bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Live weight loss and its components in Romney ewes subjected to L-thyroxine therapy and a low plane of nutrition. Part II. Effects on some non-carcass components of live weight
Authors: Kirton A. H. , Barton R. A.
Published: March 2009

1. The effects of l-thyroxine therapy and a low plane of nutrition on some of the non-carcass components of live weight in New Zealand Romney ewes were investigated.

2. Thyroxine treatment significantly lowered the weight of the gastrointestinal tract contents. A low plane of nutrition and a longer total starvation immediately pre-slaughter had little effect in lowering the weight of the gastrointestinal contents. Alimentary tract ‘fill’ accounted for a group mean loss of live weight of up to 5 lb.

3. Thyroxine treatment lowered the weight of the empty gastric tract, while a low plane of nutrition reduced the weight of both the empty gastric and intestinal tracts. The combined treatment effects accounted for a loss of up to 3 lb. in the weight of the empty gastrointestinal tract.

4. Neither treatment significantly reduced the weight of the omental and mesenteric fat depots.

5. The weight of the thyroid gland was unaffected by either treatment.

6. A low plane of nutrition significantly reduced the weight of the liver, kidneys and the heart but had no effect on the weight of the spleen. Thyroxine therapy significantly reduced the weight of the liver and tended to increase the weight of the kidneys and the heart.
The effect of fluid sowing pre-germinated seed of crisp lettuce on emergence and maturity characteristics
Authors: Fellows Jane R. , Wurr D. C. E.
Published: March 2009

Supermarkets in the U.K. want uniform heads of crisp lettuce weighing at least 450 g and preferably 600 g but it is difficult to meet these requirements consistently throughout the season because there can be considerable variation in head weight both between and within sowings. In the butterhead lettuce crop the synchronization of seedling emergence, which was responsible for a large proportion of the variation in head weight at maturity (Gray, 1976), was improved by fluid sowing pre-germinated seed (Gray, 1978a, 6). Finch-Savage & Cox (1983) have also shown with butterhead lettuce that pre-germinated seed emerged earlier and produced earlier-maturing, heavier heads than dry seed and that the addition of sodium phosphate to the gel further advanced maturity and increased head weight. Therefore, fluid sowing pre-germinated seed of crisp lettuce in a gel containing phosphate might be expected to reduce variation in seedling emergence and to improve head weight and the uniformity of head weight at maturity.
The development and function of the rumen in milk-fed calves
Authors: Smith R. H.
Published: March 2009

1. The volume of rumen liquor in milk-fed calves at different ages up to 32 weeks was estimated by injecting polyethylene glycol into the rumen and subsequently determining its concentration in the rumen liquor. This volume increased progressively with age in relation to unit body weight. The increase xswas approximately fourfold between 4–8 weeks on the one hand and 28–32 weeks on the other.

2. The amount of milk entering the rumen during a feed was estimated at different ages up to 32 weeks by the subsequent determination of the volume and fat content of the rumen liquor. In the majority of cases less than 5% of the milk fed entered the rumen. There did not appear to be any increase in the quantities of milk entering the rumen as the calves got older.

3. An estimate of the rate of flow of fluid into and out of the rumen (other than milk at feeding) was made by measuring the rate of disappearance of polyethylene glycol from the rumen. A mean figure of 255 ml./hr./100 kg. body weight s.d. ± 50 was obtained in this way. It is suggested that this value probably represents the rate of flow of saliva.

4. Magnesium, in a concentration up to about 8 mg./100 ml. in the rumen liquor, did not appear to be absorbed to more than a small extent through the rumen wall.
The hormonal control of ovulation in the immature lamb
Authors: Mansour A. M.
Published: March 2009

1. Thirty-four lambs varying from 1 week old up to 22 weeks have been treated with: (a) p.m.s. alone; (b) Progesterone + p.m.s.; (c) p.m.s. + chorionic gonadotrophin (c.g.).

2. At 1 week old the lamb's ovaries were unresponsive to treatment (a).

3. At 4 weeks follicular growth was obtained in groups treated with both (a) and (b).

4. At 8 weeks of age follicular stimulation was obtained from treatment (a), follicle luteinization from (b), and ovulation from (c).

5. At 10 weeks luteinization was observed in (b) and ovulation in (c).

6. At 12 weeks luteinization occurred following treatment (a) and ovulation followed treatments (b) and (c).
The effects of the quantity of formaldehyde applied at ensiling and of urea supplementation at feeding on the utilization of red clover silages by young growing cattle
Authors: Kaiser A. G. , Tayler J. C. , Gibbs B. G. , England P.
Published: March 2009

Six silages were prepared from a primary growth of red clover using additives of 21 formic acid/t fresh crop together with formaldehyde at 0, 16, 34, 52, 77 or 117 g/kg crude protein (CP) in the crop. These silages were offered to appetite, either alone or with a urea supplement at 19·4 g/kg total dietary dry matter (D.M.), to 60 British Friesian steer calves with an initial mean live weight of 106 kg.

