bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of sheep fitted with oesophageal fistulas to measure diet quality
Authors: Arnold GW , McManus WR , Bush IG , Ball J
Published: March 2005

Ewes and wethers with oesophageal fistulas were compared with normal sheep in several experiments over three years. The grazing behaviour, herbage intake, liveweight changes, and ability to bear and rear lambs were altered little by fistulation, provided fistulas were less than 5 cm in length and closure of the fistulas was good. This was so even at a relatively high stocking rate of G ewes to the acre. These findings infer that studies with fistulated sheep provide information validly applicable to normal sheep. Fistulas that allowed good closure control (<5 cm in length) did not always allow complete recovery of ingested material. However, with incomplete recovery representative diet samples were obtained. Sampling procedures for obtaining adequately representative diet samples for individual sheep, and for obtaining estimates of diet composition for flocks of sheep on different pastures were established. The routine that must be followed to avoid obtaining untrue diet samples is to sample sheep when they are accustomed to a pasture, without prior fasting, and at the time(s) of the day when sheep are normally grazing. An hour's sampling period will collect about l/l0th of the total daily intake and longer periods may cause rumen dysfunction. Pooling data from once-a-day samples for two successive days for an individual sheep seemed to give accurate values for the whole diet over those two days for sheep set stocked on pasture. Variation between-sheep, between-days, and within-days in the nitrogen and soluble carbohydrate content and botanical composition of extrusa samples was studied. The contribution of these sources of variation to total variation differed for different diet constituents. For nitrogen, between-sheep variation was greater than between-day variation but for soluble carbohydrates the position was reversed. Within-day variation was much the same as between-day variation in a constituent. The standard deviations of nitrogen and soluble carbohydrate contents and botanical composition were large and a true mean value for any of these parameters for a flock of sheep, could only be obtained by pooling data for several sheep on several successive days.
Field evaluation of dye-banding as a technique for measuring the seasonal variation in wool growth
Authors: Squires VR
Published: March 2005

Dye-banding as a technique for measuring annual wool growth rhythms was tested for a two year period on Merino wethers grazing irrigated pastures at Deniliquin. A comparison was made between dye-banding and mid-side sampling in one experiment. Results from the two methods are highly correlated (r = +0.88 : P<0.01). The data reported permit a comparison of staple length, fibre volume and weight (by mid-side sampling) as measures of seasonal wool growth. Since wool production is directly proportional to fibre volume it is suggested that both mid-side sampling and dye-banding should be judged on the basis of their correspondence to measured fibre volumes.
Correction - Residues in milk and body fat of cattle grazed on pastures treated with dieldrin
Authors: Hudson WJ , Gilbert WS , Swain FG , Braithwaite BM , Jane A
Published: March 2005

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

A diet, based on wheatmeal and soybean meal, was fed to chickens and was shown to be deficient in sodium but not in chloride, using reduced growth rate from 14 to 20 days of age as the main criterion of deficiency. The same diet fed to chickens from hatching to five weeks of age produced almost complete cessation of growth during the last week, caused heavy mortality, greatly impaired feed conversion, and increased adrenal gland size in relation to body weight. Using this diet and additions of sodium, the minimum sodium requirement was estimated to be 0.18 per cent of the diet for maximum growth and minimum feed conversion ratio, and slightly lower than this for maximum viability and minimum adrenal gland activity.
The association between neck wrinkle and fertility in Merino ewes in south-western Australia
Authors: Fels HE
Published: March 2005

A flock of 920 Merino ewes was divided into three classes on neck wrinkle, and these were subdivided into two face-cover classes. The wrinkly classes were typical of Merino ewes in the Great Southern region of West Australia, and the remainder were plainer. The ewes were mated together and grazed together until late pregnancy. They were classified into neck-wrinkle and face-cover classes eleven days before lambing, and grazed separately during lambing. The ratio of lambs born: ewes mated was 69 per cent in the wrinkly groups (453 ewes), 89 per cent in the intermediate groups (396 ewes), and 84.5 per cent in the plain groups (71 ewes). The variation due to wrinkle was highly significant.
The atmospheric conditions affecting sporulation of blue mould in tobacco
Authors: Collins BG
Published: March 2005

Conditions favouring sporulation of blue mould (Peronospora tabacina Adam) having been established in the laboratory, a theoretical model has now been used to express the critical parameter, i.e. the relative humidity near the leaf surface where the spores form, in terms of the ambient atmospheric conditions. To test the validity of this model, wind speed, air temperature, and relative humidity mere measured over four growing seasons in three tobacco crops in the Ovens Valley, Victoria, and related to times of sporulation of the mould observed concurrently in these crops. 'Critical relative humidity,' a function of wind speed, air temperature, and heat loss from the crop is shown to be a more serviceable indicator of likelihood of sporulation than either ambient relative humidity or rainfall.
The effect of herbicides on doublegee (Emex australis) and associated pasture species
Authors: Pearce GA
Published: March 2005

