bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative drought resistance of Bos indicus and Bos taurus crossbred herds in central Queensland. 2. Relative mortality rates, calf birth weights, and weights and weight changes of breeding cows
Authors: Frisch JE
Published: March 2005

The mortality rates, weight changes and associated effects of a. draught in 1969 were observed in a herd of Shorthorn x Hereford (SH), Brahman x SH (BX) and Africander x SH (AX) crossbred cows and small herds of purebred Brahman and Africander cows at 'Belmont', Queensland. About half of the cows calved over a two month period from mid-October 1969. All the cows were weighed in February 1968, February and October 1969 and in January 1970 and the data from the crossbreds analysed by the method of least squares. The weights and weight changes of both the calving and non-calving groups followed a similar pattern though the weight changes of the non-calving group were of greater magnitude. The weights showed that the three crossbreds reached the same mature weight but at different rates. The SH cows reached mature weight least rapidly, had the highest mean weight loss during the drought and had the lowest mean gains after the season broke. Weight changes both during and after the drought were however dependent on lactational status in February 1969. The mean weight loss of cows that weaned a calf in 1969 (wet) was similar for all breeds. However, the mean loss of the dry SH cows was significantly greater than that of the dry BX and AX cows. Previously wet cows exhibited compensatory gains after calving but the gain of the wet SH cows was the lowest of the crossbred means. The mean birth weight of the SH calves was reduced below the long term mean by about 4 kg but birthweights of BX and AX calves were similar to those in other years. During the drought the purebred Brahmans lost the least and the purebred Africanders lost the most weight of all breeds. However, the nature of the data precludes any strict comparisons from being drawn. Mortality rates of breeding cows were recorded from 1960 to 1969. Rates were generally highest for the SH, particularly in the drought years of 1965 and 1969. Some reasons are advanced which may explain the differences in performance of the breed types.
Correction - The effect of formaldehyde treatment of barley on productive performance of Friesian steers
Authors: Lloyd Davies H , Faichney GJ
Published: March 2005

Mating and lambing over a three-year period (1968 to 1970) were studied for a flock of 540 ewes grazing annual pasture at Werribee, Victoria. Rams were joined with ewes over a six-week period either in February-March or in April-May and the ewes were stocked at three rates (5, 75, and 10 ewes per hectare). The proportion of ewes that lambed and the number of lambs born per ewe were greater when ewes were joined in April-May than in February-March. For the later joining there was little effect of stocking rate on either the proportion of ewes lambing or the number of lambs born per ewe. However, when ewes were joined in February-March, both the proportion of ewes lambing and the number of lambs born per ewe were reduced with each increase in stocking rate. Failure of ewes to lamb was a problem among maiden ewes in 1968 and was more pronounced for the ewes joined early than for those joined later in the breeding season. Among ewes stocked at 5 per hectare the proportion returning to service was higher than among ewes stocked at 73 and 10 per hectare.
Importance of the timing of chlorfenvinphos and fenitrothion sprays for the control of corbie and winter corbie in Tasmania
Authors: Hardy RJ
Published: March 2005

Two field trials, one each on the insecticidal control of corbie (Oncopera intricata Walker) and winter corbie (O. rufobrunnea Tindale) were conducted in Tasmania in 1968 and 1969 respectively and the results are presented and discussed. In both trials chlorfenvinphos at 46, 69 and 92 g active ingredient (a.i.) ha-' and fenitrothion at 131 164, and 196 g a.i. ha-1 were applied at three times. All treatments significantly reduced larval numbers. The effectiveness of the sprays was not directly influenced by the incident of rain or temperature. In both trials the later sprays reduced numbers more than earlier sprays. However, it was notable that there was considerable natural mortality in the untreated plots during the experiments. It is concluded that chlorfenvinphos and fenitrothion are suitable replacements for DDT in the control of corbie and winter corbie. However, when chlorfenvinphos is used against heavy populations of small larvae the rate of application should be higher than that used later in the season against larger larvae and care should be taken to ensure that the pasture is short at the time of spraying.
Growth and carcass characteristics of young Friesian and Brahman × Friesian bulls
Authors: Kellaway RC
Published: March 2005

Brahman x Friesian and Friesian bulls were compared in terms of birthweight, growth rate and feed conversion ratio up to 11 weeks of age, then in terms of growth rate only when in yards and under grazing conditions up to a final slaughter weight of 272 kg. There were no significant differences between the two genotypes. Comparisons of the carcases showed that Brahman x Friesians were fatter, but the meat was tougher than that of Friesians.
Variation in bone composition of grazing sheep in south-western Queensland, related to lactation and type of country
Authors: Little DA , McMeniman NP
Published: March 2005

Samples of rib bone were obtained by biopsy from Merino ewes on four properties in the Charleville district of south-western Queensland, before joining and after lambing in 1970. Comparisons were made within and between properties of bone composition and blood inorganic phosphate (Pi) concentrations in ewes which were classified according to whether they had reared a lamb just before the sampling or not. The study confirmed earlier work showing that the expression of bone composition per unit of volume is a more sensitive criterion than that per unit of dry fat-free weight. Within properties, the level of skeletal mineral was significantly lower after lactation, but the concentration of blood Pi was not affected. Significant differences were found in bone composition between areas studied. The ranking order of the properties in terms of bone composition was comparable with that on the basis of recorded lamb-marking percentages. Blood Pi was of no value as an index of skeletal mineralization in these sheep. The fresh bone of ewes that were grazing the most favourable area in this study, and had recently lactated, had a specific gravity in excess of 1.60, and a phosphorus content between 130 and 140 mg cc-1. It is tentatively suggested that these figures be regarded as evidence of satisfactory mineralization. The methods of bone biopsy and analysis employed in this work appear to have potential application in the assessment of the phosphorus status of grazing animals.
The performance of laying hens on diets using barley as the main energy source
Authors: Dunstan EA
Published: March 2005

