bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of sodium fertilizer, cultivar, temperature and growth stage on the mineral content and nutritive value of sorghum forage
Authors: Wheeler JL , Hamilton BA , Hedges DA
Published: March 2005

The effects of sodium application, growth stage and temperature on the mineral content and nutritive value of four forage sorghum cultivars are reported. The forages were grown in pots in glasshouses maintained at day/night temperatures of 23/16�C and 32/25�C with a 14 h photoperiod. The application of sodium chloride (equivalent to 41 kg Na/ha) increased the sodium content of plant tops from 0.014 to 0 018% but even the enhanced value is well below the minimum recommended for animal production. Sodium application also decreased the sulfur content of the forage and widened the nitrogen to sulfur ratio. Increased temperature reduced the in vitro digestibility, particularly of stem tissue (2.11 percentage units/�C). Age had a marked effect on the in vitro digestibility of the forage, which decreased by 0.3 percentage units/d.
Effects of phosphorus and superphosphate on the growth of Urochloa species
Authors: McIvor JG
Published: March 2005

Six Urochloa accessions (U. mosambicensis cv. Nixon, CPI 46876, CPI 47167; U. oligotricha CPI 45607, CPI 47122, CPI 47 124) were grown in pots of phosphorus-deficient soil with varying rates of added phosphorus and their phosphorus requirements and responses compared. The same six accessions were grown in swards at Lansdown near Townsville with Stylosanthes hamata cv. Verano and S. scabra cv. Seca and their responses to superphosphate measured over a five-year period. All accessions gave large responses, both to phosphorus in pots and superphosphate in the field, with only small differences between accessions in their phosphorus requirements. Phosphorus application increased phosphorus concentration in the tops, from 0.11 to 0.17% without phosphorus, to 0.56-0.70% at 200 kg P/ha, but had little effect on nitrogen concentration. In the final year of the field trial, superphosphate did not significantly affect yield of the sown legume but yields of Urochloa were significantly increased by superphosphate application. This resulted in the nil superphosphate plots being legume dominant (mainly S. hamata) and the high superphosphate plots being Urochloa dominant.
Black point in bread wheat: effects on quality and germination, and fungal associations
Authors: Rees RG , Martin DJ , Law DP
Published: March 2005

Quality measurements were made on subsamples of wheat grain with high, medium and low levels of black point prepared from 12 grain samples. Test weight, falling number, total flour yield, break flour yield and dough stability were slightly lower in subsamples with high levels of black point. In contrast, grain weight, pollard yield, flour colour grade and water absorption were slightly higher in subsamples with high black point. Baking quality was unaffected. As the changes in quality detected were very slight, the condition had little effect on the value of the grain for bread making. Alternaria alternata was the predominant fungal species isolated from surface sterilized grains, being present in 72% of grains with black point and in 39% of symptomless grains. Seed germination was not affected by black point but seedling emergence was reduced by 3.2% from black-pointed seed.
Effect of pasture age on the efficiency of nitrogen fixation by 10 accessions of Stylosanthes spp
Authors: Vallis I , Gardener CJ
Published: March 2005

The proportion of legume nitrogen that had been symbiotically fixed in 10 accessions of Stylosanthes spp. was determined by an isotope dilution method in microplots within grazed pastures 1, 4 and 6 years after the legumes were sown in association with buffel grass at Lansdown, near Townsville, Queensland. The proportion, averaged over all accessions, varied between years from 0.79 to 0.83, but was not related to pasture age, differences in legume yield, or total uptake of soil nitrogen. Within years, the proportion in individual plots was weakly and negatively correlated with legume yield and soil nitrogen uptake 4 years after sowing, but not at other times. No significant differences in proportions between the 10 accessions of Stylosanthes were demonstrated. It is concluded that, in these pastures, the efficiency of nitrogen fixation by the legume is not greatly affected by changes in the availability of soil nitrogen as the pasture ages. Consequently, the rate of symbiotic nitrogen fixation will depend mainly on the growth of the legume.
Responsiveness to seasonal temperature and nitrogen among genotypes of kikuyu, paspalum and bermuda grass pastures of coastal New South Wales
Authors: Pearson CJ , Kemp H , Kirby AC , Launders TE , Mikled C
Published: March 2005

Three experiments were carried out to test the hypotheses that (a) there are quantitative differences in growth rate and quality between newly registered cultivars and older cultivars in response to changes in temperature and fertility, and (b) responsiveness to temperature varies between sites because cultivars acclimatize to their current environment. Performance in simulated swards indicated that potential productivity was highest from bermuda grass (Cynodon x Burton Pearson). This was, however, a poor indicator of performance in the field, where yield of bermuda grass was depressed by weeds whereas that of kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) was unaffected. In the field, a newly registered kikuyu, cv. Crofts, outyielded bermuda grass and paspalum (Paspalum dilatatum) either alone or when combined with lucerne. A further experiment compared cvv. Crofts, Whittet and common kikuyu at three levels of nitrogen at three sites. Peak growth rates were the same at all locations but Crofts outyielded the other genotypes by 60, 13 and 18% at Bega (37�S.), Camden (34�S.) and Taree (32�S.) respectively. Average growth rates varied seasonally and were correlated with temperature (r > 0.9). Analysis of temperature responsiveness (kg/ha.�C) indicated that responsiveness varied consistently between genotypes at any location. Furthermore, the base temperature (the temperature below which there was negligible growth) was the same for all genotypes at any location but it increased with increasing latitude. That is, there was a tendency to greater dormancy with increasing coldness of location. Nitrogen responsiveness was the same for all genotypes and sites. Seasonal variations in digestibility and mineral concentrations in kikuyu, bermuda grass and paspalum were similar in the field and in simulated swards; quality was the same in all kikuyu genotypes. Calcium, magnesium and nitrogen concentrations of plant tops (but not phosphorus and potassium concentrations) increased with increasing rates of application of nitrogen fertilizer.
Persistence and productivity of Trifolium ambiguum M. Bieb. (Caucasian clover) in a high altitude region of south-eastern Australia
Authors: Dear BS , Zorin M
Published: March 2005

