bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correction - Effect of dietary energy, tallow and B-vitamin levels on laying performance of broiler-breeders
Authors: Karunajeewa H
Published: March 2005

The effects of feeding two levels of energy, tallow and B-vitamins on the laying performance of broiler-breeders of two strains (C and D) in individual cages were studied. Strain C differed significantly from strain D in producing larger eggs, a higher percentage of settable eggs, greater gains in bodyweight, a higher mortality, and lower hen-housed production. Egg weight was affected by a significant interaction between strains, energy, and B-vitamin levels. Birds fed diets with 2,421 kcal ME/kg laid at a higher rate, produced more hen-day settable eggs and gained less bodyweight than those fed diets with 2,638 kcal ME/kg. The birds fed diets with the lower energy level consumed significantly more feed than those fed the medium energy diet. However, the difference in intake may have been associated with the different amounts of wheat in the diets. The addition of two per cent stabilized tallow to broiler-breeder diets did not produce any beneficial or harmful effects. The lower level of B-vitamins added appeared to be as effective as the higher level in maintaining production in broiler-breeders fed either low or medium energy diet
Laboratory ensilage of Setaria sphacelata cv. Nandi and Chloris gayana cv. Pioneer at a range of dry matter contents
Authors: Catchpoole VR
Published: March 2005

Regrowths of Setaria sphacelata CV. Nandi and of Chloris gayana CV. Pioneer were wilted for various periods before laboratory ensilage. Dry matter contents at ensiling were from 17 to 42 per cent in the Nandi setaria and from 22 to 68 per cent in the Rhodes grass. The unwilted silages were unstable during storage, but decomposition was not extensive, and losses of dry matter and nitrogen were not heavy. Wilting to dry matter contents of near 40 per cent and above stable silage with very small losses of dry matter and nitrogen. Milder wilting to dry matter contents of 30-35 per cent did not produce stable silage. The water activity of the plant material fell during wilting and during the early stages of ensilage. Levels in the wilted silages were low enough to prevent the production of butyric acid, and in the heavily wilted silage to also retard production of lactic acid. Contents of acetic acid and volatile bases fell as the dry matter contents at ensiling increased. The laboratory silos were air-tight. The results of this experiment would therefore not apply in practice unless air was excluded from the silage.
Fertility studies of pasture soils in the wet tropical coast of Queensland. 4. Soils derived from metamorphic rocks
Authors: Teitzel JK , Bruce RC
Published: March 2005

Results of fifteen investigations into the fertility status of soils derived from metamorphic rocks in the wet tropical coast of Queensland are presented. Phosphorus deficiency is general. Molybdenum and potassium deficiencies are also widespread. Significant plant growth increases in seven of the nine general nutritional experiments were brought about by the calcium treatment. However, the involvement of additional calcium in molybdenum release and in alleviating aluminium toxicity appears more important than in correcting a calcium deficiency. There were also some positive responses to sulphur and negative ones to copper.
The influence of rate of stocking and application of superphosphate on the production and quality of wool, and on the gross margin from wethers
Authors: Cannon DJ
Published: March 2005

From 1964-1969 wool production, liveweight, and wool quality traits were measured on Merino wethers stocked at rates ranging from 2 per acre (4.9 ha-1) to 8 per acre (19.8 ha-1) on plots receiving 50, 150 and 250 lb an acre (56, 168, and 280 kg ha-1) superphosphate annually. The effects of increases in the rate of stocking and the amount of superphosphate applied, on wool quality traits and gross margin returns during the entire period and on wool production from 1967 to 1969 are reported. In each year (1967 to 1969) wool production responded to an increase in superphosphate application from 50 to 150 lb but not to an increase from 150 to 250 lb. The response was substantial only in 1968. All wool traits were affected by the level of superphosphate in one or more years. In terms of gross margin returns ($/acre) it was profitable to apply more than 50 lb an acre of superphosphate in 1966 only. In 1969 it was clearly unprofitable to do so, and in 1965, 1967, and 1968 there was no economic advantage to any particular level of superphosphate application within the given cost structure.
The effect of time of application of superphosphate on seasonal yield of dry matter from annual pasture
Authors: McGowan AA , Cameron IH
Published: March 2005