An experiment compared egg production on a diet using a mixture of wheat, barley, and oats as the grain portion, with a diet in which the wheat and oats were replaced with barley. A comparison between sundried and dehydrated lucerne meal was included. A second experiment compared the same formulations of barley and mixed grain diets as used in the first experiment, and a mixed grain diet of higher crude protein content. Replacing wheat and oats with barley in an otherwise unchanged diet did not significantly affect the number of eggs produced but did increase the average egg weight by 1.1 g in both experiments, significantly so in one experiment, but not in the other. Increasing the crude protein content of the mixed grain diet did not significantly affect either egg production or egg weight. Consumption of the barley diet was greater than the mixed grain diets. This increase in consumption was less than would have been expected on the basis of equal energy intakes, indicating that the metabolizable energy value of the barley used was greater than values previously published for barley. No differences were found in performance between sundried and dehydrated lucerne meal.
Polyethylene-coated carton wraps to reduce the deterioration in internal quality of eggs
Authors: Hughes RJ
Published: March 2005

Deterioration in the internal quality of unwashed eggs was reduced when eggs packed in cartons enclosed in paper wraps coated with 0.013 mm of low density polyethylene were compared with eggs packed in unenclosed cartons. During storage at 12.8�C, the reduction in deterioration was slight, but statistically significant, after four days and somewhat greater after eight days. A storage temperature of 23.9�C, simulating ambient temperatures during summer months (December-February) differences after both four and eight days.
The visual assessment of pasture yield
Authors: Campbell NA , Arnold GW
Published: March 2005

The methodology of using a visual estimation technique to assess dry matter yield of pastures was studied in eight experiments. Various aspects were examined, viz: the shape of the relationship between actual and visually assessed yield; whether observers could maintain consistency over a period of hours; the effects on consistency of prediction of the sequence of yield of pastures; whether a wide range in botanical composition could be accommodated; whether green and dry pasture could be assessed with equal precision. A linear relation, or occasionally a curvilinear relation, was obtained over a large range in yield. No consistent bias due to immediate previous values in a sequence was found. However, it was found that, without training, observers over-estimated the effects of height and under-estimated the effects of density in yield. In practice, trained observers gave much more accurate regressions; for green annual pastures at all growth stages, dry annual pastures, and irrigated lucerne, lovegrass and pangola grass, r2 values were greater than 0.70 on all but 11 per cent of 126 occasions.A wide range of botanical composition was able to be included in a single calibration, i.e. ryegrass, capeweed, sub clover and erodium. Recommendations are made for routine use of the technique in the field.
Changes in the composition of ripening grapes in a warm climate
Authors: Cirami RM
Published: March 2005

Grapes from 15 wine varieties of Vitis vinifera selected for suitability in warm areas were sampled over their ripening period in 1971 and 1972. Samples were analysed for total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, tartrate and malate. At maturity, titratable acidities ranged from 7.3 to 14.0 g l-1and pH from 2.8 to 3.6. In every instance pH was lower in 1971 than in 1972, but there was no pattern evident for titratable acidities. At the commencement of ripening the concentration of malate was always higher than of tartrate, and the rate of decrease of malate was faster than of tartrate. In the final stages of maturity acid losses of up to 1 g l-1 every ten days were common. Based on tartrate : malate ratios, the following varieties warrant further investigation: Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Emerald Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Semillon and White Riesling.
Trichostrongylosis and wool growth. 2. The wool growth response of infected sheep to parenteral and duodenal cystine and cysteine supplementation
Authors: Barger IA , Southcott WH , Williams VJ
Published: March 2005

Two experiments are reported. In experiment 1, light infections with the intestinal nematode Trichostrongylus colubriformis reduced wool growth of sheep by 42 per cent compared with pair-fed controls. There was no significant difference in wool growth between those sheep given a cystine supplement as an intraperitoneal pellet and those given a daily intra-duodenal injection of cystine, although cystine was poorly absorbed from the peritoneal cavity. In experiment 2, fifteen sheep were fed a maintenance ration and their wool growth rates defined. When six of the sheep were given a daily intra-duodenal drip containing 2 g cysteine hydrochloride, and six sheep were given the same drip intravenously, their wool growth rate increased by a mean of 33 per cent compared with the wool growth of the three untreated sheep, irrespective of the route of administration of the cysteine. Three sheep in each group of six were then lightly infected with Trichostrongylus colubriformis and the wool production of all sheep was measured in the presence and absence of the daily cysteine supplement via the two routes. The infection depressed wool growth, but did not influence the wool growth response to either route of cysteine supplementation. It was concluded that the reduced wool growth induced by trichostrongylosis could not be attributed to malabsorption of cysteine. Evidence was obtained that sheep resistant to Trichostrongylus colubriformis produced less wool when subjected to a larval challenge.
Liveweight response following sodium chloride supplementation of beef cows and their calves grazing native pasture
Authors: Murphy GM , Plasto AW
Published: March 2005