The persistence and productivity of 12 lines of Trifolium ambiguum M. Bieb., encompassing three ploidy groups, and one line of T. montanum subsp. hurnboldtianum were compared in an elevated environment (1150 m) over a 4-year period with one cultivar each of T. repens L. and T. pratense L. Trifolium ambiguum was found to be well adapted to the cold winters and dry summers, all lines persisting throughout the experimental period, whereas the T. repens and T. pratense cultivars disappeared by the fourth year. The T. arnbiguum lines 'Monaro' and 'Kirovakan' (both hexaploid) and 'Alpine' and Forest (diploids) had the highest dry matter production. The control cultivars of T. repens and T. pratense outyielded T. ambiguum in the first year but were substantially less productive in later years as their density declined. T. montanum persisted but produced less dry matter than T. ambiguum and did not produce rhizomes or daughter plants. Ploidy of T. ambiguum was found to affect the date of flowering, persistence, leaflet shape and leaflet area. Productivity was not closely related to ploidy; however, the two most productive lines were hexaploids. All the T. ambiguum lines remained well nodulated over the 4 years, but the diploids had higher leaf nitrogen contents than the other two groups (3.4% vs. 2.5 and 2.4% N). The number of daughter plants produced was positively correlated (r=0.84) with rhizome length, which varied between lines but was not influenced by ploidy. Two bred lines, 'Alpine' (diploid) and 'Monaro' (hexaploid) exhibited superior vigour and spreading ability and warrant further evaluation as possible pasture legumes.
The growth of improved pastures on acid soils. 2. The effect of soil incorporation of lime and phosphorus on the growth of subterranean clover and lucerne pastures and on their response to topdressing
Authors: Horsnell LJ
Published: March 2005

Subterranean clover responds poorly to superphosphate application on some acid soils of the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales. A field experiment was undertaken, for two years, to examine the effects of incorporating large additional amounts of superphosphate or rock phosphate in the soil, with and without lime, on the growth of subterranean clover, lucerne and phalaris sown with recommended rates of lime superphosphate. Dry matter responses of subterranean clover and lucerne to superphosphate topdressing in the second year were also recorded. In the first year, subterranean clover growth was increased by the additional lime and by lime plus superphosphate. Lucerne growth was increased by additional lime. In the second year, the growth of subterranean clover was increased by the lime treatments and the superphosphate treatments applied in the previous year and by the deep incorporation into the soil of lime and superphosphate together. Subterranean clover growth also responded to the application of rock phosphate without lime. Lucerne dry matter production in the second year was increased by the lime, superphosphate and rock phosphate treatments applied in the first year. Lime application increased the yield responses of subterranean clover and lucerne to superphosphate topdressed in the second year. Lime application had no effect on the nitrogen content of the clover but increased that of lucerne. Lime application reduced the aluminium levels in the tops of all three species. The data suggest that the responsiveness of pastures to superphosphate on these soils is increased by the application of lime and rock phosphate and is related to low nitrogen fixation and high aluminium levels in the plant.
A survey of Phomopsis leptostromiformis infection of lupin seed in Western Australia: 1976-81
Authors: Wood PM , Petterson DS
Published: March 2005

Samples of seed from commercial crops of Lupinus spp. in Western Australia were tested over a 6-year period (1976-8 1) for levels of infection by Phomopsis leptostromiformis. Of the 584 samples tested, 49% were not infected and a further 43% had <4% infection. Overall the levels of infection were higher than those previously recorded in this State. There was a highly significant effect of rainfall zone (P<0.001) on infection level. After accounting for this, there was no significant effect of cultivar, year, or growing zone. The method used was compared with that of Ali et al. (Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, 1982, 22, 190-3). No significant differences between the two methods in assessment of lupin seed were observed.
The influence of phosphate fertilizer on the growth and yield of wheat in soil infested with cereal cyst nematode (Heterodera avenae Woll.)
Authors: Simon A , Rovira AD
Published: March 2005