The effect of time of application of superphosphate on the dry matter produced from a subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum)annual grass pasture was studied. Treatments involved an annual topdressing of superphosphate, at 125 kg ha-1, in a particular month of the year, for each of the twelve months ; there was also an unfertilized control. In winter, dry matter yield was increased by 350-1190 kg ha-1 when superphosphate was applied at any time of the year. Winter yields were higher after application in January to May (mean 1570 kg ha-1) than in October to December (mean 1190 kg ha-1) or in June-July (mean 1230 kg ha-1). In spring, the greatest increases in dry matter yield were from topdressing in August or September (1600 and 1210 kg ha-1 respectively). Spring yields following application in other months were smaller but usually significantly greater than the yield of unfertilized pasture. The response to autumn application of superphosphate was much greater in winter than in spring. This was not due to a lower phosphorus requirement by the pasture in spring than in winter.
The role of nodulation and damping-off in lucerne establishment on acidic sandy soils on the Darling Downs
Authors: Mackenzie J , Glasby T , Diatloff A
Published: March 2005

Four experiments on two soils with deep acid sand A horizons on the western Darling Downs in 1968 and 1969 investigated poor establishment of lucerne. Rates of rhizobial inoculation, lime pelleting, lime banded with the seed, and incorporation of fungicides in the lime pellet or applied to the soil, were examined. The main factor in poor establishment was seedling losses from damping off caused by Pythium irregular.. Establishment increased when the fungicide Dexon was incorporated in the lime pellet, and Dexon had no adverse effects on nodulation. To obtain full nodulation the use of higher than minimum standard quality inocula and lime pelleting were required. On the more acidic soil (pH 5.0, 0-10 cm) additional lime banded at 250 kg ha-1 was beneficial.
Phosphorus nutrition of beef cattle. 1. Effect of supplementation on liveweight of steers and digestibilty of diet.
Authors: Cohen RDH
Published: March 2005

The effect of phosphorus supplementation on liveweight and digestibility of dietary components was studied in two experiments with beef steers at Grafton, New South Wales. In one experiment, three groups of 15 steers grazed a pasture that was deficient in phosphorus and nitrogen throughout the year and received a supplement of 0, 35, or 70 g phosphorus each week for twelve months. The phosphorus supplements had no effect on liveweight. In a second experiment, five pairs of steers were individually fed a phosphorus deficient diet to which urea, molasses, and minerals were added. The steers received a daily supplement of either 0, 2, 4, G, or 8 g phosphorus. The supplements had no effect on liveweight or apparent digestibility of dry matter, energy, or nitrogen. The apparent digestibility of phosphorus increased with supplementation up to 4 g a day (P<0.001) but there was no further increase at the higher rates. The apparent retention of phosphorus increased with each increment of phosphorus (P<0.01). It is concluded that supplements of phosphorus will not improve liveweight performance when beef cattle graze natural pasture of such low quality as that frequently found in north-eastern New South Wales.
The importance of shelter in reducing neonatal lamb deaths
Authors: Egan JK , McLaughlin JW , Thompson RL , McIntyre JS
Published: March 2005

A flock of Merino ewes was confined in yards to areas of shelter in the field of lambing each night and during periods of inclement weather. A second flock was lambed in the open, but otherwise under identical conditions of management. The experiment was conducted in the spring in south western Victoria, and the mortality of single-born lambs during the period from birth to 48 hours, was reduced from 19.0 per cent to 6.3 per cent by the provision of shelter. It is concluded that the reduction of wind speed plays a major part in reducing lamb losses in intensive lambing systems of this nature.
Relation of dairy productivity of feed supply in the Gympie district of south-eastern Queensland
Authors: Rees MC , Minson DJ , Kerr JD
Published: March 2005

