investigate how nutrient concentrations in soil and leaves fitted in the recommended ranges, correlated with each other and to evaluate their usefulness in diagnosis of nutritional status. Soil pH(H 2 O) and extractable nutrients (NO 3 -N, P, K, Ca, Mg, B, Cu, Mn) and leaf nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, B) were analysed. The mean soil pH, P, K and Mn were in the recommended ranges. Over 50% of soil P and 60% of Mg results and the greatest part of Ca results passed below the lower recommended limits, but soil B and Cu were frequently over the upper recommended limits. The mean leaf N, P and K on all currants, Mg on black and red currants and Ca and B on black currant were within the recommended limits. The lower recommended limit of Mg was passed below in 74% of white currant leaf samples. Positive correlations were found between soil and leaf nutrient concentrations for P, Ca and Mg. The recommended lower soil analysis limits might possibly be too high for coarse soils, because low values of soil P, Mg and Ca were common. The nutrients also might not be evenly distributed in the sampled soil layer but might be accumulated in a thin surface soil layer because of repeated surface broadcasting of fertilizers.
Sward and milk production response to early turnout of dairy cows to pasture in Finland
Authors: VIRKAJÄRVI P. , SAIRANEN A. , NOUSIAINEN J.I.
Published: July 2018

The timing of turnout is an important factor affecting the grazing management of dairy cows. However,its consequences are not well known in the short grazing season of northern Europe. Thus, the effect of the turnout date of dairy cows to pasture on sward regrowth, herbage mass production and milk production was studied in two experiments,1)a grazing trial with 16 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows and 2)a plot trial where the treatments simulated the grazing trial.The treatments were early turnout (1 June)and normal turnout (6 June).Early turnout decreased the annual herbage mass (HM) production in the plot trial (P =0.005),but due to a higher average organic matter (OM)digestibility (P 0.05). Although early turnout had no effect on milk yields it meant easier management of pastures.;
Reed canary grass observations of effects on crop stand and fibre quality caused by infestation of Epicalamus phalaridis
Authors: HELLQVIST S. , FINELL M. , LANDSTRÖM S.
Published: July 2018

A severe infestation of the gall midge Epicalamus phalaridis (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)occurred in a field of reed canary grass, Phalaris arundinacea in northern Sweden. The midge species has potential to become a serious pest on Phalaris grown for bioenergy or fibre production. Larvae of the midge feed beneath leaf sheaths and the crop lodges in late summer. Details are given on the biology of the midge. In the infested field, population densities of the midge were very high during three consecutive years. The crop was weakened and the occurrence of weeds increased. The dry matter yields declined markedly and were after three years of midge-attack about 50% of the average yield in the preceding years. The yield dropped comparatively more when the crop was harvested in the spring as opposed to harvest in late autumn and more at a nitrogen fertilisation at 100 kg compared to 200 kg N ha1 per year. The effect of midge attack on fibre quality was studied. The fibre properties of midge-infested parts of internodes were poor, but as midge-damaged parts are brittle, they could probably be sorted out in a fractionation process. Undamaged parts of infested internodes had the same fibre properties as those from an uninfested crop.;
Phosphorus status of diverse soils in Finland as influenced by long-term P fertilisation I.Native and previously applied P at 24 experimental sites
Authors: SAARELA I. , JÄRVI A. , HAKKOLA H.
Published: July 2018

The native reserves of phosphorus (P) in Finnish soils are sizeable but poorly available to plants. The P status has been generally poor, but large rates of P applied since the 1940s have substantially enhanced the supply of P from the soil. As a means of optimising P fertilisation of crops grown in the improved soils and promoting agro-environmental sustainability of agriculture, long-term field experiments were established in 1977-1981 on various soil types around Finland, between the latitudes of 60 and 65 N. The experimental sites (8 Cambisols, 9 Regosols, 6 Histosols, 1 Podsol) were moderately acidic (pH w 5.6, range 4.6-6.6) and contained 1.6-31.2% organic C, and (mineral soils) 3-74% clay. The concentration of total P was 1.22 (0.66-1.87) g kg -1 , and the inorganic fraction separated with fluoride and hydroxide extractions (Al,Fe-P) was 8.2% (4.5-12.4%) of oxalate extractable Al+Fe (P saturation index). In mineral topsoil the pool of Al,Fe-P was 850 kg ha -1 , which is 300 kg ha -1 larger than was obtained in the early 1960s and 600 kg ha -1 larger than found in virgin soils. The soil test P value was 13.1 (3.7-60) mg dm -3 by the acid ammonium acetate method, 11.5 (1.6-42) mg dm -3 by a water extraction method (1:60 v/v) and 61 (23-131) mg kg -1 with a modified Olsen method. The intensity factor of soil P status has remained at a relatively low level in a major part of the cultivated area.;
Allocation of added selenium in lettuce and its impact on roots
Authors: SIMOJOKI A. , XUE T. , LUKKARI K.
Published: July 2018