In a field experiment, the numbers of immature females of cereal cyst nematode (Heterodera avenae Woll.) on roots of wheat at anthesis were 14 1, 220 and 324 per plant with 0, 100 and 400 kg/ha superphosphate respectively. The field site, with an average annual rainfall of 450 mm, was located at Coonalpyn, S.A. (35�4 1'S., 139� 52'E.) on a grey-brown, calcareous, loamy earth. Wheat seedlings were grown under controlled environment conditions in two soils with identical chemical and physical properties, but with initial populations of H. avenae of 1.1 and 5.8 eggs/g soil to study the response in shoot and root growth to superphosphate either mixed through the soil or banded with the seed. Using aldicarb, it was shown that H. avenae reduced the length of seminal root axes per plant by 33% in soil containing 1.1 eggs of H. avenae/g and by 74% in soil containing 5.8 eggs/g. Length of seminal root axes was not affected by superphosphate. The length of lateral roots per plant was increased by controlling H. avenae with aldicarb in soil containing 5.8 eggs/g but not in soil containing 1.1 eggs/g. When superphosphate was banded with the seed, the length of lateral roots per plant increased by 33% in soil containing 1.1 eggs/g and by 55% in soil containing 5.8 eggs/g. In soil containing the lower initial population of H. avenae, shoot dry weight was increased by 97% when superphosphate was mixed through the soil and 100% when banded with the seed. However, in soil containing the higher initial population of H. avenae, the responses were 48 and 94% to mixed and banded superphosphate respectively, indicating that plants severely infected with H. avenae are less able to utilize phosphate distributed through the soil. The results have practical implications in that the method of application and amount of superphosphate in fields infested with H. avenae will affect the build-up of the nematode when cereals are grown; furthermore, in infested soils, the plant response to superphosphate would be greater when the fertilizer is banded with the seed.
Production response to feeding wheat grain to milking cows
Authors: Fulkerson WJ , Michell PJ
Published: March 2005

Friesian cows in their 6th to 8th month of lactation, on a basal diet of 8 kg silage and 6.4 kg pasture (dry matter), were supplemented with 2.14 kg (2.4 kg as fed) of whole or hammermilled wheat (dry matter)/day. Cows fed hammermilled wheat produced 3.43 kg more milk fat and gained 10 kg more body weight than unsupplemented cows over the 8-week feeding period (February and March). Cows fed whole wheat produced no more milk fat but gained 6 kg more body weight than unsupplemented cows. The marginal response to feeding hammermilled wheat was 0.029 kg milk fat/kg wheat (dry matter). The difference in production response between whole and hammermilled wheat is in line with their apparent digestibilities of 14.4 and 93%, respectively.
First calving performance of beef cattle. 2. A comparison of Shorthorns and dairy crossbreds
Authors: Barker DJ , May PJ , Morris CA , Ridley PER
Published: March 2005

In each of 4 years, drafts of Shorthorn and Dairy x Shorthorn heifers were run together and fed to grow either slowly or moderately from weaning at 7 months until joining for two months at 15 months of age. Thereafter they grazed together on improved pasture in a 430 mm rainfall Mediterranean environment. Their performance was compared until their second calving and their calves' performances until weaning. Year x breed type interactions were significant for most variables measured. Between their first joining and first calving, the fourth draft of Shorthorn heifers gained 59 kg less liveweight than the crossbreds, but there was little difference in liveweight gain between the breed types in the other three drafts. Survival of the fourth draft of Shorthorn dams and calves was also 32 and 42% lower than of crossbreds. Concurrently, the third draft of Shorthorns lost 21 kg more liveweight than the crossbreds between first calving and their second joining, but performed similarly or better in the other 3 years. The third draft of Shorthorns also had a 63% lower second calving rate than the crossbreds, but the previous drafts had a similar rate of second calving. The average weaning weights of the second and third drafts of Shorthorn calves were 37 and 34 kg lower, respectively, than the crossbred calves, but only 8 and 16 kg lower in the first and fourth drafts, respectively. The third draft of Shorthorn dams were 90 kg lighter at weaning than the crossbreds but the other Shorthorn drafts were only 20 to 29 kg lighter. The intercalving interval of the fourth draft of Shorthorns was 28 days longer than that of the crossbreds, but was similar to or 23 to 30 days shorter for the previous drafts. Superior performance of the crossbreds was most apparent in the year of lowest rainfall and pasture availability, during which the third draft suckled their first calves and were joined for the second time and the fourth draft calved for the first time. First calving dates of dairy crossbreds were 14 days later than those of Shorthorns if grown slowly before joining, but were similar if grown moderately. Crossbred dams suffered 11 and 25% more dystokia at first calving of the first and third drafts and 14% more if grown slowly, but not if grown moderately before their first joining. Birth weights of calves out of crossbred dams were consistently 2 kg higher than those out of Shorthorn dams. First calving rates of the two types of cattle were similar and high (about 90%).
Winter growth and nutritive quality of serradella (Ornithopus spp.)
Authors: Rossiter RC , Collins WJ , Klein L
Published: March 2005

Two genotypes of yellow serradella (Ornithopus compressus) and one of French serradella (O. sativus) were compared with subterranean clover when grown as swards in boxes in an open-sided glass shelter at Perth, Western Australia. The swards were defoliated at 1.5 cm, at weekly intervals, from 4 weeks after sowing until harvest at almost 15 weeks. The total yield of herbage was as high in serradella as in subterranean clover, although net herbage production (i.e. plant material removed by defoliation) was 9% less in the serradella because the sward was shorter during early growth. After 10 weeks, net herbage production rates were similar for the four legumes (5.4-5.8 g/m2.day). No major differences between the legumes were found in several measures of nutritional quality.
A comparative study of the total β-glucan contents of some Australian barleys
Authors: Henry RJ
Published: March 2005