The results of trials to control doublegee (Emex australus Steinh.) undertaken with some of the more recently developed herbicides are presented. Herbicides tested were dicamba, monuron, five triazine derivatives, diquat, 2,4-D, and D.N.B.P. Of these dicamba was outstanding. At the rate of 2 oz active ingredient per acre a complete kill of plants up to four inches in diameter was obtained. For larger plants the rate had to be doubled. The effect of each herbicide on the pasture species present is reported. The dicamba treatments eliminated clovers present but did not affect the grasses. The spraying was delayed until an optimum germination had occurred.
A penetrometer for detecting soil compaction problems
Authors: Malcolm CV
Published: March 2005

A description is given of a recording soil penetrometer that has been designed, constructed, and tested in the field. Marked cultivation hard pans have been detected with the penetrometer and have been shown subsequently to have a higher bulk density and a lower permeability than the soil immediately above and below. The operation of the instrument is extremely simple and it could be used in advisory work for detection of compaction problems.
The effect of land treatment in the preceding wet season on yield of linseed in the Ord River Valley
Authors: Beech DF , Norman MJT
Published: March 2005

Two experiments were carried out at Kimberley Research Station, W.A., in 1960-61 and 1961-62, to test the effects of treatment of land in the wet season prior to growing a dry season irrigated linseed crop. In both experiments, the lowest linseed yields were obtained after a resting fallow, when the land remained uncultivated over the whole wet season, and high yields were obtained after a clean fallow, involving repeated cultivations. However, in the second experiment, equally high yields were obtained after a single early wet season ploughing. Factorial combinations of herbicide and nitrogen fertilizer treatments were superimposed. From the interactions it was concluded that, in the first experiment, the beneficial effects of wet season cultivation were the result of increased available soil nitrogen supply, and, in the second experiment, of increased nitrogen supply and reduction in weed infestation.
A gradient seeder for species establishment and production studies
Authors: Swain FG , Hudson WJC
Published: March 2005

A gradient seeder, designed to produce a uniform change in seeding rate in proportion to the distance travelled, is described. A 'Grasslands' sodseeder was converted by attaching a male thread to the shaft operating the fluted seed flow mechanism and changing the drive system. From seed weights obtained at intervals along the gradient, calibration curves were constructed for vetch (Vicia satlva L.), subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) and Glycine javanica L. A comparison was made between the conventional and gradient methods of studying the effect of seeding rate on the establishment of vetch and subterranean clover.
The effect of nitrogen stress during flowering on seed production in Medicago laciniata
Authors: Andrew WD
Published: March 2005

The effect of available nitrogen during flowering on the pod and seed production in Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill. was studied in pot culture in the glasshouse. Nitrogen stress had no effect on the total number of flowers that appeared but lengthened the flowering period, reduced the percentage of flowers that set pods, and markedly reduced seed production. After storage for twelve months, none of the seed from nitrogen deficient plants was hard or viable.
Winter growth stimulation by gibberellin in differentially grazed pastures of Phalaris tuberosa
Authors: Williams CN , Arnold GW
Published: March 2005

The effect of gibberellic acid sprays on' the winter growth of two pastures of Phalaris tuberosa L. differentially grazed for a period of four years prior to the investigation, was studied. The previously lightly grazed pasture had initially approximately ten times as much soluble carbohydrate in the underground parts as the heavily grazed pasture. Both pastures responded in the same way with an initial increase in yield with gibberelin but no subsequent increase. However, regrowth from cut areas treated with gibberellin was significantly greater on the lightly grazed pasture. Since the stubble remaining after cutting was very low in chlorophyll, it is suggested that the differential regrowth might be due to the higher levels of stored carbohydrate in the lightly grazed pasture.
Control of stem-rot in oranges after harvest
Authors: Leggo D , Seberry JA , Long JK
Published: March 2005

Borax-boric acid, sodium o-phenylphenate, diphenyl, sodium salicylanilide, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) were compared for their effects on stem-end rot (Diaporthe citri (Faw.) Wolf) when applied to harvested oranges. Sodium salicylanilide gave consistent reductions of wastage and was the most promising of the chemicals tested for oranges marketed locally, where protection is required for three to four weeks after harvest. Wraps and box liners impregnated with diphenyl also reduced stem-end rotting and are useful where a longer period of protection is required, as in fruit which is exported.
The effect of crop size and low levels of major elements on fruit characteristics and incidence of storage pit in Sturmer apples in pot experiments
Authors: Martin D , Wade GC , Rolls JM
Published: March 2005