Formaldehyde treatment restricted silage fermentation, the effect increasing with level of application. However, butyric acid and 2, 3-butanediol content increased at intermediate levels of application. Protein degradation in the silages was reduced by formaldehyde treatment, as evidenced by a decline in ammonia-N and an increase in insoluble-N content with increasing level of formaldehyde application. The recovery of applied formaldehyde in the silages was low (less than 13%) but increased with level of application.

Intake, live-weight gain and feed conversion ratio followed quadratic trends, with formaldehyde having a deleterious effect at high levels of application. The decline in these production measurements was associated with declines in the apparent digestibility of D.M., organic matter (OM), N and energy with increasing level of formaldehyde application, although there was no effect of formaldehyde on cellulose digestibility. Urea supplementation tended to increase intake and live-weight gain at formaldehyde levels greater than 34 g/kg CP, and apart from the expected increase in N digestibility, did not affect the digestibility of other dietary components. As urea supplementation did not overcome the adverse effects of high levels of formaldehyde application on intake, live-weight gain and digestibility, it appears that the supply of rumen-degradable N was not the major limiting factor on these diets.

N retention followed a quadratic trend with level of formaldehyde application, increasing at intermediate levels (30–50 g/kg CP) and then declining markedly at the highest level of application. A similar trend was evident when N retention was expressed as a proportion of live-weight gain, suggesting possible formaldehyde effects on carcass composition. However, carcass composition data did not confirm any formaldehyde effect. Urea supplementation did not affect N retention, and N balance data indicated poor utilization of the supplementary urea N.

When considering the use of formaldehyde, relative to a formic acid control, in additives applied to red olover at ensiling, these data demonstrate little advantage in favour of formaldehyde and serious disadvantages when large quantities of formaldehyde are applied.
The growth of two maize varieties in farmers' plots located at two contiguous ecological zones in Nigeria
Authors: Lucas E. O.
Published: March 2009

The growth and development of two new maize hybrids (FARZ 27 and FARZ 23) were studied in density experiments located at two contiguous ecological zones in Nigeria. The range of planting density used was from 2·6 to 6·6 plants/m2. Within this range, the relationship between dry-matter yield and density was asymptotic at final harvest. At the forest location of Jago (7·3 °N, 4·2 °E), both varieties attained optimum grain yield at planting density of 4·4 plants/m2, while at the derived savannah location of Alagunmu (7·8 °N, 4 °E), FARZ 23 attained optimum grain yield at 4·4 plants/m2and FARZ 27 attained its optimum grain yield at 6·6 plants/ma2. This response of the new maize varieties to density treatments indicates that they could be planted at higher densities than are now used in the country.

Differences between varieties did not quite reach statistical significance but, at both locations, FARZ 27 produced more dry matter and grain per unit area than FARZ 23. FARZ 27 gave its higher grain yield mainly by producing more seeds per unit area than FARZ 23. Physiological measurements like net assimilation rate, crop growth rate and leaf area index were also higher for FARZ 27, although there were no significant differences between the varieties at most sampling dates. The partition of dry matter was identical in both varieties, although FARZ 27 showed a slightly better balance by partitioning more assimilates to the grain. Also, there was an indication of remobilization of stored assimilates from the stem to the grain in both varieties. Both varieties produced more dry matter and grain at the derived savannah location of Alagunmu than at the forest location of Jago. Physiological measurements were also higher at the derived savannah location.
Effect of some field variables on the dry-matter content of tea shoots
Authors: Cloughley J. B.
Published: March 2009

Beverage tea is produced from the immature shoots manually harvested from the perennial shrub Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze. Fresh green leaf is mechanically comminuted and converted to the black tea of commerce by a series of partially controlled biochemical oxidation reactions (Sanderson, 1972). The final, unrefined dried product represents some 20% of the initial fresh weight of crop, the actual dry-matter content of the harvested shoots determining the percentage made-tea return (Keegel, 1955). Dry-matter content, hence, influences yield in terms of black tea produced. Although theeffectsof environmental, agronomic and cultural factors on green leaf yield have been studied intensively, little work has been done on the influence of such factors on dry-matter content. The present study examines the effects of nitrogen application rates on dry-matter content in four genetically diverse clonal populations throughout the main production season and during the first period of the Central African off-season.
The distribution of phosphorus in forest and savannah soils of the Gold Coast and its agricultural significance
Authors: Nye P. H. , Bertheux M. H.
Published: March 2009

The amount of phosphorus in composite surface samples and profile samples from a range of agriculturally important soils in the forest and savannah regions of the Gold Coast has been determined. The total phosphorus in each sample has been divided into an acid-soluble, an inorganic alkali-soluble, an organic and a residual fraction. On the surface samples these fractions, together with the soil pH, organic carbon and Bray ‘quick-test’ available phosphorus, have been related to superphosphate responses in the savannah region. The following conclusions have been reached:

Surface samples

The total phosphorus in the soils is low by comparison with other parts of the world, but its distribution among the soil fractions is normal for slightly acid soils.