The total P-glucan contents of 13 barley cultivars and 12 experimental barley lines were measured using an enzymic technique. The average P-glucan content of barley cultivars grown in 1981 and 1982 at two different sites ranged from 4.03% for Clipper to 5.26% for Malebo. The average values for the experimental lines varied from 4.12 to 5.12%. Total P-glucan was more closely related to grain hardness than to malt extract. For individual varieties P-glucan content increased with increasing grain nitrogen but the magnitude of varietal differences meant that there was no overall relationship between P-glucan and nitrogen.
Calcium requirements of Virginia Bunch peanuts in the Mareeba-Dimbulah area of North Queensland
Authors: Armour JD , Laurence RCN , Shepherd RK , Dwyer MJ , Loader LR
Published: March 2005

Data from 3 years of field experiments involving 16 sites were used to determine rates and forms of calcium required to correct poor yields and shelling percentages of Virginia Bunch peanuts in North Queensland. The application of 250 kg calcium/ha as lime or 125 kg/ha as gypsum was sufficient for maximum pod and kernel yield in separate experiments over two seasons. Relative pod yield and relative shelling percentage were regressed against soil calcium using five models. Cate-Nelson separations gave the best separation of responsive and non-responsive sites. This model was therefore used to derive, for extension purposes, a critical soil exchangeable calcium concentration (prior to sowing) of 1.4 m.e./100 g. The coefficients of determination were 0.53 and 0.60 for relative pod yield and relative shelling percentage respectively.
The breeding of navy and culinary beans in Queensland
Authors: Redden RJ , Rose JL , Gallagher EC
Published: March 2005

Locally bred and introduced navy and culinary beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) were grown in a series of trials across locations. A wider range of the variables yield, canopy height, and width was found in the introduced entries. These also displayed a range in disease resistances and tolerance of zinc deficiency equal to that in the locally bred entries. Sensitivity to low zinc levels and susceptibility to bacterial blight were both negatively correlated with height and yield. Days to flowering, lodging and 100-seed weight were also associated with various disease and growth expressions. The expected benefits of broadening the genetic base of the breeding program are discussed.
Beef production from three tropical grasses in south-eastern Queensland
Authors: Whiteman PC , Halim NR , Norton BW , Hales JW
Published: March 2005

A grazing trial with beef cattle was conducted on three grasses, Paspalum plicatulum cv. Rodd's Bay, Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk (signal grass) and Panicum maximum cv. Hamil, in the first year. P. maximum was replaced by Digitaria decumbens (pangola grass) in the second and third years. There were three stocking rates (3.0, 3.75, and 5.0 steers/ha), plots were fertilized with 300 kg N/ha, in two replicates. Animal liveweight gain was low; maximum values were 650 kg/ha for pangola grass, 640 kg/ha for signal grass and 400 kg/ha for P. plicatulum. Liveweight gain was only poorly correlated with rainfall, because low winter temperatures retarded pasture growth. Correlations between liveweight gain and individual green leaf percentage in each species were high, particularly for P. plicatulum, which had only 2% green leaf in winter. Weight loss on plicatulum was therefore high in winter, and overall performance poor, even though this species had the highest percentage of green leaf in summer. Signal grass showed a higher tolerance to grazing at 5.0 steers/ ha than the other grasses. Over most of the year, except in winter when only small amounts of green leaves were available, plicatulum had the lowest phosphorus percentage, sometimes below the 0.12% suggested as the critical dietary phosphorus percentage for cattle. Over all grasses, nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations were linearly related (r = 0.98). From this experiment, P. plicatulum was shown to be a poor grass for beef production and, for this grass and the other two species at this site, beef production using 300 N kg/ha could not be financially viable.
Environmental and genotype effects on fertility in a commercial beef herd in central Queensland
Authors: Rudder TH , Seifert GW , Burrow HM
Published: March 2005

Joining liveweight, proportion pregnant and calving date were recorded from relatively low fertility (RLF) and relatively high fertility (RHF) tropically adapted genotypes. RLF genotypes were F2 et seq. Brahman x British crossbreds and Brahman back crosses while RHF genotypes were F1 Brahman x British and Africander infused crossbreds. Year effects had the largest and most consistent influence on joining liveweight, proportion of cows pregnant and calving date. RLF genotypes had a lower proportion pregnant than RHF genotypes in yearling heifers, 2-5-year-old and >9- year-old lactating cows, but there was no difference in the 6-8-year age group. Calving dates tended to be later in the RLF genotypes in the 2-5-year age groups, but were the same as RHF genotypes in older age groups. Annual variation in joining liveweight was explained by May-October rainfall, which was an indication of pasture productivity levels. The proportion of cows pregnant was related to joining liveweight; to achieve a high proportion in the RHF genotypes, target joining liveweights of about 275 and 375 kg were indicated for yearling heifers and lactating cows, respectively. There was no difference between RLF and RHF in the 6-8-year lactating age group, but in other age groups RLF genotypes tended to require an extra 25-75 kg joining liveweight to approximate the proportion pregnant in RHF genotypes over the lower and mid-liveweight ranges. However, at highest joining liveweights, RLF had a lower proportion pregnant than did RHF genotypes. Calving date influenced the proportion that became pregnant during the subsequent joining season, young cows being more sensitive to calving date than old cows, and RLF more sensitive than RHF genotypes.
Milk production from cows grazing on tropical grass pastures. 1. Effects of stocking rate and level of nitrogen fertilizer on the pasture and diet
Authors: Davison TM , Cowan RT , Shepherd RK , Martin P
Published: March 2005