Pot experiments in sand culture with Sturmer apple trees were continued to study the effects of low levels of major elements on the storage type of bitter pit. Compared with a complete treatment, the no calcium treatment induced high susceptibility to storage pit but had no other significant effects. The other treatments had no effect on pit. Pitted fruits had a lower calcium and higher protein nitrogen content than sound fruits but there was no evidence that the level of other mineral elements was affected. Other fruit responses to low level treatment are discussed. No nitrogen and no phosphorus prevented fruit set but no magnesium and no potassium increased it. However, many of the effects on fruit cell number and levels of mineral elements in fruits may be due to competition between the fruits for limited resources rather than any direct physiological effect. Differences between years in fruit responses may be due to alternate cropping with differences in carry over of reserves or differences in level of competition between fruit and vegetative growth and caution is necessary in interpreting results.
The growth and retrogression of the corpus lutuem in the ewe
Authors: Restall BJ
Published: March 2005

Data obtained from 35 Peppin Merino ewes were used to describe the growth and retrogression of the corpus luteum. The growth period between one day and eight days after ovulation is described by the regression Y = 2.524 + 2.254x - 0.144x2 and the retrogressive period between 14 days and 25 days after ovulation by Y = 47.128 - 3.707x + 0.080x2 where Y = diameter of corpus luteum in millimeters and x = time in days. The possible use of this data is discussed.
Chemical weed control in the Ord River Valley. 1. The oilseed crops : safflower and linseed
Authors: van Rijn PJ
Published: March 2005

A range of herbicides was tested on the oilseed crops linseed and safflower at Kiberley Research Station on the Ord River in north-west Australia. Diuron and TCA were the most effective. Diuron at 0.75 and 1 Ib an acre active ingredient, applied pre-emergence, controlled the grasses Chloris spp. and Echinochloa colonum (L.) Link and pigweed, Portulaca oleracea L. without affecting linseed and safflower. TCA at 4 to 8 lb an acre active ingredient, applied pre-emergence, and at 4 lb an acre active ingredient, applied early post-emergence, controlled the above grasses without affecting safflower. On linseed, TCA can be applied at 4 to 8 lb an acre active ingredient as a pre-emergence or early post-emergence spray, but early post-emergence application reduces percentage oil content and iodine value of the seed.
Chemical weed control in the Ord River Valley. 2. Rice
Authors: van Rijn PJ
Published: March 2005

Three herbicides, CIPC (Isopropyl-N-(3-chloropheny1)-carbamate) EPTC (Ethyl-NN-dipropylthiol- carbamate) and Stam F-34 (3,4-Dichloropropionanilide), were tested for the control of barnyard grasses, Echinochloa colonum (L.) Link and Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv., in rice at Kimberley Research Station. The herbicides were tested at different rates and times of application on land lightly and heavily infested with weeds in crops of dry season rice, japonica variety Caloro, and wet season rice indica variety Meli No. 2 or Sircna. CIPC gave good control of weeds but did not increase crop yield ; furthermore, it was unreliable in its action and in one experiment reduced crop yield. EPTC, at 1 lb an acre active ingredient applied pre-sowing, gave good control of weeds but no increases in crop yield. Stam F-34, at 3-6 lb an acre active ingredient applied two to three weeks after crop emergence, gave good control of weeds in both wet and dry season rice and, as a result, crop yields increased.
Animal production from a Sorghum almum pasture in south-east Queensland
Authors: Yates JJ , Edye LA , Davis JG , Haydock KP
Published: March 2005

A grazing experiment on Sorghum almum pastures, one of which received 200 lb nitrogen an acre a year, as urea, was carried out at Lawes in south-east Queensland. Pastures were grazed continuously at three set stocking rates : 1 beast to 1 1/2 acres, 1 beast per acre, and 2 beasts per acre. Grazing commenced 3 1/2 months after sowing and continued for two years. Mean liveweight production over the whole period at the medium stocking rate of one beast per acre was 0.92 lb a head a day. Production was closely related to stocking rate : gain per head decreased and production per acre increased as stocking rate increased. Nitrogen fertilizer increased animal production at the heaviest stocking rate. Seasonal pattern of animal production was influenced by stocking rate, but, in general, a winter--early spring period of small gains or losses of weight was followed by a rapid increase in late spring--early summer, with the rate of gain decreasing from mid-summer onwards. This followed the seasonal pattern of pasture production : little or no production over the cool dry winter, but high yields of forage during summer. No close relation was detected between liveweight gain and green forage available in the period of rapid increase in liveweight. During the phase of declining pasture and animal production, liveweight increment was related to available pasture expressed as green material minus S. almum stem. Crude protein content of unfertilized S. almum varied from 15 per cent for green material in spring to 2.5 per cent for the dry forage available in winter. Urea increased both yield and protein content.
Studies in the wool production of grazing sheep. 1. Seasonal variation in feed intake, liveweight and wool production
Authors: Arnold GW , McManus WR , Bush IG
Published: March 2005