Hereford cattle grazing native pastures on the eastern Darling Downs, Queensland, were deemed sodium (Na) deficient on the basis of salivary Na and potassium (K) levels. Common salt (NaCl) was offered ad libitum to one half of the animals. Cows receiving the supplement had significantly better rates of liveweight increase (0.35 v. 0.14 kg head-1 day-1, P < 0.01) than unsupplemented cows. Calves of supplemented cows grew significantly faster than calves of unsupplemented cows (0.77 v. 0.62 kg head-1 day-1, P < 0.01). After 21 days of Na supplementation, cows in the supplemented group had mean saliva values of 139.1 m-equiv l-1 Na and 7.4 m-equiv l-1 K; these values are considered normal. Corresponding values in the unsupplemented group were 60.2 m-equiv l-1 Na and 71.7 m-equiv l-1 K, which are indicative of severe Na deficiency. Levels of this magnitude remained throughout the duration of the experiment. Blood and milk concentrations of Na and K were not affected by Na intake. Urinary levels of Na and K were attered by Na intake but were extremely variable.
The effects of rapeseed meal on the growth, feed intake, feed utilization and carcase characteristics of grower finisher pigs
Authors: Taverner MR , Mullaney PD
Published: March 2005

The effects of replacing part or all of meat meal with rapeseed meal as the only protein supplement to diets based on wheat and fed to grower and finisher pigs were studied in two experiments using a factorial design which included two levels of feeding (restricted and ad libitum), two levels of lysine (0 and 0.3 per cent lysine HCl) and two sexes (gilt and barrow). When the intake of pigs was restricted rapeseed meal was able to replace 50 per cent of the meat meal protein without affecting growth performance. However, when rapeseed meal comprised greater than 14 per cent of the diet there was a depression in performance. Under ad libitum feeding conditions the replacement of any meat meal by rapeseed meal depressed performance apparently due to a lack of palatability of rapeseed meal. Diets based on wheat and supplemented with meat meal alone or with up to 75 per cent of meat meal protein replaced by rapeseed meal protein were found limiting in lysine content for growing pigs but adequate for finishing pigs.
Seasonal trends in the content of mineral nitrogen in solodized solonetz soil
Authors: McGarity JW , Myers RJK
Published: March 2005

Fluctuations of mineral nitrogen were studied for three years in two solodized solonetz soils at Narrabri, New South Wales, under a wheat summer-fallow management system. Changes in mineral nitrogen were related to plant uptake, soil environment characteristics (water, temperature and oxygen), and climate. NO3-N was the major form of soil mineral nitrogen, generally exceeding NH4-N with NO2-N occurring only occasionally (<1 �g N g-1). NO3-N accumulated during fallow to 67-111 kg N ha-1 in the profile just after sowing. Crop growth depleted NO3-N to 0-11 kg N ha-1 at flowering. Several significant falls in soil NO3-N (11-27 kg N ha-1) could not be accounted for by plant uptake, and were apparently caused by denitrification. Decreases due to leaching (including lateral leaching) were not detected. Redistribution of NO3-N down the profile was observed, the efficiency of leaching increasing with increased intensity of rainfall. NH4-N generally amounted to less than 25 kg N ha-1. Fluctuations in NH4-N which occurred within the profile, could not be related to observed factors and are unexplained. The effect of a drought year, 1965, was to inhibit mineral nitrogen accumulation, lessen the depth of leaching of NO3-N and depress plant uptake of nitrogen.
Chemical defoliation of deciduous nursery plants
Authors: Jones DL , Nichols DG , Thompson WK , Jager LA
Published: March 2005

Peach seedlings were pre-sprayed with the growth retardant SADH (Succinic acid-2,2-dimethylhydrazide) at nil, 2000 or 4000 p.p.m. followed by one or two applications of the defoliant ethephon . ((2-chloroethyl) phosphonic acid) in either March or April at nil, 100, 200, 300, or 500 p.p.m. Leaf drop was increased by SADH and ethephon. Two applications of ethephon were better than one and April sprays were better than March sprays. Phytotoxic effects occurred with ethephon at 500 p.p.m. In a second experiment cultivars of a range of species were sprayed with the defoliants ethephon and DEF (S,S,S-tributylphosphorotrithioate) at various concentrations. In general DEF was the more promising chemical with good results on apples, pears and cherries. Neither compound was successful for peaches, apricots and Japanese plums.
Correlations between birth weights, weaning weights, 11-week weights, weight gains and feed conversion ratios of early weaned calves
Authors: Leibholz J
Published: March 2005

Growth data and feed intakes were recorded from 333 male, Friesian calves from birth to 11 weeks of age. The calves came from seven experiments. All calves were weaned from milk replacer at five weeks and fed a starter from two to eleven weeks of age. The average birth weight of the calves was 42.6 kg, they gained 13.6 kg to weaning at five weeks and 32.2 kg from weaning to 11 weeks of age. There was a significant positive correlation between birth weight and weight at weaning and 11 weeks, but the correlation between birth weight and weight gain to 11 weeks was not significant. The correlation coefficient for the weight gain pre-and post-weaning was 0.20 over all calves. There was a significant negative (r = -0.26) correlation between the weight gain post-weaning and the feed conversion ratio. Hence, it is concluded that birth weight is a poor indicator of subsequent weight gains.
Wool production, ground cover and botanical composition of pastures grazed by Merino wethers in central western New South Wales. 1. Natural pasture
Authors: Brownlee H
Published: March 2005