A 3-year experiment was conducted at Kairi Research Station on the Atherton Tablelands, Queensland, to determine the effects of stocking rate and applied nitrogen fertilizer on the pasture yield and composition, diet selection by cows, and soil fertility of Gatton panic (Panicum maximum cv. Gatton) pastures. Thirty-two Friesian cows were used in a 4x2 factorial design: four stocking rates (2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 cows/ha), each at two rates of fertilizer application 200 and 400 kg N/ha.year. The higher rate of fertilization increased the pasture green dry matter on offer at all samplings (P < 0.01); the increase ranged from 1 106 kg/ha in summer to 548 kg/ha in spring. Green dry matter decreased ( P< 0.0 1) with increasing stocking rate, with mean yields of 3736 and 2384 kg/ha at 2.0 and 3.5 cows/ha, respectively. Weed yields increased over the 3 years at the higher stocking rates for pastures receiving 200 kg N/ha.year. The crude protein content of leaf and stem increased with increasing stocking rate and amount of applied nitrogen fertilizer. Values ranged from 12.1 to 26.5% of dry matter (DM) in leaf and from 3.7 to 13.8% DM in stem. In leaf, sodium concentration (range 0.05-0.20% DM) was increased, while phosphorus concentration (range 0.21-0.44% DM) was decreased by the higher rate of fertilizer application. Plant sodium and phosphorus levels were inadequate for high levels of milk production. Dietary leaf content and crude protein contents were consistently increased by both a reduced stocking rate, and the higher rate of fertilization. Cows were able to select for leaf and at the lowest stocking rate, leaf in the diet averaged 38%; while the leaf content of the pasture was 20%. Dietary leaf content ranged from 38 to 57% in summer and from 11 to 36% in winter. Dietary crude protein ranged from 13 to 15% in summer and from 7 to 11% in winter and was positively correlated with pasture crude protein content and dietary leaf percentage. Soil pH decreased (P<0.05) from an overall mean of 6.3 in 1976 to 6.1 at 200 N and 5.8 at 400 N in 1979. Soil phosphorus status remained stable, while calcium and magnesium levels were lower (P<0.01) after 3 years.
Milk production from cows grazing on tropical grass pastures. 2. Effects of stocking rate and level of nitrogen fertilizer on milk yield and pasture-milk yield relationships
Authors: Davison TM , Cowan RT , Shepherd RK
Published: March 2005

The effects of stocking rate and rate of nitrogen fertilizer application on milk yield from a Gatton panic (Panicum maximum cv. Gatton) pasture were studied over 3 years at Kairi Research Station on the Atherton Tablelands. Thirty-two Friesian cows were used in a 4x2 factorial experiment with treatments 2.0,2.5,3.0 and 3.5 cows/ha, each at 200 and 400 kg N/ha.year. Fat-corrected milk (FCM) yield per cow decreased (P<0.05) with increasing stocking rate according to the equation (� s.e.): Y=3476-276 ( � 111) X (P<0.05), where Y is FCM yield per cow (kg), and X is the stocking rate (cows/ha). FCM yield per hectare increased linearly (Pt0.01) with increasing stocking rate in each year and was represented by the following equations ( � s.e.) for nitrogen applications of 200 and 400 kg/ha.year, respectively: Y = 1584 + 1967 (� 289) X Y = 2366 + 1967 (�289) X (P<0.01), and where Y is FCM yield per hectare (kg) and X is the stocking rate (cows/ha). Milk yield per cow and per hectare were significantly increased by the higher rate of fertilizer application (P<0.01) in year 3, but not in years 1 and 2. Mean FCM yields per cow across years were 2574 and 2858 kg from 200 kg N and 400 kg N pastures respectively (P<0.05). The pasture parameters which were most closely correlated with milk yield were green dry matter (GDM) on offer or its components, namely green leaf and green stem. The relations between FCM yield per cow and green dry matter on offer per cow and per hectare were represented by the equations ( � s.e.): Y = 2211 +0.43 (� 0.12) X1 (P<0.01), And Y= 1656 + 0.35 (�0.08) X2 (P<0.01), where Y is FCM yield per cow (kg/lactation), X1 is GDM per cow (kg) and X2 is GDM per hectare (kg). For this environment, it is concluded that a stocking rate of 2.5 cows/ha with 400 kg N/ ha.year can be safely employed to maintain cows on a pure grass pasture from the opening rains in summer until the end of winter.
Green Pinus radiata needles as a feed for sheep
Authors: Anderson GW
Published: March 2005

Various combinations of cereal chaff and Pinus radiata needles were fed to penned sheep in three experiments. The in vivo digestibility of green needles was estimated to be 36%. Intakes of needles were variable and increased to more than 50% of the total dry matter intake if the chaff component of the diet was restricted to 25% of normal intake. Under these conditions, the needles made a useful contribution to the diet and reduced rates of liveweight loss.The feeding value of pine needles may decrease by about 30% as they age but that of fresh young needles can be greater than those of late summer pasture residues. Therefore, if kept ungrazed for in situ consumption in summer or during drought, when pasture residues are not able to maintain sheep, green pine needles can be valuable either as a substitute for pasture or as a partial supplement.
Control of gorse regrowth by Angora goats in the Tasmanian Midlands
Authors: Harradine AR , Jones AL
Published: March 2005