Data were collected for six years from 82 dairy farms in the Wide Bay district of south-eastern Queensland to measure the effect of feed and fertilizer practices on fat production per cow and per hectare. A stabilized regression technique was used in which the effect of each input was estimated separately by grouping farms to give six levels of the test input while all other inputs were held near the mean level. The responses in fat production per cow and per hectare to the inputs measured were: sown tropical pastures with superphosphate, 1.5 � 0.8 kg per 0.1 ha of pasture per cow and 33 � 28 kg per ha ; summer forage, 2.1 � 2.2 kg per 0.1 ha per cow and 9 � 45 kg per ha ; superphosphate on areas other than sown tropical pastures, 10.3 � 1.6 kg per 100 kg per cow and 23 � 3 kg per 100 kg per ha ; irrigation, 5.9 � 1.5 kg per 0.1 ha per cow and 203 � 27 kg per ha; fertilizer nitrogen 0.7 � 0.2 kg per kg nitrogen per cow; temperate pastures, 4.1 � 0.9 kg per 0.1 ha per cow and 90 � 20 kg per ha; supplementary feed, 3.8 � 0.6 kg per 100 kg supplement per cow and 8.1 � 1.5 kg fat per 100 kg supplement per hectare. Restricting the area of night grazing reduced fat production per cow. Sowing tropical pastures and summer forage led to only small increases in production per hectare since stocking rate was not increased, while superphosphate on areas not sown to tropical pastures, irrigation, temperate pastures, and supplementary feed not only increased production per cow but also increased the carrying capacity of the farm.
Effect of age at weaning and post-weaning stocking rate on the growth of autumn born calves
Authors: Bailey PJ , Bishop AH
Published: March 2005

Autumn born calves of Hereford cows, stocked at 1.5 per ha were weaned at four, six, eight, or ten months of age and grazed after weaning at 1.9, 2.6, 3.3, or 4.0 calves per ha. The weight of the calves in the following autumn increased with increasing weaning age (stocking rates pooled); 225 kg, 229 kg, 253 kg, and 271 kg in 1969 and 196 kg, 219 kg, 250 kg, and 253 kg in 1970. Because of a sex X weaning age interaction, the liveweight of 12-month-old heifers was not reduced, by early weaning, as much as was steer liveweight. Increasing the post-weaning stocking rate of the calves reduced growth to 12 months of age but there was no interaction between post-weaning stocking rate and weaning age. The results indicated that under normal seasonal conditions on perennial pastures in southern Australia, autumn born calves will be heavier at weaning and as yearlings if weaned after rather than before eight months of age.
Effects of induced cryptorchidism on lamb weaning and carcase weights
Authors: Young RS , Dolling CHS
Published: March 2005

In three flocks at two sites, male lambs, sired by Dorset Horn rams from Border Leicester X Merino ewes, had their testes forced into the abdominal cavity at ages of up to three weeks. The growth rates, weaning weights, carcase weights, and carcase values of these lambs were compared with those of lambs castrated at the same age and of lambs left entire. In one flock with a growth rate of approximately 0.3 kg day-1 cryptorchids and rams each had significantly higher weaning weights than did wethers. In the other two flocks the same trend was present at growth rates of 0.23-0.26 kg day-1 but differences were not significant. Carcase weights did not differ significantly between treatments, but in the flock with the highest growth rate, the weights of cryptorchids and rams were higher than those of wethers. In view of the diverging growth rates between wethers and the other groups at the time of slaughter (to produce carcases averaging 17 to 20 kg), it would be profitable to test the effects of these treatments at higher carcase weights.
Plant nutrient status of soils of the Atherton Tableland, North Queensland
Authors: Kerridge PC , Andrew CS , Murtha GG
Published: March 2005