A natural pasture consisting predominantly of Aristida, Stipa, Danthonia and Chloris was grazed by Merino wethers set-stocked at 2.04, 1.36 and 1.02 ha-1 at Condobolin in central western New South Wales. Throughout the four years 1965 to 1969, the pasture supported 1.36 wethers ha-1 without supplementary feeding. Wool production per ha increased with increase in stocking rate but wool production per head and liveweight decreased. Although there was a greater percentage of annual medics at the high compared with the low stocking rate, the high stocking rate reduced total ground cover and the density of Aristida.
Effects of soils, fertilizers and stocking rates on pastures and beef production on the Wallum of south-eastern Queensland. 3. Relation of liveweight changes to chemical composition of blood and pasture
Authors: Thornton RF , Minson DJ
Published: March 2005

During the concluding phase of a six-year grazing trial a study was made of the steers and the pasture material from paddocks annually fertilized with 125 kg ha-1and 250 kg ha-1of superphosphate. Plucked pasture samples from the low and high superphosphate treatments contained 0.11 and 0.15 per cent phosphorus, 0.83 and 0.91 per cent nitrogen and 0.12 and 0.12 per cent sulphur, respectively. The N: S ratio of these samples were 6.8 and 7.6 and the in vitro digestibilities were 41.6 and 44.9 per cent. There were marked seasonal patterns in the concentrations of all components with minimum values in the winter months when liveweight gain was lowest. Greater superphosphate application increased mean liveweight gain (0.29 to 0.41 kg head-1day-1), mean plasma concentrations of both urea-nitrogen (6.3 vs 5.0 mg 100 ml-1) and of inorganic phosphorus (6.7 vs 6.3 mg 100 ml-1). The mean blood sulphate-sulphur concentration of 28 �g ml-I was not influenced by treatment. Comparisons of the levels of nutrients in pasture and blood with published requirements indicated that neither sulphur nor phosphorus were deficient in either treatment. However, the between treatment differences in both nitrogen and phosphorus levels could not be ignored as possible reasons for the difference in animal production between the two levels of superphosphate application. Improved animal performance associated with increased application of superphosphate was probably influenced more by the induced changes in the organic components rather than the mineral levels of the pasture material.
Post-harvest control of brown rot and Rhizopus rot in peaches with benomyl and dichloran
Authors: Wade NL , Gipps PG
Published: March 2005

Three varieties of peach fruit were treated after harvest with benomyl, thiabendazole, methyl thiophanate, and benomyl plus dichloran. Brown rot and Rhizopus rot inoculum were applied to some fruit before fungicide treatment. A mixture of benomyl (800 mg l-1) and dichloran (400 mg l-1) gave almost complete control of brown rot. This treatment reduced the incidence of brown rot to one infected fruit per five hundred. Treatment with benomyl alone reduced the incidence of brown rot to less than ten infected fruit per hundred, except when moisture condensed in the cartons. The other fungicidal treatments were less effective in controlling brown rot. Addition of dichloran (400 mg l-1) to benomyl (800 mg l-1) reduced the incidence of Rhizopus rot to less than ten infected fruit per hundred. Benomyl, thiabendazole and methyl thiophanate treatments alone did not control Rhizopus rot.
Management of weaner sheep in western Victoria. 2. The effects of supplements of oat grain or pasture hay or the periodic grazing of a green fodder crop upon current and subsequent production
Authors: McLaughlin JW
Published: March 2005

During the summer and autumn of each of three years, Merino and Corriedale weaners grazing dry pastures were fed supplements of oat grain or early mown pasture hay, or allowed to graze a green fodder crop. The feeds were offered from the time pastures dried until about one month after effective rains in the autumn, when the sheep were then from nine to twelve months of age. Relative to unsupplemented animals these treatments were usually associated with increases in liveweight gain and in wool production. Of the systems tested, the feeding of early mown hay with a crude protein content of 17 to 19 per cent was found to be the most effective method of managing weaner sheep during their first summer-autumn. There was some evidence that residual advantages in wool production, due to treatment, occurred at the second shearing after treatments ceased. Differences in liveweight present at the end of the feeding period usually disappeared within twelve months.
The contribution of central boar performance testing to genetic improvement of the Queensland pig population
Authors: McPhee CP
Published: March 2005

In Queensland, stud pig breeders can submit boars to a performance testing station where theft breeding values for economic traits are assessed. A model was developed to measure the flow of superior Large White and Landrace genes identified in the test to the pig population by identifying the influential Breeder herds and examining the boar testing and replacement policies in these herds. A number of inefficiencies in the flow of genes from the test was identified and their effects measured. The chief of these was the practice by Breeder herds of drawing only a small proportion of their sire replacements from the test and not including among them those boars which performed best. This practice was more marked in the Large White than the Landrace breed. Inefficiencies reduced by 89 per cent the possible contribution of the test to improvement in herds whose breeding stock descended from the Breeder herds. Ways in which central boar tests might be more efficiently used are discussed. The most promising for Queensland seems to be to restrict testing space to a nucleus of co-operating herds and to replace herd sires only with tested boars of highest score.
Evaluation of natural annual pastures of Trangie in central western New South Wales, 2. Botanical composition changes with particular reference to Hordeum leporinum
Authors: Campbell RJ , Beale JA
Published: March 2005