A four year experiment is described in which Merino wethers were continuously grazed on Phalaris- subterranean clover pasture containing some annual grasses, at three rates for a year and at four rates in subsequent years. For the first year of the experiment a pasture of annual grasses and subterranean clover was also studied at three stocking rates. From the time that the eco-systems that were established reached an equilibrium there was rarely less than 2500 lb of herbage dry-matter an acre available on the lowest stocking rate and rarely more than 1000 lb an acre on the highest stocking rate. There was a significant difference in wool cut per head only in the first year ; over the last three years of the experiment it was slightly lower on the highest and lowest stocking rates than on the intermediate stocking rate. Wool production per acre was proportional to stocking rate. Large seasonal fluctuations were recorded in estimated digestible organic matter intake, liveweight, and wool production. Peaks of intake, liveweight gain, and wool production occurred in autumn and spring but at different dates at different stocking rates. At all but the highest stocking rate, wool production per unit time was lower in summer than in winter. Estimated herbage intake increased with decreasing availability of pasture. Digestibility of the diet, availability of pasture, and body condition of the sheep appeared to affect intake. Despite a higher estimated herbage intake on the higher stocking rate treatments, wool production was no higher.
The influence of season on the ovulatory activity of Merino ewes slaughtered at a central abattoir
Authors: Restall BJ , Fowler DG , Brydon P
Published: March 2005

The ovulatory activity in Merino ewes from the central western and north-west plains of New South Wales was measured using material collected at Homebush Abattoir from March to November 1960. There were significant differences in ovulation rate and in the incidence of multiple ovulations between the two areas. The ovulation rate dropped from 1.38 in the autumn to 1.20 in the winter to 1.07 in the spring (P<0.01). This resulted mainly from changes in the percentage incidence of anoestrous ewes: from 1.7 to 5.7 to 21.5 (P<0.05).
Pasture establishment on a granite soil on the northern tablelands of New South Wales
Authors: Watkin BR , Vickery PJ
Published: March 2005

Factors affecting the establishment and yields of legumes (Trifolium repens L., Trifolium subterraneum L., Meticago sativa L.) on unimproved pasture were studied on a granite soil in New England. Treatments included methods and times of sowing, pre-sowing grazing managements, and fertilizer applications. Sod seeding and discing increased the establishment of clover as did late sowing when the seed was broadcast. Pre-sowing grazing managements had no significant effects. Nitrogen application improved clover establishment. The percentage establishment for subterranean clover was consistently higher than that for white clover, but this was not related to subsequent yield. Sod seeding resulted in increased clover yields. Interactions between yields and pre-sowing grazing managements occurred with species ; light grazing before sowing resulted in maximum white clover yield whereas heavy grazing resulted in maximum subterranean clover and lucerne yields. Significant responses in the yield of white clover were obtained from phosphorus and potassium applications with a significant interaction (P x K). In the second year there were responses to phosphorus and sulphur, largely with repeat applications. The response to potassium declined in the second year. There was a significant increase in clover growth early in the second year from the application of lime and this interacted with potassium.
Observations on the chemical control of tree suckers on Cockatoo Sand in the Ord River Valley
Authors: van Rijn PJ
Published: March 2005

Two experiments concerned with chemical control of tree suckers on Cockatoo sand were carried out in the Ord River valley, Western Australia, in 1961-62 and 1962-63. Suckers of Eucalyptus ferruginea Schau., Eucalyptus tetrodonta F. Muell., Erythophleum chlorostachys(F. Muell.) Baill. and Acacia mangium A. Cunn, were tested with 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T, monuron and fenuron. The results of these experiments showed that 2,4,5-T at 6 lb an acre active ingredient effectively controlled the above-ground vegetation of Eucalyptus ferruginea and Acacia mangium, partially controlled Eucalyptus tetrodonta, but was not effective in controlling suckers of Erythophleum chlorostachys. Monuron at 30-40 lb an acre active ingredient effectively controlled all of these species, with the exception of Erythrophleum.
The effect of diphenyl wraps and case liners on green mould wastage in stored oranges
Authors: Leggo D , Seberry JA
Published: March 2005

Diphenyl wraps and diphenyl liners in combination with sodium a-phenylphenate and borax-boric acid dips were compared for control of green mould in stored oranges. Four experiments were carried out in the Sunraysia area on the Murray River in 1959 and three at Gosford on the central coast of New South Wales in 1960 and 1961. Treatment of the fruit with sodium o-phenylphenate, combined with the application of diphenyl, whether impregnated in fruit wrappers or case liners, effectively reduced green mould in oranges stored at atmospheric temperatures for periods up to nine weeks. There were indications that the location of the diphenyl-impregnated case liners within the container is an important factor in the efficiency of mould control by these treatments.
The comparative reproductive performance of polled and horned Merino rams
Authors: Dun RB , Douglass DS
Published: March 2005

The reproductive performance of genetically polled and horned Merino rams has been compared at Trangie Agricultural Research Station and at two commercial properties-one from the Trangie and one from the Wentworth district of N.S.W. There was no consistent result although statistically significant differences were recorded favouring one or other type of ram in a particular season. Absence or presence of horns, as determined by the poll gene, had little effect overall on the reproductive performance of the Merino ram.
The effects of some pasture species on soil structure
Authors: Andrew WD
Published: March 2005