Soils developed over basic rocks have more total phosphorus, and a lower proportion of acid-soluble phosphorus than soils over quartzose rocks.

Forest soils have more total phosphorus and more phosphorus in each of the fractions than savannah soils.

The organic phosphorus content is closely related to the organic carbon content. The C/P ratio averages 233 in forest and 247 in savannah, and this is considerably higher than the world average. The N/P ratio of 21·6 in forest and 19·5 in savannah is similarly high.

The C/P ratio, unlike the C/N ratio, is not reduced when long-rested savannah soils are cropped.

Soluble phosphate applied in permanent fertilizer trials is found in the acid-soluble, the alkali-soluble and organic fractions. In comparison with the amounts of those fractions already present, the acidsoluble fraction increases most and the organic fraction least.

Profile samples

In thoroughly leached soils the acid-soluble phosphate decreases sharply, and the alkali-soluble inorganic phosphate rather more slowly with depth. In the forest total phosphorus is greatest in the surface, but in the savannah there is no consistent change with depth. The incompletely leached profiles differ in showing a sharp rise in the acid-soluble phosphorus and the total phosphorus in the subsoil. The level of organic phosphorus falls less than expected down the profile, and the C/P ratio, like the C/N ratio, decreases in the subsoil.
Evaluation of sulphur-coated urea fertilizers in savannah soils: 1. Response of cotton and sorghum
Authors: Nnadi L. A. , Abed S. M.
Published: March 2009

Two sources of sulphur-coated urea (SCU) were compared with calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) as sources of N for cotton and sorghum in the savannah zone of Nigeria. At the lowest rate of N application (30 kg/ha for cotton and 40 kg/ha for sorghum), SCU-11 with a dissolution rate of 11% in 7 days was found to be more effective than SCU-30 having a dissolution rate of 30% in 7 days and CAN. A single application of SCU-11 produced a higher sorghum yield than a divided application of CAN at the same rate. These results indicate that a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer might be useful for improved grain sorghum and cotton varieties.
Studies on plasma progesterone concentrations and fertility in Friesland dairy cows during the post-partum period
Authors: Holness D. H. , Sprowson G. W. , Sheward Carole , Geel Amanda
Published: March 2009

Plasma progesterone concentrations were monitored in 69 lactating Friesland dairy cows during the post-partum period. Cyclic ovarian activity resumed in most cows within 40 days of calving. Forty-eight per cent of cows remained pregnant to their first insemination, 41% returned to oestrus before day 30 after insemination, and a further 11% returned to oestrus between days 30 and 88 after insemination.

The mean of progesterone values on days 11 to 4 before insemination tended to be higher in cows that conceived than in cows that did not conceive. These differences were signficant on day –8 (P <0·05) and on days –8, –7, –6 and –5 combined (P <0·01). Cows in which the concentration of progesterone in plasma did not rise above 4·5 ng/ml during this period did not conceive. After insemination, mean progesterone concentrations between pregnant and non-pregnant cows diverged after day +8. Relatively low concentrations of plasma progesterone (< 1 ng/ml) up to day +8 after insemination did not preclude conception. There was no indication that embryo loss between days +30 and +88 after insemination was related to an insufficiency of ovarian progesterone during early pregnancy.
The value of palm kernel meal in finishing diets for pigs: 2. The effect of the addition of cane molasses on the utilization of high level palm kernel meal diets
Authors: Fetuga B. L. , Babatunde G. M. , Oyenuga V. A.
Published: March 2009

One hundred Large White x Landrace barrows and gilts were used in two experiments involving 50 pigs (25 barrows and 25 gilts) allocated on t h e basis of sex, litter origin and initial weight to five treatment groups of t en pigs each and individually and semi-restrictedly fed one of five diets. Diet one, t h e control, was a conventionally used fattener's diet based on groundnut, blood meal and maize mixtures, and containing 16 to 17% crude protein on dry-matter basis. The remaining four diets were approximately 17% crude protein diets based on palm kernel, blood meal and maize mixtures. The maize fraction was however replaced by 0, 10, 20 and 30% cane molasses in diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Growth performance, feed efficiency, nutrient utilization and carcass quality were studied.

I n both trials, the groundnut meal (GNM) based diet (treatment 1) supported significantly faster rates of gain t h a n all other diets except 3. I t also tended to produce fatter pigs than those on t h e palm kernel meal (PKM) based diets. Addition of 10% cane molasses (CM) to t h e basal PKM diet (treatment 3) significantly improved feed and dry-matter intake, r a t e and efficiency of gain, crude fibre digestibility and nitrogen retention. Higher levels depressed performance as well as d ry matter, protein and ether extract digestibility. Addition of cane molasses did not significantly influence carcass characteristics.
Some effects of artificial variation in light interception, number of grains and husk constriction on the development of grain weight in normal and high-lysine barley
Authors: Habgood R. M. , Uddin M. Rafique
Published: March 2009

The grain weights of normal and high-lysine cultivars were compared in field and pot experiments in which the supply of assimilate per grain was adjusted by a variety of treatments involving application of fertilizer, thinning, degraining or defoliation. The results of these experiments indicated that in normal cultivars, grain weight was affected both by the supply of assimilate from the green tissues and by internal factors in the grain which limited the accumulation of this assimilate. Some evidence suggested that physical constriction of the expanding endosperm by the surrounding husk could be one of these factors; the effects of the husk on growth of the caryopsis was not clear.