The botanical composition of natural pastures stocked at 2.5, 3.7, and 4.9 Merino wethers per hectare was examined over a number of years. Several experiments were conducted in conjunction with the main grazing experiment to determine the relative importance of factors that might be influencing the composition of the pastures. In particular, the importance of nitrogen and sulphur, grazing pressure, and surface mulch were studied. Increased grazing pressure throughout the growing season reduced the proportion of Hordeum leporinum (barley grass) in the pasture. Total soil nitrogen, as affected by stocking rate, did not appear to be important in determining the percentage of barley grass in the pasture. A layer of surface mulch stimulated the germination and growth of barley grass, but not the germination of Erodium crinitum (crowfoot), one of the major broadleaf components of this pasture type.
Adaptation of pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides) to coastal New South Wales. 2. Productivity under defoliation
Authors: Ferraris R , Norman MJT
Published: March 2005

The three pearl millet cultivars, Katherine Pearl, Tamworth and Tiflate, representing mid-season and late-season types, were grown at Camden, New South Wales (34�S). Crops were planted in November and December and subjected to cutting at heights of 10, 30 and 50 cm, at three- and six-weekly intervals, beginning six weeks after sowing. Harvested forage dry matter yield, both total and late-season, was highest under a lenient cutting regime. Late productivity was higher in late maturing varieties. The effect of delayed planting was to increase the yield and quality of late harvests, but not total yield. The yield of the hybrid Tiflate was low. Total harvested forage plus final stubble averaged 11,000 kg ha dry matter for the three cultivars. Forage quality, as assessed by leafiness, protein and organic matter digestibility, was high. With the exception of digestibility, quality was improved by intensive cutting. Late-season digestibility was insensitive to cutting treatment. Varieties differed little in quality attributes. Early dry matter content of all varieties was low, and could adversely affect animal productivity. The results indicated that for the realization of high, well distributed yields concomitant with quality, a tall stubble of about 30 cm, frequently harvested, was desirable. For late productivity, the use of a late-maturing variety can offset the effect of late planting.
The response of barrel medic pasture to topdressed and placed superphosphate in central western New South Wales
Authors: Scott BJ
Published: March 2005

The dry matter production of a pasture of barrel medic (Medicago truncatula cv. Jemalong) under different rates and methods of application of superphosphate was examined, during 1971 and 1972, on a phosphorus deficient soil at Condobolin, New South Wales. The treatments were factorial combinations of four rates of superphosphate (0, 126, 376, and 753 kg ha-1) and four methods of application of superphosphate (surface spread i.e. topdressed, surface applied in bands, placed at 5 cm depth, and placed at 1 0 cm depth). The dry matter production and phosphorus uptake results demonstrated the effectiveness of subsurface placement of superphosphate, but relative ineffectiveness of surface application during the dry winters experienced. The results also showed that root development in the dry 0-2 cm zone was restricted compared with that in the deeper moist soil layers. Soil phosphorus tests showed that one year after topdressing phosphorus had not moved below the 2-4 cm depth layer, even at 753 kg ha-1 of superphosphate.
Evaluation of Makarikari grasses - potential production, nitrogen content and nitrogen recovery of two cultivars fertilized with urea
Authors: Lloyd DL
Published: March 2005

Makarikari grass (Panicum coloratum var. makarikariense) cvs, 04634 and Bambatsi were fertilized with eight rates of urea (0-900 kg N ha-1 yr-1) under irrigation on a red earth at Toowoomba, and cut either 8-weekly or at full flower. Dry matter (D.M.) production increased linearly with N applications up to 450 kg ha-1 for both cultivars. Due to differences in growth rhythm between cultivars, 04634 produced higher total yields cut at full flower (29500 kg ha-1 yr-1) than at 8-weekly intervals (23100 kg ha-1 yr-1), whereas Bambatsi yielded similarly (23000 kg ha-1 yr-1) for the two cutting frequencies. Lower tissue N concentrations occurred at full flower than in 8-week growth for both cultivars (Q4634 -0.85 per cent to 1.08 per cent; Bambatsi-1.39 per cent to 1.55 per cent at 450 kg N ha-1). The N uptake by 04634 was the same for both cutting frequencies, but lower in Bambatsi cut at full flower. The association between N application rate, tissue N concentration and N uptake is outlined. The maximum efficiencies of both N use for D.M. production and per cent N recovery for 04634 and Bambatsi (55 and 35 kg D.M. per kg N applied; 40 and 60 per cent N recovery, respectively) were comparable with published values for other species. Increasing N application rates decreased the efficiency of D.M. production of both cultivars, decreased the per cent N recovery of Bambatsi, but had no effect on the per cent N recovery of 04634. In an extension of the Bambatsi study, the intrusion of spring ephemerals, mainly Bromus unioloides, did not reduce total D.M. production greatly and distributed it better through the growing season. Productivity of Bambatsi during mid-summer was not affected by prior weed competition in the spring.
Herbage production and the accumulation of soil nitrogen under irrigated pastures on the Riverine Plain
Authors: Kleinig CR , Noble JC , Rixon AJ
Published: March 2005