The effect of pure stands of six pasture species in restoring the structure of a red-brown clay loam at Canberra, A.C.T., that had been under cultivation for twelve years, was measured each spring for four years. The species used were Lolium perenne L., L. rigidum Gaud., Medicago sativa L., Phalaris tuberosa L., Trifolium pratense L. and T. subterraneum L. There was no measurable effect or difference between any of the pasture species in restoring structure during the five month establishment period, but thereafter soil aggregation improved, although after four seasons it was still substantially less than under adjacent virgin pasture. Differences between species and between years were variable and the variation appeared greater with legumes than with grasses. Soil aggregation was more closely correlated with the macro-organic content of the soil during the preceding year than that in the same year. The clay plus silt content of the water stable aggregates increased each year on all treatments and on the controls.
The presence of Rhizobium meliloti on pods of Medicago tribuloides
Authors: Brockwell J
Published: March 2005

Pods of a single line of barrel medic (Medicago tribuloides Desr.) collected from the field were examined for the presence of Rhizobium meliloti. It was found that 99 per cent of pods carried 15 nodule bacteria or less. The ability of such low numbers of Rh. meliloti to promote nodulation of seedlings from sown pods is doubtful, and inoculation of pods may be necessary where soil populations of appropriate Rh. meliloti are low.
Reduced nodulation of lupins and serradella due to lime pelleting
Authors: Parker CA , Oakley AE
Published: March 2005

The effect upon nodulation of lime-pelleting inoculated lupin and serradella seed has been examined in four localities and three growing seasons. Altogether, three adhesive solutions, four bacterial strains, and three leguminous species have been used in the experiments. The lime coat has markedly reduced the nodulation of these plants in all cases. Attention is drawn to the value of certain adhesives in maintaining higher numbers of viable bacteria on inoculated seed.
The effect of formulation and method of applying dieldrin on the control of clover root weevil (Amnemus spp.) and on residue levels on pastures
Authors: Braithwaite BM , Gilbert WS , Jane A
Published: March 2005

Methods of application of different formulations of dieldrin were examined for the control of clover root weevil (Amnemus spp.) and for residue levels on pasture foliage. Two experiments were conducted : the first in which the effectiveness against clover root weevil of surface and sub-surface application of dieldrin granules and the surface application of dieldrin emulsion, was compared ; the second in which the residues of dieldrin on pasture foliage were determined at intervals of one, two, and four weeks after the surface and sub-surface application of dieldrin granules and the surface application of dieldrin dust and emulsion. Granular diazinon was screened as a possible alternative to dieldrin in the first experiment. Clover root weevil control was obtained with dieldrin, regardless of the formulation and method of application, with no significant difference in control between treatments. Diazinon granules were ineffective. The initial residues of dieldrin were highest with the surface application of emulsion, dust, and granules in that order and lowest with sub-surface granule application. Two weeks after the application of surface and sub-surface granules and four weeks after the application of dust and emulsion, residues fell below the level detectable by the method used.
A note on climate in relation to facial eczema outbreaks in sheep in East Gippsland from 1955 to 1964
Authors: Fisher E , Kellock AW , Hore DE , Sinnott R
Published: March 2005

Facial eczema outbreaks of unprecedented severity occurred in Gippsland during 1956 and 1959. With the object of defining the climatic factors associated with disease-outbreaks of this nature, the minimum air-temperature and rainfall recordings made at the R.A.A.F. base, East Sale, from 1955 to 1964 have been noted and critically analysed. The climatic conditions which appear to be necessary for the development of P. chartarum in amounts sufficient to cause facial eczema of sheep In epidemic proportions, are defined for non-irrigated areas.
An evaluation of fungistats for Purple Cornichon grapes
Authors: Scott KJ , Roberts EA
Published: March 2005

Wastage of Purple Cornichon grapes due to species of Botytis and Penicillium was considerably reduced by wrapping bunches in tissues impregnated with sodium o-phenylphenate, o-phenylphenyl acetate or o-phenylphenyl butyrate. Sodium metabisulphite and ammonium carbonate crystals were less effective. The phenol derivatives were equally effective and their potency was 4.3 times that of sodium metabisulphite. The potency of ammonium carbonate was 0.5 times that of sodium metabisulphite.
Chemical control of Eremophilla mitchellii
Authors: Robertson JA
Published: March 2005