The development of grain weight in the high lysine cv. Riso 1508 was initially similar to that of normal cultivars, but the cessation of growth as maturity approached was more abrupt. Increased assimilate availability resulting from the application of fertilizer, thinning or degraining treatments effectively increased grain weight in this cultivar, but to a lesser extent than in low-lysine cultivars. Conversely, decreased assimilate supply as a result of defoliation produced less marked reductions in grain weight in the high-lysine type, suggesting that the reduced starch accumulation associated with the high lysine characteristic rendered superfluous some of the photosynthetic capacity in these types.
Physiological aspects of tiller removal in spring wheat
Authors: Mohamed G. B. S. , Marshall C.
Published: March 2009

The effect of tiller removal on the growth and development of the main shoot of spring wheat was investigated in plants grown in a glasshouse or growth cabinets. The removal of tillers at different stages from just prior to flag leaf appearance to 10 days after anthesis greatly increased the grain and straw yield of the main shoot. The earlier the tillers were removed the greater was the increase in yield. The increase in grain production was due to an increase in the number of grains per spikelet particularly in the mid and lower regions of the ear. The nitrogen content of the grain was also increased following tiller removal. Additional mineral nutrients supplied either early or late were accumulated by the grain but did not influence the response to tiller removal and it was concluded that neither the number of grains set nor grain growth were limited by the supply of major nutrients. Additional nutrients however greatly increased the yield of tillers and this was associated with a large increase in the grain N, P and K percentages.

In a separate experiment tillers were removed just before ear emergence and the plants were transferred to growth cabinets with either a low or high light regime. Although grain yield was greatly reduced in the lower light regime tiller removal significantly increased the number of grains per ear but to a lesser degree than in the higher light regime. It was concluded that the supply of carbon assimilate was more important than the supply of mineral nutrients in influencing grain set.

The overall response to tiller removal suggests that tillers compete with the main shoot for assimilate and as a result the potential growth and yield of the latter is greatly restricted.
Relationship between lodging, certain morphological characters and yield of grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)
Authors: Esechie H. A.
Published: March 2009

Studies were conducted in two consecutive years at Mead, Nebraska, to investigate the relationship between lodging, certain morphological characters and grain yield of sorghum.

Morphological characters correlated with lodging were plant height, length of prepeduncle internode and rind thickness. Lodging was negatively correlated with number of days from sowing to 50% bloom and grain yield but was not correlated with grain weight of the head.
The response of the muscles of weanling Large White × Landrace pigs to methionine and palm-oil supplementation to cassava flour-soya-bean meal diet
Authors: Balogun O. O. , Fetuga B. L. , Oyenuga V. A.
Published: March 2009

It was observed in a recently concluded study (O. O. BalogunandB. L. Fetuga, unpublished data) that methionine and palm-oil supplementation to a cassava flour-soya-bean meal diet encouraged satisfactory growth, efficiency of live-weight gain, nitrogen retention and carcass quality of weanling pigs. Our earlier reports (Balogun & Fetuga, 1981; Balogun, Fetuga & Oyenuga, 1982) also indicated that the muscles of pigs responded differently to dietary methionine and lysine and that the quantitative requirements of these amino acids for maximum development of the muscles were at variance with the methionine or lysine requirements for maximum growth performance and nitrogen retention.
Synthetic pyrethroids for the control of cowpea insect pests
Authors: Dina S. O.
Published: March 2009

In field trials made in 1977, the synthetic pyrethroids Deois and Permethrin offered better protection to cowpea flowers and pods but the crop did not outyield that treated with Nuvacron in grain production. Further evaluation of Decis and Permethrin in 1978 showed that the relationships between rate and insect damage, and yield were curvilinear. On the early crop, Decis at 15 g a.i./ha and lOga.i./ha reduced insect damage to flowers and pods, respectively, below the control but yield differences were not significant from 5 to 50 g. Four or five applications of Decis were most effective in reducing insect damage, but yields obtained from them were not better than that from one application. Permethrin at 12·5 g a.i./ha reduced insect damage below the control but produced grain yield which was significantly lower than 25 g and above.

On the late crop, Permethrin was effective from 5 to 25 g in reducing insect damage and providing increased grain yield. One application of Decis was sufficient to reduce pod damage and increase grain yield over the control, but appreciable yields were obtained from the three and four application regimes.