Allocation of selenium (Se) in lettuce and its impact on root morphology were studied to better understand the growth responses of plants to added Se. Lettuce was grown in vermiculite under controlled growing conditions for seven weeks, and the allocation in the shoots and roots of selenate added in increasing dosages (0, 1, 10, 100, 500 and 1000 µg Se per 3.5-litre pot) as well as morphological variables of the roots were determined. The intermediate additions of 100 and 500 µg Se per pot seemed to produce the highest biomasses, although this was nearly masked by large scatter in the data. The Se contents both in roots and shoots increased roughly proportionally to the amount of Se added. However, at small additions Se was preferentially allocated to roots, whereas at larger additions the contents in roots and shoots (mg kg-1 dry matter) were roughly equal. Se treatments did not change the morphology of hypocotyls. On the contrary, the specific length and area of basal and lateral roots were smallest at intermediate Se additions, whereas the specific volume was largest at the largest Se addition. These effects of Se on root morphology were, however, not unambiguously related to plant growth. As the Se contents in roots increased, the roots grew thicker and the specific volume of lateral roots increased in agreement with a hypothesis of increased endogenous ethylene production.;
Field biomass as global energy source
Authors: HAKALA K. , KONTTURI M. , PAHKALA K.
Published: July 2018

Current (19972006) and future (2050) global field biomass bioenergy potential was estimated based on FAO (2009) production statistics and estimations of climate change impacts on agriculture according to emission scenario B1 of IPCC. The annual energy potential of raw biomass obtained from crop residues and bioenergy crops cultivated in fields set aside from food production is at present 122133 EJ, 8693 EJ or 4750 EJ, when a vegetarian, moderate or affluent diet is followed, respectively. In 2050, with changes in climate and increases in population, field bioenergy production potential could be 101110 EJ, 5761 EJ and 4447 EJ, following equivalent diets. Of the potential field bioenergy production, 3942 EJ now and 3841 EJ in 2050 would derive from crop residues. The residue potential depends, however, on local climate, and may be considerably lower than the technically harvestable potential, when soil quality and sustainable development are considered. Arable land could be used for bioenergy crops, particularly in Australia, South and Central America and the USA. If crop production technology was improved in areas where environmental conditions allow more efficient food production, such as the former Soviet Union, large areas in Europe could also produce bioenergy in set aside fields. The realistic potential and sustainability of field bioenergy production are discussed.;
What explains the widening gap between the retail and producer prices of food?
Authors: KUOSMANEN T. , NIEMI J.
Published: July 2018

The widening margin between the retail and producer prices of food has been documented in numerous empirical studies both in Europe and in the USA for many different food products. This paper explores the possible reasons for this phenomenon, with emphasis on the situation in Finland. Six conceivable explanations are recognized: 1) increased degree of processing, 2) better food hygiene, 3) differences in productivity growth across sectors, 4) agricultural policy reforms, 5) international trade, and 6) imperfect competition. In this paper each of the hypotheses is assessed in light of the available empirical evidence.
Implementation of automatic sensors for continuous monitoring of runoff quantity and quality in small catchments
Authors: LINJAMA J. , PUUSTINEN M. , KOSKIAHO J.
Published: July 2018

Development of new automatic sensor-based techniques has expanded the possibilities for intensive monitoring of water quality in small catchments. In this study turbidity and concentration of nitrate-N were monitored with probes in the Savijoki catchment, which has been observed with traditional methods for decades. Particular attention was paid to implementation of the equipment, calibration of the probes and calculation methods. All equipment functioned technically well during the one year monitoring period. Calibration of turbidity and nitrate-N proved that the sampled values agree well with the probe results. However, it seems that loading estimates made with the traditional method are not very reliable for individual years. The research period in this study was exceptional with its many runoff peaks in winter. It is not possible to catch the peaks with traditional monitoring, why the results and comparisons between automatic probes and traditional monitoring cannot be generalized. However, the results proved that novel monitoring techniques have to be continued and extended. In further studies the calculation methods need developed and improved to be to get reliable loading estimations from the sensor data as simply as possible. In a changing climate, the monitoring, loading estimations, and consequently the assessment of the effect of agricultural water protection measures will probably turn even more difficult and challenging.;
Energy ratios in Finnish agricultural production
Authors: MIKKOLA H. J. , AHOKAS J.
Published: July 2018