Experiments to test the effectiveness of the butoxyethanol ester of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid on seedling growth and regrowth from old root-stocks of Eremophila mitchellii Benth. were conducted in two localities in south-western Queensland. The treatments were applied during April, May, July, and October 1963, as both water and diesel distillate based emulsions. Phthalic acid and dimethyl phthalate were added to half of the water and half of the diesel treatments respectively, to determine whether either of these chemicals would enhance the effect of the hormone. At no time of application was any water based treatment effective, but the hormone in diesel distillate was effective at all times of the year. A high percentage kill of E. mitchellii was obtained with 0.5 and 1.0 per cent 2,4,5-T in diesel distillate, except on plants having a basal diameter greater than 3 inches. The addition of dimethyl phthalate to the oil-based sprays gave a quicker initial effect, but did not increase the final percentage kill. Diesel distillate alone and in combination with dimethyl phthalate, killed some of the smaller plants, but was ineffective on the larger timber sprayed. At the higher concentrations of 2,4,5-T in diesel distillate, large plants were killed, provided complete wetting of the base of the stem was achieved.
Further investigations in the control of misletoe by trunk injections
Authors: Brown AG , Greenham CG
Published: March 2005

An account is given of tests for the control of Amyema miquelii (Lehm.) Tiegh on Eucalyptus polyanthemos Schau., by means of herbicides injected into holes in the host trunks. Various 2,4-D preparations applied in spring or summer killed at least 80 per cent of the mistletoes with little injury to the hosts. 2,4-DB applied in winter or spring killed at least 80 per cent of the mistletoes and caused less host injury than 2,4-D.
The influence of water on wheat yield, plant nitrogen uptake and soil mineral nitrogen concentration
Authors: Storrier RR
Published: March 2005

Water, in addition to the natural rainfall, was applied at five different stages of crop development to Heron wheat growing on a highly fertile soil. Dry matter yield, grain yield, the grain yield parameters (ear number, grain number per ear, weight per grain), and nitrogen content were measured. Changes in soil mineral nitrogen content as a consequence of water application and subsequent plant uptake were also studied. A single application of water at jointing, and treatments involving watering at all pre-anthesis stages during a period of moisture stress, increased straw and grain yields and floret development, as reflected in grain number per ear. Water applied after anthesis controlled to some degree the loss of dry matter and plant nitrogen exhibited by a maturing wheat crop. The number of tillers produced, the number surviving, or the number of ears were not increased by adding water at any stage of development. The increased grain yield that followed late additions of water was due to increases in the weight per grain. The addition of water during the jointing to milk stage increased the uptake of mineral nitrogen by the crop, to a depth of 30 inches. No increase in the mineralization of organic nitrogen was detected by soil analysis, but an approximate balance sheet indicated that mineralization, which was occurring during the growing season, was further stimulated by watering.
The effect of thyroxine on the mean and variance of wool production of Merino sheep on natural pasture
Authors: Dolling CHS , Piper LR , Carpenter MT
Published: March 2005

Administration of sodium-1-thyroxine to 14-15 months old medium Peppin Merino wethers resulted in a significant increase in both greasy and clean wool production (P<0.05 in each case) when the wethers were grazing on natural pasture in south-western Queensland. This was demonstrated in an analysis of wool production during a total period of 24 months. Within this period, the wethers treated with thyroxine produced seven per cent more greasy wool per head than did the untreated control sheep (P<0.01) and seven per cent more clean wool (P<0.05) during the 15 weeks following implantation. During the subsequent 17 weeks the treated wethers produced three per cent more greasy wool than the controls (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in clean wool production. There were no significant differences in either greasy or clean wool production in either of the last two periods of the 24-month experiment. There were no significant differences in wool production among the three groups of wethers whose dose rates at a single implantation were 30 mg, 60 mg, and 90 mg respectively. Administration of thyroxine resulted in a significant increase in the variance of greasy wool production during the 15 weeks following implantation (P<0.05) hut had no effect on the variance of clean wool production. The rate of gain in body weight displayed by all groups that received thyroxine was retarded, but groups had returned to their pre-treatment body weight ranking five months after implantation. Mortality was one per cent per annum among implanted animals over the two years following implantation. It is suggested that the response to thyroxine administered in mid-summer may have resulted partly from making good a seasonal deficiency in thyroid secretion. The tactical use of thyroxine to increase wool production per head in a region of considerable within-year or between-year variation of rainfall characterized by unpredictable flushes of pasture growth is discussed. The limited influence of thyroxine on the variance of wool production does not encourage its use as an aid to selection for clean wool production per head.
The voluntary feed intake of sheep genetically different in wool production
Authors: Williams AJ , Miller HP
Published: March 2005

The voluntary feed intakes of penned rams were measured on three roughage diets containing 15, 9, and 6.5 per cent crude protein. The rams were chosen from three flocks which varied genetically in wool production at pasture. A latin square design was used to examine differences in voluntary feed intake between the diets and the flocks. Feed intake and rate of consumption increased with increasing crude protein percentage of the diet. Daily time spent eating increased from the high to the low quality diet. Within diets, time spent eating was positively associated with intake differences between rams. Feed intake and water consumption were positively associated between and within diets. There were no differences between the diets in water intake per unit feed eaten. Flocks did not differ in voluntary feed intake or in any character associated with intake.
Comparison between fish meal and two Queensland meat and bone meals in bacon pig production
Authors: Todd ACE , Daniels LJ
Published: March 2005