A cost/benefit analysis of insecticide application shows that the synthetic pyrethroids compared favourably with Nuvacron. In 1978, two and three applications of Decis gave the highest net returns on the early and late season crops, respectively. Decis appeared most economical at 10 g on the early crop while Permethrin was most rewarding at 62·5 g in the early crop and 10 g in the late crop. The seasonal differences in weather are discussed in relation to the performance of the crop.
Soil-sampling errors and advisory analyses
Authors: Hemingway R. G.
Published: March 2009

1. Twenty-four sampling units from 50 fields of differing soil type and past manurial history have been examined separately for pH and 1% citric soluble phosphorus and potassium to determine the errors which can occur in obtaining a representative sample for analysis.

2. Soils which had received lime and fertilizers within 3 years of the sampling date showed appreciably greater sampling errors than those which had not.

3. The sampling errors were greater than the analytical errors and were such that the common practice of classifying soils into six fertility groups was not justified. Three major groups are more reasonable and practical for routine advisory purposes.
The value of electrically warmed floors for fattening pigs
Authors: Barber R. S. , Braude R. , Mitchell K. G.
Published: March 2009

1. Three experiments are described in which the value of electrically warmed floors for fattening pigs, aged 9 weeks or more at the start of the trials, was determined.

2. Under the conditions of the experiments, no benefit was obtained either in live-weight gain or efficiency of food utilization by the provision of artificial floor warming.

3. Data relating to the effect on floor surface temperatures of ambient inside temperature, electrical warming, provision of straw and the pigs themselves were presented.
The effect on conception rates of semen diluents containing citrate or phosphate buffer, with all combinations of sulphanilamide, streptomycin and penicillin
Authors: Campbell R. C. , Edwards J.
Published: March 2009

1. A 24 factorial experiment involving 68,713 first inseminations was carried out at four artificial insemination centres, to compare semen diluents containing citrate or phosphate buffers and all combinations of sulphanilamide, streptomycin and penicillin.

2. The analysis of the results was carried out on punched card machines and on an automatic calculator (EDSAC), as well as on bench machines.

3. The main results obtained were:

(i) Unsupplemented phosphate buffer gave a conception rate 5·5% above that obtained with unsupplemented citrate buffer.

(ii) Citrate buffer with sulphanilamide, streptomycin and penicillin gave a conception rate 6·8% above that obtained with unsupplemented citrate buffer; and

(iii) Phosphate buffer with penicillin gave a conception rate 9·3% above that obtained with unsupplemented citrate buffer. This effect was not, however, significantly greater than that referred to in (ii).

4. Phosphate buffer depressed conception rate when used with sulphanilamide or streptomycin.
Field experiments on uptake of nitrogen from leaf sprays by sugar beet
Authors: Thorne Gillian N. , Watson D. J.
Published: March 2009

When the leaves of sugar-beet crops were sprayed on six occasions in late September and early October with 100 gal./acre of a 3% solution of ammonium nitrate or equivalent urea, in two experiments about 70% of the nitrogen was recovered in the plants in mid-October, compared with 40% recovered from applications of the same amounts of fertilizer to the soil at the same times. In a third experiment the recovery from similar sprayings with urea solution was less than 40%, but very little nitrogen was absorbed from soil dressings, so that the difference between the recoveries from spray and soil applications was nearly the same as in the other experiments.

Nitrogen per cent of dry matter in all parts of the plant was increased by the sprays. More than half of the nitrogen absorbed from the sprays was in the leaf laminae, and the remainder was equally divided between petioles (including crowns) and roots. Between 20 and 30% of the nitrogen supplied in spray in the first two experiments was converted to protein in the leaf laminae, and half of this was present as soluble protein precipitable by trichloracetic acid, a fraction that is extracted in the largescale preparation of leaf protein.

Spraying slightly increased the dry-matter yield of the tops, but not of the roots. It reduced the sugar content of the roots by about 1% of fresh weight. In one experiment it had no effect on sugar yield; in the others it caused losses of 2 and 5 cwt./acre.

The recovery of nitrogen in the tops from a single low-volume spraying (12½ or 25 gal./acre) with nearly saturated urea solution was about the same as from repeated high-volume sprays supplying the same total amount of nitrogen, but in the roots it was higher from the single than from the repeated sprays.
Variations in the amounts of thick and thin albumen in hen's eggs with the age of the bird
Authors: Greenwood A. W. , Bolton W.
Published: March 2009

1. The partition of the egg into shell, yolk, thick and thin albumen has been determined for eggs from pullets, 1-year-old hens and hens aged 6–10 years.

2. The proportion of thick albumen increased, and that of the thin albumen decreased, with advancing age of the hen.

3. It is suggested that these observations may be explained by the action of one or more of the following agencies: an increase in the amount of ovomucin relative to the amount of albumen; an impairment of the adrenal function; and a reduction of the period of time spent by the egg in the shell gland.
The storage of ware potatoes in permanent buildings II. The temperature of unventilated stacks of potatoes
Authors: Burton W. G. , Mann G. , Wager H. G.
Published: March 2009

1. Under normal English storage conditions, the heat production of mature potatoes drops rapidly from a value of probably about 150 b.th.u./ton/hr. immediately after harvest to about 30–50 b.th.u./ton/hr. Sprouting is accompanied by an increase in the rate of heat production. The initial heat production of immature potatoes may be of the order of 250 b.th.u./ton/hr.