The objective of this study was to assess energy ratios and net energy in plant production and energy ratios in animal production in Finland. Energy ratios and net energy were determined on the basis of plant- and animal-specific energy analyses. In plant production, energy ratios and net energy were assessed as a function of nitrogen fertilization, because indirect energy input in the form of agrochemicals was 5473% from the total energy input and nitrogen was responsible for the major part of this. The highest energy ratio was 18.6 for reed canary grass. As a whole reed canary grass was superior to the other crops, which were barley, spring wheat, spring turnip rape, ley for silage, potato and sugar beet. Reed canary grass and sugar beet gained the highest net energy yields of 111115 GJ ha-1. The optimum energy ratio was gained in general with less nitrogen fertilization intensity than farmers use. The energy ratios in pork production varied between 0.141.28 depending on what was included or excluded in the analysis and for milk production between 0.151.85. Ratios of 1.28 in pork production and 1.85 in milk production are unrealistic as they do not give any shelter to the animals, although they can be approached in very low-input production systems. If the ratio is calculated with feed energy content then the ratio is low, 0.140.22 for pork and 0.15 for milk. This shows that animals can convert 1422 percent of the input energy to usable products. In pork production, the largest portion of the energy input was the ventilation of the building. In milk production milking and cooling consumes a lot of energy and for this reason the electricity consumption is high.;
Testing a river basin model with sensitivity analysis and autocalibration for an agricultural catchment in SW Finland
Authors: TATTARI S. , KOSKIAHO J. , BÄRLUND I.
Published: July 2018

Modeling tools are needed to assess (i) the amounts of loading from agricultural sources to water bodies as well as (ii) the alternative management options in varying climatic conditions. These days, the implementation of Water Framework Directive (WFD) has put totally new requirements also for modeling approaches. The physically based models are commonly not operational and thus the usability of these models is restricted for a few selected catchments. But the rewarding feature of these process-based models is an option to study the effect of protection measures on a catchment scale and, up to a certain point, a possibility to upscale the results. In this study, the parameterization of the SWAT model was developed in terms of discharge dynamics and nutrient loads, and a sensitivity analysis regarding discharge and sediment concentration was made. The SWAT modeling exercise was carried out for a 2nd order catchment (Yläneenjoki, 233 km2) of the Eurajoki river basin in southwestern Finland. The Yläneenjoki catchment has been intensively monitored during the last 14 years. Hence, there was enough background information available for both parameter setup and calibration. In addition to load estimates, SWAT also offers possibility to assess the effects of various agricultural management actions like fertilization, tillage practices, choice of cultivated plants, buffer strips, sedimentation ponds and constructed wetlands (CWs) on loading. Moreover, information on local agricultural practices and the implemented and planned protective measures were readily available thanks to aware farmers and active authorities. Here, we studied how CWs can reduce the nutrient load at the outlet of the Yläneenjoki river basin. The results suggested that sensitivity analysis and autocalibration tools incorporated in the model are useful by pointing out the most influential parameters, and that flow dynamics and annual loading values can be modeled with reasonable accuracy with SWAT. Sensitivity analysis thus showed the parameters which should be known better in order to result in more realistic parameter values. Moreover, the scenario runs for CWs made with SWAT revealed the high demand of land area for this protective measure to be substantially effective.;
Predicting the yield of spring wheat by weather indices in Finland: implications for designing weather index insurances
Authors: PIETOLA K. , MYYRÄ S. , JAUHIAINEN L.
Published: July 2018