The principal soils of the Atherton Tableland are derived from basalt, granite, acid volcanic, and metamorphic rocks. They are predominantly krasnozems with some xanthozems and krasnozem variants. They were assessed for plant nutrient status by means of glasshouse experiments using the legumes Desmodium intortum and Trifolium repens as test plants. The main nutrient responses were, in decreasing order of magnitude, to phosphorus, molybdenum, and potassium. There were also small responses on some soils to sulphur, liming, and, under liming, to zinc. For most of the soils growth was negligible in the absence of added phosphorus. Responses to added molybdenum in the presence of liming indicated gross soil molybdenum deficiency. Potassium response was related to total rainfall except for the soils on metamorphic parent material.
The performance of lucerne (Medicago sativa) lines in pure stands under irrigated and raingrown conditions in sub-coastal central Queensland
Authors: Cameron DG , Mullaly JD
Published: March 2005

Seventeen lucerne lines were grown in two irrigated and two raingrown trials at Biloela, central Queensland. CV. Siro Peruvian outyielded all the other cultivars during the first two years. Seedling vigour, winter growth, and regrowth after cutting were better in Siro Peruvian than in cv. Hunter River, but it had shorter stand life and lower nitrogen content. CV. African gave similar annuai yields to Hunter River even though in seedling vigour, winter growth and rate of regrowth after cutting it was similar to Siro Peruvian. The other lucerne lines were not adapted to the hot subtropical environment, and especially in the irrigated trials their yields or survival or both were much poorer than those of Hunter River.
Chemical control of the cereal cyst nematode (Heterodera avenae) in Victoria. A comparison of systemic and contact nematicides
Authors: Brown RH
Published: March 2005

The nematicides Temik (2, methyl 2 (methylthio) propionaldehyde 0-(methylcarbamoyl) oxime), Lannate (S methyl N-((methylcarbamoyl) oxy) thioacetimidate), Nemafos (0, 0-diethyl 0-2 pyrazinyl phosphorothioate), Nemacur P (ethyl 4-(methylthio)-m-tolyl isopropyl phosphoramidate), Mocap (0-ethyl S, S-dipropyl phosphorothioate), and Vydate (S-methyl l-(dimethylcarbam0~1)-N-((methylcarbamoyl) oxy) thioformidate) were tested for control of the cereal cyst nematode (Hekrodera avenae Woll.) in field experiments with wheat in the seasons 1969-70 to 1971-72 at Sea Lake, Victoria. All chemical treatments significantly reduced white cyst production and nematode carry-over in each of the three seasons. In 1969 the plots were severely damaged by field mice, and in 1970 unfavourable seasonal conditions prevented large increases in grain yield from being obtained, although significant yield increases were obtained in 1971. Temik (9 kg a.i. ha-1) and Vydate (2 kg a.i. ha-1) provided excellent nematode control and gave the best grain yield increases (880 kg ha-1). Plants from plots treated with Temik at the higher rate (9 kg a.i. ha-1) were cyst-free in each experiment, and hlocap used at the same rate was severely phytotoxic. In a resowing experiment, all 1969 chemical treatments significantly reduced white cyst production and lowered nematode carry-over in 1971, although only four of the treatments provided significant increases in grain yield viz (Temik 9 at 2 kg a.i. ha-1 with added sulphate of ammonia, and Nemafos and Mocap both at 9 kg a i ha-1). Grain from plots treated with Temik and Lannate at the higher rate (9 kg a.i. ha-1) was analysed for the presence of chemical residues. No Lannate residues were detected, and Temik residues were less than 0.1 p.p.m
Changes in nitrogen and sulphur content and other soil properties after application of ammonium sulphate to grazed pastures in Western Australia
Authors: Watson ER , Lapins P , Greenwood EAN
Published: March 2005