2. As a result of the production of heat, the temperatures in stacks of potatoes will tend to rise to levels above that of the outside air which are just sufficient to cause the convection and conduction necessary to remove the metabolic heat as fast as it is produced.

3. The difference in temperature between the potatoes and the ambient air is a function of the heat production of the potatoes and of the height of the stack, and is practically independent of its other dimensions if these exceed twice the height. Under average conditions during the middle of the storage season, and for heights of storage of from about 6 to 12 ft. it may be taken as a rough practical guide that the average and maximum temperatures of the potatoes will tend to exceed the average temperature of the store air by about 2/3 and 1° F. respectively for every foot of height.

4. Overheating is possible at both the beginning and end of the storage season, when heat production is high and the outside temperatures also possibly high. In general it is safe to store unventilated potatoes to a height of about 6 ft. if they are mature, though if they are harvested with a great deal of earth late storage should not be attempted. If there is no intention of storing late, and the potatoes are fairly clean, storage to aheight of 12 ft. may be permissible. Immature potatoes should not be stored to a height of more than 3 ft.
Observations on the fleeces of experimental sheep receiving daily doses of sodium fluoride
Authors: Ryder M. L.
Published: March 2009

An examination was made of wool and skin samples from sheep being dosed with sodium fluoride, and from other sheep acting as controls, from March 1953 to March 1954. It was evident that the sodium fluoride caused the wool to grow shorter, finer, less crimped and to become less lustrous; less wool grease was produced, and it seemed that in certain samples from one sheep tenderness of the fibres had been caused. There was a greater occurrence of capsules associated with follicles in skin samples from the dosed sheep, suggesting that the sodium fluoride might have been the cause of these. The number of capsules in one sample was large enough for the details of possible stages in their development to be described. There were apparently no other abnormalities in the skin and follicles, and follicle counts suggested that the sodium fluoride had not influenced the percentage of shedding fibres. Information was gained about the normal changes in the percentage of shedding fibres through the year.
Effect of successive ejaculations on semen characteristics in the buffalo
Authors: Hafez E. S. E. , Darwish Y. H.
Published: March 2009

Semen samples were collected from buffalo bulls by a.v. at intervals of 24, 12, 8 and 2 hr., four consecutive ejaculates being collected for each bull in every treatment. Semen qualities were measured in fresh and stored ejaculate at 4° C. for 48 hr.

1. (a) In fresh semen, the average initial values were 3·12 ml. for volume, 645 × 103 for concentration per cubic millimetre, 2134 × 106 per ejaculate, 7·25 for motility, 80·1% for live spermatozoa and 21·1% for abnormals.

(b) Volume, concentration and percentage of live sperm were not affected by successive ejaculations.

(c) Motility started to decrease after the third collection in most cases.

(d) Percentage of abnormals was highly affected irrespective of interval of collection.

(e) When the interval of collection was short, enlarged middle piece of spermatozoa and detached galea capitis were observed.

2. (a) In stored semen, the average values were for motility 3·12%, for live sperm 64·5%, and for abnormals 27·4%.

(b) Storage caused a decrease in motility and an increase in percentage of abnormals, while it had no effect on percentage of live sperm.

(c) The rupture of head membrane of spermatozoa was observed in stored semen.
The effect of the grinding and cubing process on the utilization of the energy of dried grass
Authors: Blaxter K. L. , Graham N. McC.
Published: March 2009

1. Eighteen determinations of the energy retention of six sheep were made when they were given the same batch of dried grass in the form of chopped material or as cubes. The cubes were made following hammer milling to a medium and fine particle size. The fasting heat production of each sheep was also determined, following subsistence on a standard ration.

2. Agreement between determinations of energy retention calculated from the carbon and nitrogen retentions and from the energy exchange was good. The mean discrepancy was 4 Cal./24 hr.

3. There were no statistically significant differences in energy retention as between the three materials at either a low (600 g./24 hr.) or a high (1500 g./24 hr.) level of feeding. Calculations of net energy/100 Cal. of food ingested showed that higher values occurred at the lower level of feeding. Standard errors of the means were small, about ±3% of the determined values. Further analysis showed that no large differences in the net energy value of the materials would appear within the normal feeding range, but slight extrapolation of the data indicated that the cubes would be superior at high feeding levels.

4. Faecal losses of energy were considerably greater when cubes were given and methane losses were much smaller. Individual sheep which showed low methane losses also showed high faecal energy losses. Faecal losses of energy were smaller at the lower feeding level. Urine energy losses were unaffected by the amount or physical form of the food given.

5. Heat losses were greater at the higher nutritional level and were considerably less for cubes than for chopped material. Constancy of net energy value in this study thus involved compensation of high faecal energy losses by low losses of energy as heat and methane.

6. The determinations of the digestibility of the carbohydrate fractions of the grass showed that a fall in the digestibility of the structural components of the cell was the major factor causing increased faecal losses. The digestibility of intracellular constituents fell very much less.