This paper quantifies the spring wheat yield conditional on temperature- and rainfall-based weather indices in Finland. The estimating equations are standardized and simplified so that they provide information for designing tradable contracts. A simple basket of weather indices, consisting of growing degree days, night frost and rainfall measures, has the potential to hedge about 38% of the wheat grower yield risk, with the remaining 62% being left as uninsured basis risk. Our results have several important implications for the design of simple and tractable weather index-based insurance contracts. The data suggest that the marginal products of weather events have a large variation across time and they are the most significant within certain critical time periods. Therefore, the weather events triggering the indemnity payments should be bounded within certain critical time regimes over their distribution along the growing season.;
Effect of processing and cooking on total and soluble oxalate content in frozen root vegetables prepared for consumption
Authors: LISIEWSKA Z. , GEBCZYNSKI P. , SLUPSKI J.
Published: July 2018

The oxalate content of beetroot, carrot, celeriac and parsnip after freezing by traditional and modified methods (the latter resulting in a convenience food product), and after the preparation of frozen products for consumption was evaluated. The highest content of total and soluble oxalates (105 and 82 mg 100 g-1 fresh matter) was found in beetroot. The lowest proportion (55%) of soluble oxalates was noted in celeriac; this proportion was higher in the remaining vegetables, being broadly similar for each of them. Blanching brought about a significant decrease in total and soluble oxalates in fresh vegetables. Cooking resulted in a higher loss of oxalates. The level of oxalates in products prepared for consumption directly after freezing approximated that before freezing. Compared with the content before freezing, vegetables prepared for consumption by cooking after frozen storage contained less oxalates, except for total oxalates in parsnip and soluble oxalates in beetroot and celeriac. The highest ratio of oxalates to calcium was found in raw beetroot; it was two times lower in raw carrot; five times lower in raw celeriac; and eight times lower in raw parsnip. These ratios were lower after technological and culinary processing. The percentage of oxalate bound calcium depended on the species; this parameter was not significantly affected by the procedures applied. The true retention of oxalates according to Judprasong et al. (2006) was lower than retention calculated taking its content in 100 g fresh matter into account.;
Opportunities for reducing environmental emissions from forage-based dairy farms
Authors: Misselbrook Tom , Del Prado Agustin , Chadwick David
Published: July 2018

Modern dairy production is inevitably associated with impacts to the environment and the challenge for the industry today is to increase production to meet growing global demand while minimising emissions to the environment. Negative environmental impacts include gaseous emissions to the atmosphere, of ammonia from livestock manure and fertiliser use, of methane from enteric fermentation and manure management, and of nitrous oxide from nitrogen applications to soils and from manure management. Emissions to water include nitrate, ammonium, phosphorus, sediment, pathogens and organic matter, deriving from nutrient applications to forage crops and/or the management of grazing livestock. This paper reviews the sources and impacts of such emissions in the context of a forage-based dairy farm and considers a number of potential mitigation strategies, giving some examples using the farm-scale model SIMSDAIRY. Most of the mitigation measures discussed are associated with systemic improvements in the efficiency of production in dairy systems. Important examples of mitigations include: improvements to dairy herd fertility, that can reduce methane and ammonia emissions by up to 24 and 17%, respectively; diet modification such as the use of high sugar grasses for grazing, which are associated with reductions in cattle N excretion of up to 20% (and therefore lower N losses to the environment) and potentially lower methane emissions, or reducing the crude protein content of the dairy cow diet through use of maize silage to reduce N excretion and methane emissions; the use of nitrification inhibitors with fertiliser and slurry applications to reduce nitrous oxide emissions and nitrate leaching by up to 50%. Much can also be achieved through attention to the quantity, timing and method of application of nutrients to forage crops and utilising advances made through genetic improvements.
Effects of concentrate level and rapeseed meal supplementation on performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality and valuable cuts of Hereford and Charolais bulls offered grass silage-barley-based rations
Authors: Pesonen Maiju , Honkavaara Markku , Kämäräinen Helena , Tolonen Tiina , Jaakkola Mari , Virtanen Vesa , Huuskonen Arto Kalevi
Published: July 2018

The objectives of this experiment with Hereford (Hf) and Charolais (Ch) bulls offered grass silage-based diets were to determine the effects on performance, carcass traits and meat quality of the proportion of concentrate in the diet, and the inclusion of rapeseed meal (RSM) in the barley-based concentrate. The two concentrate proportions were 200 and 500 g kg-1 dry matter, fed without or with RSM. The Ch bulls tended to achieve higher gain, produced less fat, had a higher percentage of meat from high-priced joints and had a lower degree of marbling in their meat compared to the Hf bulls. Dry matter and energy intakes, growth performance and carcass conformation improved with increasing concentrate level. Intake parameters and conformation improved more with the Ch bulls than with the Hf bulls as a consequence of increased concentrate allowance. RSM had only limited effects on the performance, carcass traits or meat quality.
The effect of Lactobacillus buchneri inoculation on the aerobic stability and fermentation characteristics of alfalfa-ryegrass, red clover and maize silage
Authors: Wambacq Eva , Latré Joos Pieter , Haesaert Geert
Published: July 2018