Herbage yield, herbage nitrogen, and soil nitrogen accumulation were followed over a five-year period (1958-63) under irrigated annual and perennial pastures established initially with different clovergrass proportions. Species sown in the annual pasture treatments were subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum cv. Tallarook) and annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum cv. Wimmera). Those used in the perennial mixtures were white clover (T. repens cv. Irrigation) and perennial ryegrass (L. perenne cv. Victorian). In the treatments sown to annual or perennial ryegrass only, nitrogenous fertilizer as urea was applied annually at four rates. Total soil nitrogen (mat + 0-91 cm of soil) after five years did not differ significantly for annual pasture and bare ground. In contrast, total soil nitrogen under all perennial pasture treatments, particularly those with a white clover component, was significantly greater than for bare soil (5365 cf. 4181 kg ha-1). Where white clover was sown, nitrogen accumulated at the rate of 258 kg ha-1 per annum compared with 101 kg ha-1 per annum under subterranean clover, the latter barely matching the accumulation rate under perennial ryegrass sown alone without applied nitrogen (105 kg N ha-1 p.a.). Nitrogen accumulation (soil plus mat) was related to both legume and non-legume nitrogen. Perennial pasture, particularly if white clover was present, generally outyielded annual pasture. The total yield of white clover over five years was 29,970 kg ha-1 compared with 11,614 kg ha-1 for subterranean clover. Annual and perennial ryegrasses showed similar yield responses to applied nitrogen. Irrespective of the rate of urea application, nitrogen recovery was low (21-23 per cent).
Seed production and germination in blue couch, Digitaria didactyla
Authors: Febles-Perez G , Whiteman PC , Harty RL
Published: March 2005

Two seed harvests of Digitaria didactyla in January and November 1971 yielded 103 and 98 kg clean seed ha-1 respectively. These yield levels are considered sufficiently high for commercial seed production. The seed retained viability over a two-year storage period at 15�C, and germination percentages up to 80 per cent were obtained. Dehulling the seed severely reduced germination and may damage the caryopsis.
A bunch position effect on response to CCC in Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines
Authors: Peterson JR
Published: March 2005

CCC ((2-chloroethyl) trimethylammonium chloride) was applied to whole vines at the rates of 0, 300, 600, 1200, or 2400 p.p.m. three and two weeks before flowering and its effects on bunch and berry characteristics of both proximal and distal bunches observed. CCC increased berry number per bunch and bunch weight despite reduced berry weights. Rachis weights were generally decreased, although they increased with the 300 p.p.m. treatment. Fruit maturation, expressed as skin pigment concentration, juice soluble solids, and acidity were delayed. No differences occurred due to time of spray application. Unsprayed proximal bunches carried larger berries, which matured earlier than those on distal bunches. Despite the larger berries on untreated proximal bunches, the skins weighed no more than those on distal bunches and contained similar pigment concentration. Following CCC application, the proximal bunches set more berries, which were no larger than those on distal bunches, so that proximal were heavier than distal bunches (expressed in absolute terms or as a percentage increase). Treatment reduced the soluble solids of proximal but not distal bunches. It also tended to increase proximal rachis weight at concentrations of 300-1 200 p.p.m., but decreased it at 2400 p.p.m. It had no effect on distal bunch rachises when applied at 300 or 600 p.p.m., but decreased the weight at 1200 and 2400 p.p.m.
Response to nitrogen of three annual grasses
Authors: Cocks PS
Published: March 2005

The responses of three annual grasses (Lolium rigidum, Vulpia myuros, and Hordeum leporinum) to nitrogen fertilizer were studied at three densities. Total herbage and nitrogen uptake were measured at four harvest dates. The response of the three grasses to nitrogen depended on their density. At low density both Lolium and Hordeum had greater dry weight increase than Vulpia, but at high density Vulpia responded as well as Lolium and better than Hordeum. By comparing the nitrogen responses at similar amounts of available herbage it was seen that, over a wide range of availability, both Lolium and Vulpia had greater absolute response than Hordeum. It was concluded that nitrogen response would probably be greatest on swards of Lolium or Vulpia that have a particular amount of available herbage.
The effect of daylength and temperature on introduced legumes and grasses for the tropics and subtropics of coastal Australia. 1. Dry matter production, tillering and leaf area
Authors: t Mannetje L , Pritchard AJ
Published: March 2005