7. It is shown that evaluation of the grasses in terms of metabolizable or digested energy does not place them in their correct physiological order of nutritive value, and that estimates of nutritive value using Kellner's and other factors do not give their true nutritive worth.

8. It is pointed out that physical factors, which change the rate of passage of food through the gut, change the rate and nature of the microbial fermentation, and cause variation in the mechanical work involved in prehending, masticating and cudding food, are as important as the chemical composition of the food in determining its nutritive value.
Performance of mixtures of cereal and legume forages under irrigation in the Sudan
Authors: Osman A. E. , Osman A. M.
Published: March 2009

Different seeding combinations and monocultures of sorghum forage, Abu Sabein, and legume forage, Lubia, were grown under irrigation on saline marginal lands for two seasons. Certain seeding combination treatinents, particularly (¾ Abu Sabein + ¼ Lubia), produced higher total D.M. than the higher yielding component, Abu Sabein, grown as a monoculture. This mixture treatment, together with some others, yielded more total crude protein than Abu Sabein alone. The seeding combination treatments influenced the pattern of D.M. distribution amongst different strata in the crop canopy. As the percentage of Lubia in the mixture increased, the D.M. of Abu Sabein tended to accumulate in greater proportions in the higher strata.
Developmental characteristics of grass varieties in relation to their herbage production:6. Spring and summer growth of Sabrina hybrid ryegrass and RvP Italian ryegrass as influenced by the date of the initial cut in spring and the length of the succeeding growth period
Authors: Davies I.
Published: March 2009

The yield and chemical composition of Sabrina hybrid ryegrass and RvP Italian ryegrass were compared, with special reference to regrowth after defoliation in spring and early summer. Initial cuts were taken on 6, 20 April and 4. and 18 May; subsequently a conservation crop was harvested at either 5 or 7 weeks, and a second regrowth 30 days later. There were four fertilizer treatments. Tiller density, stem development and individual tiller dry weight were recorded in selected treatments.

At the initial cuts and in the conservation crops after the first three initial cuts, varietal differences in yield and dry-matter digestibility (DMD) were relatively small. In all other harvests, RvP was appreciably higher yielding than Sabrina, and it showed greater responses to fertilizer in all second regrowth harvests. The water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content of RvP was consistently higher than that of Sabrina in regrowth harvests; the DMD was higher in Sabrina.

In primary growth of the two cultivars, tillering was suppressed at the time of head emergence, but active tillering was resumed earlier in RvP, the later-heading cultivar. In RvP, tillers arising early in the regrowth periods attained head emergence within 5 weeks. In Sabrina there was a marked decline in head production during June, and an increase in the size of individual vegetative tillers.

In regrowth harvests both the yield and the % WSC were markedly reduced when drought conditions were most severe; the most marked varietal differences occurred at this time, both in terms of yield of dry matter and % crude protein responses to fertilizer treatment.

In the two cultivars the DMD of 7-week conservation crops harvested in late May was at least equal to that of 5-week crops harvested later during drought conditions. A distinctly more advanced stage of development was attained in the earlier, heavieryielding crops.
Results from an experiment on permanent grass evaluating the cumulative effects of aqueous urea, injected alone or with a nitrification inhibitor, with those of ‘Nitro-Chalk’
Authors: Ashworth J. , Widdowson F. V. , Penny A. , Gibbs A. J. , Hodgkinson R. A. , Hewitt M. V.
Published: March 2009

In an experiment on permanent grass at Rothamsted during 1975–9 fertilizer-N was applied each year either by injecting an aqueous solution of urea (supplying 250, 375 or 500 kg N/ha) in spring, or by broadcasting ‘Nitro-Chalk’ granules (supplying 100, 200, 300, 400 or 500 kg N/ha) in six equal dressings for each of six cuts.

Dry-matter production was largest on plots injected with urea through knives 30 cm apart, and more N was recovered from the injected than from the broadcast applications. Aqueous urea injected at the 60 cm knife spacing nitrified more slowly and persisted in the soil longer than urea injected at 30 cm spacing; this persistence caused grass to grow more uniformly throughout the season, but yields were less. Injecting the nitrification inhibitor sodium trithiocarbonate (STC) with the aqueous urea postponed N uptake much less than doubling knife spacing, but the inhibitor substantially diminished percentage N03-N in harvested grass.

In spring 1977 individual plots were split to measure N residues. Half-plots thus received N at the specified rates, either in 4 successive years (1975–8) or in two pairs of successive years (1975 and 1976; 1978 and 1979). In 1977 urea injected in the 2 previous years gave large residual effects, which were increased by STC and also by injecting in bands 60 instead of 30 cm apart. Broadcast ‘Nitro-Chalk’ had much smaller residual effects. In 1979 residual effects of N applied in the 4 previous years were apparently small, regardless of the method of application, because clover became abundant on plots not given N.