Angora wethers were evaluated for the control of gorse regrowth (Ulex europaeus) after burning. Unreplicated plots containing approximately 0.5 ha gorse and 0.5 ha perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) dominant pasture were stocked with A, 6 goats/ha; B, 10 goats/ha; C, 5 goats + 4 sheep (Polwarth wethers)/ha; or D, 5 sheep/ha in June 1981. After 2 years, percentage gorse control was estimated to be 82, 96, 92 and 56%, and percentage gorse ground cover was 36, 16, 13 and 47% for treatments A, B, C and D, respectively. Between spring 198 1 and spring 1982, when gorse was freely available for browsing, pasture consumption by goats averaged 15% (A) and 40% (B) of available pasture. Where goats were present, pastures contained a greater proportion of perennial ryegrass and less barley grass (Hordeurn sp.) and slender thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus) than where only sheep were grazing. Mean mohair production per goat from October 1982 to September 1983 was 3.2,2.3 and 2.4 kg for treatments A, B and C, respectively. Gross fleece values ($/ha) for the same period were $143 (A), $173 (B), $135 (C) and $92 (D).The preferential browsing of gorse and the acceptable mohair yields indicate that Angora goats could be used in a complementary grazing relationship with sheep for gorse control and product diversification in the Tasmanian Midlands.
The growth of improved pastures on acid soils. 3. Response of lucerne to phosphate as affected by calcium and potassium sulfates and soil aluminium levels
Authors: Horsnell LJ
Published: March 2005

A glasshouse experiment was conducted to study the response of lucerne to phosphate at various concentrations of aluminium in the soil solution. Aluminium levels were varied by adding neutral salts to an acid infertile soil, typical of those on which unusually poor responses to superphosphate have been reported on the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales. The addition of monocalcium phosphate reduced aluminium concentration in the soil solution and increased plant growth four-fold. The neutral salts, calcium sulfate and potassium sulfate, in the presence of calcium phosphate, increased aluminium concentrations in the soil solution and reduced plant growth and response to phosphate. It is concluded that the calcium sulfate component of single superphosphate can decrease plant growth, and thus the response to phosphate, by increasing the concentration of aluminium in the soil solution on these very acid soils..
Serradella (Ornithopus sp.): maturity range and hard seed studies of some strains of five species
Authors: Bolland MDA
Published: March 2005

Two experiments are described which measured the maturity range and the softening of hard seeds of several species and strains of serradella (Ornithopus sp.) grown in field experiments near Esperance, Western Australia. Softening of hard seeds was measured in a diurnal 15/60�C alternating temperature oven (laboratory oven) and from germination tests of samples collected periodically during summer from the field experiments (field test). Within O. compressus, there was a difference of about 30 days between strains, in time from sowing to appearance of the first flowers. The earliest flowering strains of the other species were included in the experiments; none commenced to flower as early as the earliest flowering O. compressus strains. When stored in the laboratory oven, the rate of softening of podded serradella seed varied markedly depending on species and strain, particularly for strains of O. compressus. Compared to naked (dehulled) seed, podded seeds of O. compressus and O. pinnatus softened in the laboratory oven at a much slower rate. The numbers of soft seeds were between 35 and 75% less, depending on strain and year. However, for O. isthmocarpus and O. perpusillus, the rate of softening was similar for both dehulled and podded seed. Irrespective of pod treatment, O. sativus was very soft-seeded. Within the bounds of the data, compared to the field test, the numbers of soft seeds counted for the laboratory oven tests were generally higher. Qualitatively the trends were similar for both methods.
A single-head hand thresher for sunflower
Authors: George DL , Greenaway JB
Published: March 2005

A simple mobile machine was constructed to allow hand threshing in the field of sunflower heads of high moisture content. The thresher, consisting of a grill and collecting funnel, was mounted on a wheelbarrow-type frame with pneumatic wheel. Sunflower heads could be threshed 5 weeks after flowering.
Use of herbicides for selective removal of Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees from a Phalaris aquatica pasture
Authors: Campbell MH , Dellow JJ , Keys MJ , Gilmour AR
Published: March 2005

In the main experiment, the effectiveness of tetrapion, glyphosate and 2,2-DPA in selectively removing Eragrostis curvula from a Phalaris aquatica pasture was determined by applying each at three rates in July 1980, September 1980, December 1980 and March 1981 near Braidwood, New South Wales. Auxiliary experiments were conducted from April 1981 to April 1983 to determine the reliability of herbicide effect on E. curvula. Tetrapion (2.25 and 3.375 kg/ha a.i.) was the most effective herbicide in killing E. curvula and promoting P. aquatica and Trifolium subterraneum. It was more selective when applied in September 1980 and December 1980 than when applied in July 1980 or March 198 1. Re-infestation by E. curvula seedlings in the 3 years after spraying with tetrapion amounted to a maximum of 3% of ground cover. In the auxiliary experiments, tetrapion was effective on all nine occasions of application, which demonstrated its reliability and effectiveness at any time of the year. Glyphosate (1.08 and 1.62 kg/ha a.i.) was effective in killing E. curvula in March 1981 but this result could not be repeated in March 1982 or March 1983 or in nine other applications at other times in these years. 2,2-DPA (maximum rate 22.2 kg/ha a.i.) was ineffective in killing E. curvula at four times of application. Recovery of the P. aquatica pasture after treatment declined in the order: tetrapion >2,2-DPA>glyphosate.
Effect of mixtures of tetrapion and 2,2-DPA on the control of serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma)
Authors: Campbell MH , Murison RD
Published: March 2005