Primary growth and regrowth at 28-day intervals of 20 tropical grasses and tropical and temperate legumes were measured in controlled environments. The treatments were : 1 : daylength 14 hours-day/night temperatures 32�/24�C ; 2 : 14 hours-26�/15�C ; 3 : 11 hours-26�/15�C; 4 : 11 hours- 20�/6�C. Regimes 1 and 4 represent the daylength and mean maximum and minimum temperatures of mid summer and mid winter in southern Queensland, respectively. Regimes 2 and 3 were included to separate daylength from temperature effects and 26�/15�C is close to April and October maximum/minimum temperatures. The grasses and the temperate legumes were less affected by these treatments than the tropical legumes, many of which died in regime 4. The best tolerance to regime 4 in relation to regrowth in regime 1 or 2 was exhibited in the following order by Trifolium repens, Medicago sativa, Lotononis bainesii, T. semipilosum, Chloris gayana and Paspalum dilatatum. The worst affected was Centrosema pubescens. A reduction in daylength from 14 to 11 hours at 26�/15�C resulted in less regrowth for Macroptilium atropurpureum and Desmodium intortum and in more tillering in most grasses. The most cold tolerant grasses, C. gayana and P. dilatatum had the highest tiller numbers in regime 4. The grasses and all except the temperate legumes had their largest leaf area in regime 2. Roots were less affected than tops.
Differences among Lupinus species in field response to superphosphate
Authors: Rahman MS , Gladstones JS
Published: March 2005

Eight varieties from four lupin species were grown on a virgin lateritic soil with six rates of superphosphate, ranging from 0 to 1,792 kg ha-1. Dry matter yield and phosphorus and nitrogen contents of the tops were measured at about full flowering, together with days to flowering, pods set per primary inflorescence, and phosphorus and nitrogen contents of the mature seeds. All species gave sigmoid yield responses, reaching 90 per cent of maximum yield at superphosphate rates between 600 and 900 kg ha-l, depending on species. Varieties within species responded uniformly. The order of tolerance to deficiency was L. cosentini > L. luteus > L. angustifolius = L. albus. Tolerance was based on uptake rather than differing tissue requirement. Phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations in the seeds varied markedly with species, the rankings being L. luteus > L. cosentini = L. albus > L. angustifolios for phosphorus, and L. luteus > L. albus > L. angustifolius > L. cosentini for nitrogen. Superphosphate application caused parallel changes in phosphorus concentrations in the tops and seeds of each species. It slightly increased nitrogen concentrations in the tops, but not in the seeds.
Effects of pasture and cereal sowing rates on production of undersown barrel medic and wheat covercrop in western New South Wales
Authors: Brownlee H , Scott BJ
Published: March 2005

The effects of different sowing rates of barrel medic (0-18 kg ha-1) and wheat (0-59 kg ha-1) on the dry matter and pod production of undersown medic and the dry matter and grain yields of wheat cover crop were examined in central western New South Wales. Regressions of pasture dry matter and pod yield on medic and wheat plant densities showed that when the plant density of medic was increased, more dry matter and pod were produced but grain yields of the cover crop were reduced. The greater the quantity of pod produced in the sowing year, the greater the density of medic seedlings in the following year. Greater plant densities of wheat increased wheat dry matter production and grain yields but lowered the yields of undersown medic. Wheat and medic sowing rates for establishing medic pasture are suggested.
Nitrogen needs of wheat. 1. Grain yield in relation to soil nitrogen and other factors
Authors: Taylor AC , Storrier RR , Gilmour AR
Published: March 2005

A four year study of the relations between wheat yields and various edaphic, cultural and climatic factors in the wheat belt of southern New South Wales indicated that seasonal rainfall was the major source of yield variation. A regression equation involving pre-sowing (January to April) and growing season (May to September) rain, soil nitrate nitrogen concentration (0-30 cm), average annual rainfall, sowing time and weed density proved to be the most useful function for predicting yield (R2 = 0.613). Equations relating expected grain yields to soil nitrate nitrogen concentrations were derived for a combination of average annual rainfall and pre-sowing and growing season rainfall conditions. These show that, under optimum rainfall conditions, soil nitrate levels would restrict yields on most farms, wherever nitrate concentrations in the surface 30 cm fell below 20 p.p.m.
Soil management of irrigated young peach trees in the Goulburn Valley, Victoria
Authors: Cockroft B , Tisdall JM
Published: March 2005

A trial on soil management of irrigated young peach trees at Tatura Horticultural Research Station included four cultivated, one bare surface, and three straw-mulched treatments. Measurements of butt circumferences and pruning weights over the four pre-cropping years show that the most vigorous trees grew under straw. Within a range of cultivated treatments, vigour of trees depended very much on soil management before the trial; for example, trees grew much faster on land previously under lucerne, than trees that grew on old cultivated land. Trees under bare surface were intermediate. Although the trial consisted of replanted trees, we found no replant problem.
Marbling in feedlot cattle
Authors: Thornton RF , Shaw FD , Hood RL
Published: March 2005

The degree of marbling and the thickness of subcutaneous fat at the 10th rib cut of the M. longissimus was studied in three groups of 450 kg Santa Gertrudis crossbred and Hereford steers fattened for 120 days on three grain-based diets in a commercial feedlot. Mean cold carcase weight was 311 kg for each breed of steer and differed by only 4 kg for each dietary treatment. The percentage intramuscular fat was similar for the two breeds of cattle but subcutaneous fat thickness was 25 per cent greater in the Herefords than in the Santa Gertrudis crossbreds. Visual marbling score was well correlated (r = 0.81) with the percentage intramuscular fat. Intramuscular adipocyte size was much less than subcutaneous adipocyte size and the Santa Gertrudis crossbreds tended to have larger subcutaneous adipocytes than the Herefords. These findings are discussed in relation to the differences between breeds of cattle in the rate of deposition and the distribution of carcase fat and the production of highly-marbled beef.
Use of waste paper as a feedstuff for ruminants
Authors: Coombe JB , Briggs AL
Published: March 2005