Fish meal, containing 64 per cent crude protein, was fed at a level of 10 per cent, as a protein supplement, in rations based on grain sorghum. Food conversion and daily gain of pigs fed this diet, from shortly after weaning to bacon weight, was superior to that obtained on diets containing either 14 per cent of a 65 per cent or 16 per cent of a 49 per cent crude protein meat and bone meal. Superior performance was also obtained when this diet was compared with two mixtures of the lower protein meat and bone and fish meal. There was no significant difference in performance when the fish meal diet was compared with a mixture of the higher protein meat and bone and fish meal. In spite of its high cost the imported fish meal was a very economical supplement.
The effect of nitrogen fertilizer on the seasonal production of an irrigated ryegrass-clover pasture at Badgery's Creek
Authors: Crofts FC
Published: March 2005

Nitrogen fertilizer applied as sulphate of ammonia at 23 to 92 pounds of nitrogen an acre in early spring made forage available for grazing six weeks earlier and returned 19 to 22 pounds of additional dry matter (with 14 to 19 per cent crude protein) for each pound of fertilizer nitrogen applied. However, the responses to nitrogen fertilizer became progressively less over the late spring and summer period and the responses in the autumn, when additional forage is urgently needed for winter reserves, were relatively small.
A comparison of gypsum blocks and evaporimeters for irrigation control
Authors: Bartels LF
Published: March 2005

Gypsum blocks were used to schedule plot watering in a flood irrigation trial, conducted with perennial pasture on a red-brown earth. Pre-irrigation soil water storage to a depth of two feet (S inches) was related by regression methods to the average moisture bridge readings (M logohms) for gypsum blocks installed in the topsoil, and to accumulated losses (( E-R ) inches) from an Australian tank evaporimeter, an American type A pan, and a Wright-Rain Irrigation Indicator. Taken over two or more seasons evaporimeter losses were as good a guide to soil water storage as were the gypsum block readings.
Penetration of post harvest surface applications of 45Ca into apple fruits
Authors: Millikan CR , Hanger BC
Published: March 2005

Spot applications of 45Ca, with or without additional non-radioactive calcium and/or magnesium were made at various sites upon the surface of apple fruits (variety Granny Smith). Sections of the fruits were subsequently radioautographed and radioassayed. It was found that penetrated the epidermis to the underlying tissue, particularly in the region of the stalk and calyx. The application of additional calcium, and to a lesser degree magnesium enhanced 45Ca penetration.
Seed production and seed germination of Amsinckia hispida
Authors: Connor DJ
Published: March 2005

Amsinckia hispida is a serious annual weed of cereal culture in north-western Victoria. Individual plants produce seed for up to two months in the spring and this provides a range of seed maturity that is reflected by a gradual build-up of germinability in the following autumn. In addition the seed has an optimum constant temperature for germination of 13�C (48�F) and responds markedly to a period of cold treatment. These three features act together to produce the series of Amsinckia populations which are characteristic of its autumn germination behaviour in north-west Victoria. Seeds which germinate early are responsible for infestations in the pasture phase and those which germinate later are not controlled by pre-sowing cultivation and remain to germinate within crops. The response of Amsinckia to environmental factors is such that these plants which germinate late within wheat crops have an extended rosette period and are highly competitive.
Molybdenum deficiency in maize in relation to seed reserves
Authors: Weir RG , Hudson A
Published: March 2005

Symptoms observed in maize seedlings growing in the field in the Taree district were reproduced in glasshouse trials. The condition was prevented by applying sodium molybdate to the soil. Grain from certain growers of certified hybrid maize seed produced seedlings susceptible to the deficiency whereas grain from other growers produced seedlings which showed no symptoms. The differences in susceptibility were found to be related to the molybdenum content of the grain which varied from more than 0.40 p.p.m. to less than 0.01 p.p.m. No case of symptoms was observed in seedlings where grain contained more than 0.08 p.p.m. Severe symptoms occurred where grain molybdenum was less than 0.02 p.p.m. Molybdenum applications to female parent rows in seed crops raised the molybdenum content of grain, and prevented or reduced the incidence of symptoms in seedlings grown from this grain.
The effect of seeding rate and nitrogen fertilizer on the winter production of irrigated sod-sown oats at Badgery's Creek
Authors: Crofts FC
Published: March 2005

Under supplementary spray irrigation at Badgery's Creek, N.S.W., it has been possible to increase the late autumn, winter, and early spring production of a clover dominant ryegrass-clover pasture by more than 3,000 lb of dry matter an acre by sod-seeding oats with nitrogen fertilizers. The oat seeding rate and the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied at seeding are critical factors in determining the amount of additional winter forage obtained. At this stage it appears that the sod-seeding of oats at four bushels an acre with about 90 lb of nitrogen an acre in early autumn will greatly increase winter forage production under irrigation at a much lower cost than that associated with hand-feeding.
Laboratory ensilage of Setaria sphacelata (Nandi) with molasses
Authors: Catchpoole VR
Published: March 2005