Mixtures of tetrapion (sodium 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropionate) and 2,2-DPA (sodium 2,2-dichloropropionate) at rates of 1.125 + 5.2 and 0.75 + 10.4 kg/ha a.i. were applied to serrated tussock on six occasions between 1980 and 1983 and were equal to or superior to the recommended rate of tetrapion alone (1.5 kg/ha a.i.) or 2,2-DPA alone (20.8 kg/ ha a.i.) in killing serrated tussock. Although the mixtures of tetrapion and 2,2-DPA produced a much faster phytotoxic effect on serrated tussock than tetrapion alone, establishment of surfaces own pasture species was not improved by using the mixtures. The reasons for this result are discussed. Mixtures of tetrapion and 2,2-DPA may be useful on soils where residual effects of tetrapion remain for long periods, when quick phytotoxic effects will stop serrated tussock flowering or allow re-spraying to be carried out after 6 weeks rather than after 9-12 weeks with tetrapion alone, and where improved effectiveness on annual grass weeds is required. Establishment of surface-sown pasture species after use of tetrapion, 2,2-DPA, or the mixtures applied before the autumn break, was improved by killing annual weeds with glyphosate application 1 week before sowing in late autumn or early winter.
Bruising in beef cattle slaughtered at an abattoir in southern Queensland
Authors: Wythes JR , Kaus RK , Newman GA
Published: March 2005

The level of bruising and its distribution on the carcass was assessed for 35 085 cattle at an abattoir in southern Queensland. Using the Australian Carcase Bruise Scoring System, the average bruise score was 8.4 points (equivalent to 1.1 kg bruise trim) per carcass, with 61%of bruising on the hindquarters. Forty-two carcasses (0.12%) were condemned because of bruising. There were significant ( P< 0.01) differences between slaughter-lots due to horn status (mixed horn > hornless group), class of animal (mixed sex and cow > steer > bull groups), breed (Zebu crossbred > British breed groups), mode of travel (road plus rail > road > road plus walk), and individual saleyard. There were no differences due to method of sale (direct to abattoir v. via saleyard), road transport operators, road distance travelled (<50 to > 500 km), or due to unloading cattle from trucks to dip for ticks. The results indicate that animal factors, such as horn status and class of animal, may be more important sources of bruising than transportation (at least by major transport operators) and method of sale. Future efforts to reduce the level of bruising depend on all meat processors paying lower prices for bruised carcasses and publicly proclaiming these differential prices.
Growth to 12 months of age of Hereford and Africander × Hereford crossbred cattle
Authors: Wood SJ , Rudder TH , Seifert GW , Hodge PB
Published: March 2005

Liveweights and liveweight gains of straightbred Hereford and F1 Africander x Hereford crossbreds were compared from birth to 379 days of age at the Brigalow Research Station (24�50�S., 149�48'E.), Theodore in central Queensland. Over three calvings, there was no significant (P>0.05) effect of breed on day of birth or birth weight of calf, but at 127, 2 13 (weaning) and 379 days of age, F1 AfricanderxHereford crossbreds were significantly (P<0.05) heavier than straightbred Hereford cattle. The advantage was 7% to weaning and increased to 14% by 379 days of age. There were significant breed x sex interactions for liveweights at 127, 213 and 379 days of age, but not for birth weight. Hereford males failed to express superiority over females. A breed x dam age interaction was apparent for liveweights at 127, 213 and 379 days of age. The greatest difference between the two breed groups was in the progeny suckled by 2-year-old dams. Generally, sire effects were not significant within breeds.
Protein and roughage supplements for pregnant and lactating ewes fed wheat for survival
Authors: Watson MJ , Egan JK
Published: March 2005

Wheat-based diets were supplemented to provide additional protein and/or roughage to meet nutrient and energy requirements of Merino ewes in late pregnancy and early lactation. Protein sources were soybean meal, meat and bone meal, and lupins; safflower meal was used as a source of both protein and roughage, while barley straw provided roughage alone. Treatments received adequate vitamin A and mineral supplementation, including calcium, sodium, sulfur, magnesium, potassium, copper, cobalt, iodine and selenium. Management of ewes in late pregnancy was complicated by metabolic disorders, in particular hypocalcaemia. Lamb birth weight was increased with supplements of protein or roughage which had not been pelleted. A nutritional myopathy associated with vitamin E deficiency resulted in the sudden death of 5% of the lambs born alive. Although ewes receiving wheat alone showed increased liveweight following lambing, the growth rate of their lambs was inadequate for survival. Treatments receiving protein alone initially had higher lamb growth rates than those given roughage, but this difference was not maintained over the 6-week feeding period. In treatments given both protein and roughage, lambs tended to have higher growth rate and ewes lost more liveweight.
Energy values of whole lucerne (Medicago sativa) and of its stem and leaf fractions in immature and fully grown sheep
Authors: Margan DE , Graham NM , Searle TW
Published: March 2005