Aerobic spoilage of silages occurs frequently and is undesirable because it reduces both its nutritive and hygienic quality. Silage inoculants containing heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria, like Lactobacillus buchneri, have already been proven to improve aerobic stability by augmented production of acetic acid, which inhibits yeasts. In this study, the effect of L. buchneri on fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability of alfalfa-ryegrass silage, red clover silage and maize silage was assessed using microsilos. Two dosages, 1×105 and 3×105 cfu g-1 of fresh matter, were compared to untreated control silage. Inoculation with L. buchneri clearly altered the fermentation characteristics of alfalfa-ryegrass and red clover silage, resulting in a significantly higher aerobic stability at both dosages. The effects of L. buchneri inoculation on maize silage were less clear, but nevertheless the aerobic stability of maize silage inoculated with 1×105 cfu g-1 of fresh matter was significantly higher compared to the untreated silage.
The voluntary intake in growing pigs of four ensiled forage species
Authors: Sarria Patricia , Martens Siriwan D.
Published: July 2018

Forage can potentially be food resource for pig feeding in the tropics. The palatability of silages by pigs may be better than that of fresh forage. Foliage silage contains more dry matter than green forage and has a pleasant smell. Thirty commercial pigs (47.0 ± 4.7 kg live weight LW), were used to assess the silage intake capacity of pigs when feeding the legumes Clitoria ternatea, Centrosema brasilianum, Cratylia argentea and the Brachiaria grass hybrid Mulato II. The silages were offered ad libitum as a supplement to a normal balanced diet based on maize and soy bean meal. A crossover design was applied comprising five treatments, Control and the four silage supplements respectively. Daily consumption of dry matter -expressed in g of DMkg-1 metabolic LW- were similar (p>0.05) for diets containing C. argentea, C. ternatea and the Control. Daily consumption of C. brasilianum and Brachiaria was significantly lower (p<0.001). In conclusion, C. argentea and C. ternatea silages have the potential to serve as feed supplement in pig diets.
Rasvapitoisuuden vaikutus kalan suolaantumiseen
Authors: Nikkilä O. E.
Published: July 2018

Oheisessa työssä on tutkittu kalan suolaantumista ja rasvapitoisuuden vaikutusta siihen. Suolauksen alkupäivinä (3—5 vrk) silli on keventynyt rasvapitoisuudesta riippumatta noin 18 %. Painon lasku on tosin ollut hiukan hitaampi rasvaisessa kalassa kuin laihassa. Samana aikana ovat kalan NaCl- ja kuiva-ainepitoisuudet nousseet maksimiinsa, jonka jälkeen niissä tapahtui hyvin pieni lasku. Mainitun jyrkän laskun jälkeen paino sitävastoin alkaa hiljalleen nousta (kuva 1). Painon nousu on nopeampi laihassa kalassa (käyrä I) kuin rasvaisessa (käyrä II). Silli, jonka rasvapitoisuus oli 5.7 %, saavutti alkuperäisen painonsa (100 %) jo 26 vuorokaudessa. Sen paino nousi tämän jälkeen vielä noin 10 %. Silli, jonka rasvapitoisuus oli 9.8 %, saavutti alkuperäisen painonsa (100 %) vasta 2 kk:n kuluttua, ja paino ei noussut enää sen jälkeen. Laiha kala suolaantuu huomattavasti nopeammin kuin rasvainen kala. Laiha silli painaa suolattuna enemmän kuin tuoreena, mutta rasvainen likimain yhtä paljon.
Suomessa viljeltyjen omenalajikkeiden säilyvyydestä varastossa
Authors: Jamalainen E. A.
Published: July 2018