The effectiveness of molasses as an aid to the preservation of Setaria sphacelata (var. Nandi) was tested by ensiling two harvests of the grass with 0, 1, 2, and 4 per cent of added molasses. When the grass was cut at a vegetative stage none of the molasses additions stimulated a satisfactory lactic acid fermentation ; but, in spite of high pH values, the silages were relatively stable during storage. Second harvest material (numerous tillers in full head) with 4 per cent molasses produced stable lactic acid silage, but with smaller additions the silages were unstable and lactic acid was destroyed during storage. During the first five days in the silos substantial amounts of sugar were lost at the expense of lactic acid formation, and 4 per cent of molasses appeared to be a minimal dressing for S. sphacelata silage.
The relation of birth coat and lamb survival
Authors: Mullaney PD
Published: March 2005

The coats of 13,788 single lambs in one Polwarth, four Merino, and three Corriedale flocks in the Western District of Victoria were graded at birth, and the coat grade related to survival of lambs beyond the twentieth day of life. The mean death rate of lambs varied widely (P<0.05) during the 3-4 years of the study, but only in one year, 1960, was there a significant association (P<0.05) between lamb survival and birth coat grade.
The efficiency of conversion of feed to wool during limited and unlimited feeding of flocks selected on clean fleece weight
Authors: Williams AJ
Published: March 2005

The wool growth of rams from the Trangie Fleece Plus, Random, and Fleece Minus selection flocks was measured during periods of limited and unlimited feeding in pens. There were large positive genetic and phenotypic correlations between net efficiency (measured during limited feeding) and both wool growth and gross efficiency (measured during unlimited feeding). Net efficiency was phenotypically correlated with voluntary intake of feed. Gross efficiency accounted for 95 per cent of the genetic and 62 per cent of the phenotypic variation in wool growth. The change from limited to unlimited feeding produced genotype x environment interactions with fibre cross sectional area, rate of wool growth and efficiency of conversion, the superiority of the high producing flock being relatively greater during unlimited feeding.
The apparent digestibility of ewes milk and dried pasture by young lambs
Authors: Hodge RW
Published: March 2005

The apparent organic matter digestibility of ewes milk and dried pasture when both were fed together to young lambs was not affected by level of intake or age of the lambs. There was no difference in the apparent digestibility by the lambs of pasture organic matter, nitrogen, or crude fibre when milk was removed from the ration. The apparent digestibility of the pasture by adult wethers, when fed at the maintenance level, was higher than that by the lambs.
Growth and chemical composition of Townsville lucerne (Stylosanthes humilis). 1. Dry matter yield and nitrogen content in response to superphosphate
Authors: Shaw NH , Gates CT , Wilson JR
Published: March 2005

In a field experiment on a solodic soil, applications of superphosphate, in the presence of molybdenum, increased the dry matter yield of S. humilis H.B.K. from 2,450 to 5,800 lb an acre, and increased the relative nitrogen content from 2.36 to 3.28 per cent. When this result was examined under more closely controlled conditions in a pot experiment, using the constituent elements of molybdenized superphosphate, it was found that the combination of phosphorus and sulphur produced the greatest dry weight and nitrogen responses. Nevertheless, substantial increases in dry weight of plant tops were obtained with added phosphorus in the absence of sulphur, although the relative nitrogen content of this dry matter was low unless sulphur was also present. There was a small response to molybdenum in this experiment, but calcium played only a minor role. In the pot experiment three replicates were placed in a glasshouse, and one under a light bank in a growth room. Plants grew faster and gave higher dry matter and nitrogen yields under the light bank than in the glasshouse. Attention is drawn to the adaptability that S. humilis displays to a wide range of nutritional conditions, and it is suggested that both the yield and nitrogen content of this legume are probably being limited by nutrient deficiency in most areas of northern Australia where it is being grown.
Growth of varieties of three sorghum species at different levels of salinity
Authors: Gates CT , Haydock KP , Claringbold PJ , Robins FM
Published: March 2005

The growth of twenty-four varieties of three sorghum species was studied at four different salinity levels. The species were : Sorghum sudanense, two varieties ; S. verticilliflorum, one variety ; S. almum Parodi, twenty-one varieties. The salinity stress was maintained for 29 days and eventually led to breakdown of sorghums at the higher levels. Treatments were imposed when the plants were 7 cm high, at day 12. Sorghums showed a high resistance to salinity stress that compared favourably with other plant species. This is a valuable agronomic quality. There were significant differences in yield between sorghums at all salinities and these effects were in the same proportion at all levels. The distinctive feature of the study is that the nature of these differences was studied in detail, supported by chemical analysis. These results for this large number of sorghums made a general interpretation of the responses possible. At control levels the differences in yield were not due to differences in rate of growth, nor were there any differences in rate of growth between sorghums at any salinity level. Differences between sorghums, then, were a reflection of differences at control level, which appeared to be impressed on a sorghum before the treatments began.