Chopped lucerne hay (Medicago sativa) and a stem fraction derived from it were fed to two adult and two immature wethers ad libitum and at a level near maintenance. Energy, nitrogen, and carbon balances were measured during feeding and fasting. The hay contained 17% crude protein and 46% cell wall constituents (dry matter basis) and the stem, which was 53% of the total, contained 10% crude protein and 64% cell wall. Voluntary dry matter consumption rates of the hay (per kg 3/4) were 103 and 145 g/day by the adults and immatures, respectively; the corresponding values for the stem were 73 and 100 g/day. Maximum daily energy balances were 290-3 16 kJ/kg3/4 for the hay and approximately maintenance for the stem. With both ad libitum and restricted feeding, energy digestibility was higher for the hay (56- 63%) than for the stem fraction (45-51%). The metabolizable fraction of digestible energy was 78% at the low and 82% at the high level of feeding and tended to be greater with the stem than with the hay. At the lower feed intake, metabolizable energy was about 10 and 8 MJ/kg organic matter for whole lucerne and stem respectively. Net availability of metabolizable energy was 64 and 49% for maintenance and gain on the hay, compared with 53 and 34% on the stem. As estimated by difference, the energy values of leaf were: digestible energy, 76%; metabolizable energy, 77% of digestible energy or 12.4 MJ/kg organic matter; net availability of metabolizable energy, 78% for maintenance and 60% for gain. All these figures are for the adult sheep; the immature animals gave values that were lower to various degrees. Consideration of the present results together with published data for other samples of lucerne suggests that the use of equations based on study of grasses to predict the energy values of lucerne is likely to introduce significant bias. Equations for this limited set of data on lucerne are given, gross energy being related to crude protein content, metabolizable energy to crude fibre and net availability of metabolizable energy to metabolizable energy content.
Persistence of temperate perennial grasses in cutting trials on the central slopes of New South Wales
Authors: Hill BD
Published: March 2005

Nine experiments were conducted on six different sites in the medium-rainfall (about 700 mm per year) area of central New South Wales to measure the persistence of 15 perennial grasses. Phalaris (Phalaris aquatica and P. aquatica x P. arundinacea) and cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) cultivars were the most persistent, while perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) cultivars, Demeter fescue (Festuca arundznacea) and perennial veldt grass (Ehrharta calycina) were only short-lived. The cultivars of phalaris were generally similar to each other in persistence, although in some trials Sirocco and Siro 1146 were more persistent and Seedmaster was less persistent than Australian. Berber was the most persistent cocksfoot cultivar, followed by Currie, then Brignoles. Medea was the most persistent perennial ryegrass cultivar, followed by Kangaroo Valley, then Victorian.
Influence of soil properties on the use of soil and plant zinc to predict zinc response in maize
Authors: Haddad KS , Weir RG
Published: March 2005

The value of using the diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) soil zinc and/or the zinc concentration in young maize tops to predict the response, to zinc application, of maize growth on soils from the Liverpool Plains of New South Wales was assessed in a glasshouse experiment. Forty-eight composite soil samples, 23 medium clays (MC) and 25 heavy clays (HC), were collected from the study area and two rates of zinc (0 and 10 �g/g air-dried soil), were applied to each soil in a triplicated randomized block design. Maize was grown for 30 days and the growth response to zinc application was calculated as Bray's percentage yield (%y). Although zinc application generally increased the yield of maize grown on all soils tested (P<0.001), the correlations between %y and soil zinc, plant zinc and soil zinc, and %y and plant zinc of all soils tested, as one group, were not significant. When the soils were treated as two textural groups and the influence of other soil properties on the growth response of maize to zinc application were tested statistically, the %y differed between the MC and HC groups (P<0.05) and between the soils in each group (P<0.001). The multiple regression of %y on soil properties, within each soil group, revealed that, for the MC soils, the phosphorus content, DTPA extractable iron, manganese and zinc, percentage organic carbon and phosphorus sorption capacity were consistently and significantly related to %y and accounted for 93% of variation in %y. For the HC soils, only pH, DTPA-extractable manganese and percentage organic carbon were significantly related to %y and these accounted for 75% of the variation in %y. Zinc concentration in maize tops grown on the untreated soils was 12-40 �g/g. The %y was significantly (P<t0.05) related to zinc concentration in the tops of maize grown on the MC soils (r= 0.63), but not in those grown on the HC soils. These results suggest that, for maize grown in these soils, it is not possible to predict the response to zinc application by considering only zinc levels in soil or in young maize tops.
The ability of several soil extractants to identify copper-responsive wheat soils
Authors: Best EK , Manning GK , Grundon NJ
Published: March 2005

Tests with six solutions for extracting copper from soil (viz.: 1M ammonium acetate (CH3COONH4); 1M CH3COONH4 + 2% hydroquinone; 0. 5M ammonium oxalate [(NH4)2C2O4]; 0.005M diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid + triethanolamine + calcium chloride (DTPA + TEA + CaCl); 0.005MDTPA + 1M ammonium bicarbonate (NH4HCO3); and 0.01M ethylenediaminetetra- acetic acid (EDTA) + 1M NH4HCO3) were examined in both glasshouse and field studies for their ability to predict the responsiveness to copper fertilizer of wheat grown on a wide range of Queensland soils. The ammonium-acetate-based solutions did not extract measurable amounts of copper from soil. The usefulness of the remaining solutions was in the order EDTA-NH4HCO3>DTPA-NH4HCO3 >> DTPA-TEA-CaCl2 > (NH4)2C2O4. The EDTA-NH4HC03 method is recommended for identifying copper-responsive wheat soils in southern Queensland, and the suggested critical levels for dry matter production and grain yield are 0.4 and 0.3 ppm Cu respectively.