Kokeissa olleet omenat säilytettiin varastoimiskaudella 1952—53 kolmessa paikassa: koneellisesti jäähdytetty varasto, varasto, jossa oli Koldär-systeemillä toimiva jäähdytys ja tavallinen betonikellari. Suhteellinen kosteus oh varastopaikoissa keskimäärin vastaavasti 68—85 %, 82—96 %, ja 93—98 %; lämpötila vaihteli 4.3—1.9°C (taul. 1). Koelajikkeista säilyivät parhaiten Åkerö, Antonovka ja Linda. Näissä lajikkeissa, joista viimeksi mainittu oli kokeiltavana vain yhdessä paikassa, olivat tautien vahingoilta säilyneet hedelmät käyttökelpoisia vielä viimeisessä, huhtikuun loppupuolella tapahtuneessa tarkastuksessa. Wealthy oli jo maaliskuun alussa ylikypsymisen vuoksi käyttökelvoton, samoin Lobo. Punainen kaneli oli jo marraskuussa ylikypsymisen vuoksi miltei käyttökelvoton. Koeaineistossa todetuista taudeista oli pääasiallinen omenien turmelija hedelmän varastolaikku (Gloeosporium sp.). Tautia esiintyi jo maaliskuun ja varsinkin huhtikuun tarkastuksessa niin runsaasti, että se oli ratkaisevasti hedelmien paikassa (ilman suht. kosteus 93—98 %) ja kaikissa säilytyspaikoissa Wealthy-lajikkeessa. Omenissa oli jonkin verran viherhometta (Penicillium sp.), hieman hedelmän muumiotautia (Sclerotinia fructigena Stonem. & Aderh.) ja pieni osa omenista oli kokonaan tai suureksi osaksi ruskettunut (mädäntynyt), johon syytä ei tarkemmin määritetty. Åkerö-lajikkeessa oli tuppilohometta [Fusarium sp., määrityksen mukaan F. avenaceum (Fries) Sacc.] Fysiogenisista taudeista todettiin hedelmien kuoripoltetta (engl. scald) ja Jonathan-laikkuja (engl. Jonathan spot). Näiden merkitys oli verraten vähäinen; edellämainittua alkoi esiintyä varsinkin silloin kun hedelmät olivat olleet huonelämmössä ja viimeksimainittua pääasiallisesti vain ylikypsyneissä tai pilaantuneissa omenissa. Omenien painotappio oli suurin, keskim. 20 % kuivimmassa varastossa (ilman suht. kosteus 75—85 %), jossa hedelmät alkoivat nahistua jo tammikuusta lähtien. Kosteimmassa säilytyspaikassa (ilman suht. kosteus 93—98 %) oli painotappio n. 10 % eivätkä hedelmät tällöin vielä laisinkaan nahistuneet.
Some persistent misconceptions concerning the crude fibre and the nitrogen-free extract
Authors: Paloheimo Lauri
Published: July 2018

By the usual Weende method the vegetable membrane substances are divided most arbitrarily into two groups, crude fibre and nitrogen-free extract. The bulk of lignin falls in the latter fraction which also contains the valuable cell enclosure carbohydrates, sugars and starch. Many misconceptions even amone eminent scientists still prevail concerning the crude fibre and the N-free extract. It is too often forgotten that N-free extract also contains lignin, and that in some cases crude fibre is a more valuable food fraction than the N-free extract. However, the per cent figure of crude fibre, especially when calculated of the dry matter, is a useful criterion in estimating the value of foods. N-free extract, on the other hand, is only a misleading concept and should be omitted. It would, be best to leave it out also from the food tables.
Diet and plasma cholesterol in dairy cows
Authors: Saarinen Pellervo
Published: July 2018

When the results of 12 feeding trials conducted with a total of 141 Ayrshire cows were analyzed statistically the following results regarding the effects of diet on the plasma cholesterol content of dairy cows were obtained. The proportional amount of fat in the ration, the level of energy required and the digestible crude fiber in the ration have statistically shown a distinct positive influence upon the plasma cholesterol content. The statistical dependence of plasma cholesterol content on the level of digestible crude protein in the ration has varied according to the circumstances showing a positive correlation in cows in normal condition and negative correlation in case of well conditioned cows. A temporary energy overfeeding or slight underfeeding have not shown any distinct effect upon the plasma cholesterol content. An increase in the degree of fatness appeares to increase the level of cholesterol in blood plasma appreciably. The age of cows (2—13 years) apparently does not affect the level of plasma cholesterol. The results obtained with barren cows differ from those obtained with normal cows. The plasma cholesterol content can be used as a reliable indicator for several dietic factors which affect the liver functions but which are otherwise hard to establish.
Some quantitative data on the role of the ruminant proventriculi in the digestion and absorption of nitrogen-free organic matter
Authors: Paloheimo L. , Mäkelä A. , Salo M.-L.
Published: July 2018