The potential use of waste paper as a feedstuff for ruminants was investigated. Analyses of a range of types of paper showed that waste paper could be regarded only as a source of energy for animal production ; cellulose was the main chemical constituent. Levels of nitrogen (N) and soluble ash were very low in most samples. In vitro organic matter (OM) digestibilities ranged from a mean of 22 per cent for waste newspaper up to a mean of 63 to 65 per cent for high-quality office waste paper and computer printout. Individually penned mature crossbred wethers gained liveweight at a mean rate of 11 7 g day-1 when fed on pellets consisting of 65 per cent Gwernment waste paper (52.5 per cent in vitro digestibility), 32 per cent linseed meal and 3 per cent minerals, provided roughage as chaffed hay (50-300 g head-1 day-1) was fed as well. Mean daily dry matter (DM) intakes were about 1600 g. Without the chaffed hay, intakes fell to 1400 g DM head-1 day-1 and the sheep maintained weight. In a second experiment, crossbred ewes aged about seven months were offered ad libitum either lucerne pellets, Government waste paper pellets, or pellets containing equal proportions of Government waste paper and newspaper. The paper pellets contained 84 per cent paper, 8.4 per cent molasses, 3.6 per cent urea and 4 per cent minerals. During the first seven weeks, when 100-200 g head-1 day-1 of chaffed lucerne hay were offered in addition to the pellets, mean DM intakes (g day-1) and liveweight gains (g day-1) were 1522 and 144 for the lucerne-fed sheep, 950 and 60 for the sheep on Government paper pellets, and 450 and -27 for the sheep on the 42 per cent newspaper pellets. During the next two weeks, lucerne chaff was omitted; the sheep on lucerne pellets increased their mean DM intake and rate of gain, those on the Government waste paper pellets maintained their food intake but lost weight slowly, while sheep on the 42 per cent newspaper pellets reduced food intake and lost weight rapidly (-1 18 g day-1). OM digestibility of both paper diets was 56 to 60 per cent when fed with roughage, and decreased to 55 per cent when lucerne chaff was omitted. Ewes on both paper diets were consistently in negative N balance (-1.3 to -3.2 g N day-1) while those fed the lucerne pellets were in consistent positive balance (+3.3 g N day-1).
Further studies on the Victorian biotype of the cereal cyst nematode (Heterodera avenae)
Authors: Brown RH
Published: March 2005

Seven populations of the cereal cyst nematode (Heterodera avenae Woll.) from the Mallee and Wimmera districts of Victoria, were tested for their variation in pathogenicity, using a wide range of cereal species and cultivars. Avena sterilis (Cc4658), and the barleys Morocco (C13902), Marocaine 079 (C18334), and Martin 403-2 were resistant to all populations, whereas all the other cereals tested were susceptible. The three wheats, Loros (AUS11577), Psathias (AUS881), and spring wheat (AUS10894), supported fewer cysts than the susceptible standard. They may, therefore, have some potential as parents in a wheat resistance breeding program, in the absence of better sources of resistance. The results confirm the presence of only one biotype of H. avenae in Victoria, and although it is unlike any of the five European biotypes, it is similar to that from Rajasthan, India.
Resistance within wheat, barley and oat cultivars to Heterodera avenae in South Australia
Authors: O'Brien PC , Fisher JM
Published: March 2005

Resistance of 800 wheat, 83 oat, and 36 barley cultivars to the cereal cyst nematode, Heterodera avenae, was tested in South Australia. A wide range of reactions of selected cultivars, assessed by numbers of females produced on the roots, was obtained for each of the cereals with populations of the nematode from two sites. Good resistance was recorded in only two wheat cultivars; Spring wheat (AUS No. 10894) showed moderate resistance in all tests and Loros (AUS No. 90248), although recorded as susceptible in one test, showed moderate resistance in other tests with a different population of the nematode. The importance of method of assessment, initial density of inoculum and relative growth of the cultivars are discussed.
Effects of management on soil fertility under pasture. 1. Influence of experimental grazing and fertilizer systems on growth, composition and nutrient status of the pasture
Authors: Simpson JR , Bromfield SM , McKinney GT
Published: March 2005

Pasture plots containing phalaris, subterranean clover and annual grass species were fertilized annually at suboptimal (P1), adequate (P2) or a 'luxury' rate (P3) of superphosphate. A fourth treatment combined rate P3 with fertilizer nitrogen (P3N). Each pasture was grazed during five years at a high (H) or a low (L) grazing pressure in such a way that there was little feed left on the H plots and a large amount on the L plots at the end of summer. In this way eight pasture situations were created which differed in botanical composition, nutrient availability, herbage production and the amount of nutrients returned as animal excreta. The plots were used to investigate the effects of fertilizer input and grazing pressure on the growth and nutrition of the different pasture components. Protected microplots during the fourth and fifth years showed that the P1 plots remained responsive to phosphate. The yields of annual grasses on the microplots were increased by H treatment but the proportion of phalaris to annual grasses was reduced, particularly at P1. Clover yields and total pasture yields were affected by previous grazing pressure only in the drier fourth year. At high levels of superphosphate and grazing (P3H), the greater grass-clover ratio and higher grass nitrogen uptake indicated greater nitrogen availability in this treatment.