In 1978 dry-matter production was smaller where N had been given each year during 1975–8 than where N was withheld in 1977. Analysis showed this was caused by a shortage of potassium. This effect was most pronounced where 375 or 500 kg N/ha had been injected in bands 60 cm apart.

The results showed that a single, injected application of aqueous urea increased yields of dry grass as effectively as equivalent repeated dressings of ‘Nitro-Chalk’.
Plant development and grain yield in spring and winter barley
Authors: Ellis R. P. , Russell G.
Published: March 2009

The development of spring and winter barley sown in both the spring and autumn has been followed in two seasons. The rates of development were similar in both types for autumn sowings but the spring types developed faster in spring sowings. Differences in the rate of development were related to photoperiod and temperature although soil water stress modified variety response. Yields were higher from autumn and early spring sowings. Sowing in April resulted in a considerable reduction in yield. The significance of these results for barley breeders is discussed.
Floret survival in wheat: significance of the time of floret initiation relative to terminal spikelet formation
Authors: Whingwiri E. E. , Stern W. R.
Published: March 2009

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cv. Gamenya was grown in a Mediterranean type environment in two separate field experiments, to determine the effects of nitrogen application and date of seeding on floret survival. One treatment, intermediate in nitrogen level and sowing date, was common in both experiments. Rates and durations of spikelet initiation and durations of the floret initiation period were estimated. At maturity, yield and yield components were measured and occurrence of individual grains at each floret position on odd-numbered spikelets were recorded. The time of floret initiation relative to terminal spikelet formation and the subsequent occurrence of grain were examined.

Florets developed first in spikelets 5-13 and last in spikelet 1. Added nitrogen hastened the initiation of florets but did not affect the number initiated; it also increased the numbers of grains per spikelet. In the last sowing date treatment, time to floret initiation decreased, but the sequence of floret initiation was unaffected.

Numbers of florets and grains on tillers were less than on main shoots. Only about 28% of all florets initiated developed into grain.

The main conclusion was that the florets which initiated before the terminal spikelet formed grain and those that initiated afterwards did not; we accordingly postulate that the vascular system between the rachis and the floret develops as the floret is initiated, but that after terminal spikelet formation, this is inhibited and further grains then fail to develop.
Comparative weights of dairy calves at 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks of ag at Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Adeneye J. A.
Published: March 2009

In a comparative study of some factors that influence the body weights of 36 Friesian, 54 Holstein, 22 Holstein-Friesian, 24 Jersey and 17 Brown Swiss calves born during 1964–9 at the Moor Plantation dairy herd, Ibadan, breeds differed significantly (P <0·01) at all ages. Highly significant sex differences (P <0·01) existed at 4 and 8 weeks of age. The season of birth significantly influenced the weight at 4 and 8 (P < 0·05) and at 12 weeks (P < 0·01). The season × sex and season × breed interactions significantly affected the weights at virtually all ages but the sex × breed interaction did not. The birth weight exerted a highly significant influence (P < 0·01) on all other body weights. It reduced the residual variation as well as the differences and interactions between the main effects. After adjusting for birth-weight differences, body weight was significantly (P < 0·05) influenced at various ages by breed of calf, season of birth, sex × breed and season × breed interactions. The sex and season × sex interaction effects on adjusted body weights at all ages were negligible (P > 0·05).
Contact toxicity of synthetic pyrethroids, organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides to adults of the parasiteChelonus blackburniCameron
Authors: Surulivelu T. , Menon M. Vijayaraghava
Published: March 2009

Four synthetic pyrethroids: fenvalerate, deltamethrin, cypermethrin and permethrin were evaluated as spray deposits on cotton leaves for their contact toxicity to adults of the parasiteChelonus blackburniCameron (Braconidae). Fenvalerate was found to be the least toxic of the four pyrethroids. In another study five organophosphorus insecticides (profenofos, bromophos ethyl, chlorpyrifos, quinalphos, monocrotophos), three carbamates (U.C.51762, carbosulfan, bendiocarb) and diflubenzuron were evaluated for their contact toxicity to the same parasite. U.C.51762 (carbamate group experimental insecticide) and diflubenzuron were less toxic while the five organophosphorus insecticides, carbosulfan and bendiocarb were highly toxic to the parasite.

Contact toxicity of spray deposits of four synthetic pyrethroids were studied against parasitization and subsequent development of the parasiteC. blackburnion thin strips of egg cardsCorcyra cephlonicaStainton. It was observed that fenvalerate was not reducing oviposition or affecting subsequent development of the parasite and emergence from the parasitized eggs while the other pyrethroids, permethrin, cypermethrin and deltamethrin, were toxic.
Protein and energy nutrition of the bacon pig:I. The effect of varying protein and energy levels in the diets of ‘growing’ pigs
Authors: Robinson D. W. , Morgan J. T. , Lewis D.
Published: March 2009

1. A feeding trial involving 128 individually fed Large White pigs was carried out using four levels of dietary energy in combination with four levels of crude protein in the ‘growers’ rations of bacon pigs. Growth rate, food conversion efficiency, carcass quality and nitrogen balance were the parameters measured.