Fourteen cows and five young bulls were fed with hay uniformly during 10 days. After slaughtering, the ingesta of the abomasum were removed and sampled. From the hay, from the contents of the abomasum, and from the feces lignin, N-free organic matter, and N-free non-lignin organic matter were determined. Using the lignin ratio principle, the digestibility of the two N-free fractions was calculated both for the proventriculi and for the whole digestive tract. It appeared that of the total amount of the N-free non-lignin organic matter digested in the whole digestive tract, 76—99 % was digested in the proventriculi. If the results for two of the cows are discarded, the limits in the cows are 85 and 91 %. On the basis of this investigation it can be concluded that in cattle carbohydrates are digested mainly in the proventriculi and their degradation products are absorbed principally from these stomachs.
Die Betriebswirtschaftliche Beratung in Deutschland
Authors: Rolfes M.
Published: July 2018

Auszug aus einem Vortrag, gehalten am 9. 11.1956 in der Finnischen Landwirtschaftswissenschaftlichen Gesellschaft in Helsinki
Siemenviljan itävyyttä alentavista tekijöistä
Authors: Hilli Aarne
Published: July 2018

Syksyllä 1957 korjatussa viljasadossa oli sen itämiskykyä arvostellen yleisimpinä vikoina korjuukauden sateisuudesta aiheutuneet vesivahingot, jotka olivat luonteeltaan joko suoranaisia (itäneisyys) tai välillisiä (homeisuus ja kuivausvioitukset). Muita vikoja (hallavauriot sekä alkion särkyneisyys) esiintyi suhteellisen vähän. Itäneisyyttä ilmeni runsaimmin syys- ja kevätvehnässä sekä rukiissa. Kaksitahoisen ohran itäneisyys oli runsaampaa kuin monitahoisen. Kaura kärsi tähkäidännästä kaikkein vähimmin. Homeisuus oli niinikään yleisintä syys- ja kevätvehnässä sekä rukiissa. Kaurassa oli homeen tartuntaa enemmän kuin ohrissa. Kuivausvaurioita todettiin runsaimmin kevät- ja syysvehnissä. Kaurassa ne olivat yleisempiä kuin ohrassa. Rukiissa esiintyi kuivausvioituksia vain vähän. Puinnista ja käsittelystä johtunutta jyvän alkioiden särkyneisyyttä oli enimmän monitahoisessa ohrassa, vähemmän kaksitahoisessa ohrassa sekä kaurassa. Jyvän palasia sisältäneitä näytteitä oli runsaimmin rukiilla, vähemmän kevät- ja syysvehnällä. Hallavaurioita todettiin vain vähän kaurassa sekä kevätvehnässä. Tähkäidäntä alensi viljojen lopullista itävyyttä suhteellisen vähän ja vähemmän kuin muut siemenien viat. Enimmän tähkäidäntä heikensi itävyyttä syys- ja kevätvehnällä, senjälkeen kauralla, ohrilla ja rukiilla. Jyvien alkioiden särkyminen alensi itävyyttä enemmän kuin tähkäidäntä. Itävyyden heikentyminen oli suurinta monitahoisella ohralla, vähän pienempää kauralla sekä kaksitahoisella ohralla. Kylvösiemenen primaariset homeet heikensivät itävyyttä edellisiä enemmän. Itävyyden alentuminen oli voimakkainta rukiilla, senjälkeen kaksitahoisella ohralla, syys- ja kevätvehnällä, kauralla sekä monitahoisella ohralla. Kuivausvioitusten merkitys viljan itävyyden alentajana oli sateisen korjuukauden vuoksi erityisen suuri. Kuivausvirheet alensivat itävyyttä edellä esitettyjä voimakkaammin. Eniten alentui itävyys tästä syystä rukiilla, sitten vehnillä sekä ohrilla ja vähiten kauralla. Hallan aiheuttamat vauriot alensivat itävyyttä enemmän kuin muut itävyyteen vaikuttaneet tekijät. Hallavioitukset, joita todettiin vain kevätvehnässä ja kaurassa, olivat ankarampia ensin mainitussa viljassa.
Lignin studies III. Lignin as tracer in digestibility investigations
Authors: Salo Maija-Liisa
Published: July 2018

The suitability of lignin as a tracer substance, i.e. the apparent indigestibility of lignin, is dependent on the method used for the determination of lignin. Further, a method suitable for one food is not necessarily suitable for all kinds of food. By the method used in this investigation (method A) the mean digestibility of lignin from mature hay or from hay cured after blooming was found to be +1.8 ± 0.6 %. However, the mean digestibility of lignin from hay cut at an early stage of growth was +17.6 ± 1.0 %. When a pepsin pretreatment was included in the method (method B) the digestibility of crude lignin was found to be somewhat lower than the digestibility of lignin. The lignin determined by method A is more suitable for the lignin ratio technique (digestibility coefficient +1.8 ± 0.7. than the crude lignin determined by method B (digestibility coefficient +3.1 ± 0.9). The lignin preparations isolated from hay and from corresponding faeces have not a uniform composition. Appreciable differences appear in the methoxyl and in the nitrogen contents.
Gibberellihapon vaikutuksesta eräisiin puutarhakasveihin
Authors: Kurki Lea
Published: July 2018

Helsingin yliopiston puutarhatieteen laitoksessa suoritettiin kesällä 1957 kenttäkokeita, joilla selvitettiin gibberellihapon vaikutusta eräiden puutarhakasvien kasvuun ja kehitykseen. Koekasvit olivat rapea keräsalaatti (Lactuca sativa var. capitata), lajikkeet Jade ja Pennlake, parsakaali (Brassica oleracea var. italica), lajike Parannettu Calabrese, daalia (Dahlia sp.), lajikkeet Calendula, Nagels Perfection ja Obergärtner Erhard Benke sekä freesia (Freesia refracta), lajike K & M Super. Gibberellihappoa käytettiin 0.25 mg kasviyksilöä kohti. Keräsalaatissa gibberellikäsittely sai aikaan kukintaa ilman edeltävää kerimistä; käsittelemättömät kasvit muodostivat lajikkeelle ominaisen kiinteän kerän. Gibberellihapolla käsitellyt daalia-lajikkeet kukkivat 7—9 päivää aikaisemmin kuin samojen lajikkeiden käsittelemättömät yksilöt. Parsakaalissa ja freesiassa ei gibberellihapon vaikutusta ollut silmävaraisesti havaittavissa.
Urearuiskutusten vaikutus omenapuun lehtien typpipitoisuuteen
Authors: Säkö Jaakko
Published: July 2018

Puutarhantutkimuslaitoksella selvitettiin kasvukausina 1954 ja 1955 urearuiskutusten vaikutusta neljän omenapuulajikkeen lehtien typpipitoisuuteen. Kontrollipuiden lehtien typpipitoisuudessa tapahtuneet muutokset seurasivat kasvukauden sadeolojen muuttumista. Sademäärän ollessa pieni laski lehtien typpipitoisuus. Kovan kuivuuden vallitessa aleni lehtien typen määrä 0.3—0.8 % eri lajikkeissa. Urearuiskutuksilla oli varsin huomattava vaikutus lehtien typpipitoisuuteen. Tämä ilmeni erityisen selvästi poikkeuksellisen kuivana kesänä 1955. Neljännen urearuiskutuksen jälkeen oli käsiteltyjen puiden lehdissä typpeä 0.62—1.19 % enemmän kuin kontrollipuiden lehdissä. Typen määrä oli lehdissä korkeimmillaan ruiskutusten päätyttyä, mutta aleni syksyllä, seitsemän—kahdeksan viikon kuluttua viimeisestä ruiskutuksesta, suunnilleen samalle tasolle kuin kontrollipuissa.
Digestibility of soybean oil and rape oil by swine
Authors: Paloheimo L. , Jahkola Berit
Published: July 2018

The digestion experiment was made with two pigs. The Cr2O3 ratio technique was used. The basic ration consisted of 2.6 kg skimmilk and 1.6 kg of a concentrate mixture. The animals received in alternate periods soybean oil and rape oil. The digestibility of the oils was investigated on 3 different levels: 100 g, 200 g, and 300 g per day per animal. No significant difference in the digestibility of the two oils could be detected. The digestibility percentage was about 100. Increasing the oil allowances resulted in a slight decrease in the digestibility. The digestibility of rape oil appeared to be very slightly inferior to that of soybean oil.