Ammonium sulphate was applied to a grazed pasture on a duplex soil for five years at annual rates of nil (N0), 280 kg ha-1(N1) and 840 kg ha-1(N3). N0 became clover dominant and N3 became grass dominant but net increase in nitrogen in the top 10 cm of soil over five years was similar on N0, N1 and N3. Fertilizer nitrogen was rapidly lost after heavy rains in autumn. On all treatments, soil accumulated inorganic nitrogen in summer. A balance sheet for sulphur could not account for 48 per cent of sulphur in the top 10 cm on N0 (superphosphate only), 82 per cent on N1 and 90 per cent on N3. Ammonium sulphate decreased pH, exchangeable calcium, magnesium and potassium (but not sodium), and cation saturation, and increased exchangeable acidity. Apart from pH, these effects were confined to the top 10 cm of soil. The results show that in a sandy-surfaced soil ammonium sulphate is an inefficient source of nitrogen and sulphur because nitrogen and sulphur are readily lost.
Effect of tobacco crop disposal methods and soil fumigation on control of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) in north-eastern Victoria
Authors: Paddick RG , Meagher JW
Published: March 2005

In field trials with tobacco in north-eastern Victoria the complete removal of stubble was not an economic practice. Though yields were slightly higher than with tobacco stubble hoed-in, control of rootknot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) in subsequent tobacco crops was no better. Autumn or spring fumigation with ethylene dibromide was equally effective in nematode control. Tetrachlorothiophene progressively reduced root-knot indices in three successive crops but there was a progressive increase where aldicarb was used. Nevertheless, highest yields were obtained with aldicarb due, in part, to control of tobacco yellow dwarf disease and to an unknown cause. In north-eastern Victoria, root-knot nematodes cause lower yield loss than in the Murray Valley. Although soils are heavier, the lower soil temperatures may also account for reduced disease severity.
Comparative mortality rates of Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle in central Queensland
Authors: Frisch JE
Published: March 2005

A study was made over several years of lifetime mortality rates of both purebred Bos taurus and Bos indicus breeds and of several generations of crosses between the breeds. Of 4,678 calves born during the period, 4.7 per cent died at or within one week of birth. A further 2.3 per cent of those remaining died before weaning and a further 1.1 per cent died from weaning to 15 months. Sixteen of 22 calves born as twins were perinatal mortalities. Perinatal losses were highest in purebred Zebus (Africander and Brahman) and in first generation Brahman crossbred (BX) calves. Africander crossbreds (AX) generally had the lowest mortality rates of all crossbreds at each stage of the life cycle. Perinatal mortalities were however high in both F1 AX and F1 BX calves born to primiparous purebred British (Hereford and Shorthorn) heifers. Over all crossbred generations, perinatal mortalities were highest in calves from 3-year-old heifers and decreased with age of dam. More males (4.7 per cent) than females (2.9 per cent) died at or near birth. Mortalities in F1 BX males (10.3 per cent) were the highest of all groups. Relatively high or low birth weight was associated with high perinatal mortalities in the crossbreeds. Losses of stock after weaning were generally higher in the British breed-types than in the Zebu breed-types with the greatest differences in adult mortality rates. Annual mortality rates of breeding cows of each breed were studied over a similar period. 9,537 cow years were involved in the study. Mortality rates of both purebred and crossbred British cows were higher than for purebred and crossbred Zebu cows. One contributing cause was the difference in numbers of cows of each breed that died while calving. In all, 1.4 per cent of British crossbred calvings resulted in the death of the cow compared with 0.6 and 0.3 per cent for comparable AX and BX cows. Losses were negligible in purebred Zebus. Mortality rates in adults generally increased slowly with age and were highest in 8 - 10-year-old cows.
Effect of level of meat and bone meal supplements on growth of weaner cattle on dry season improved pasture at Adelaide River, N.T
Authors: Moran JB
Published: March 2005

Brahman cross weaner heifers grazing a Townsville stylo-dominant pasture between July and early November were offered meat and bone meal at the rate of 0, 0.21, 0.43, 0.85, and 1.71 kg hd-1 day-1. The highest intake recorded was 1.36 kg hd-1 day-1. Liveweight response to the supplement and its efficiency of utilization varied during the feeding period as a result of abnormal heavy rains in August, September and October. At the time of maximum response to the supplementation, there was a significant reduction in the efficiency of utilization of meat and bone meal with increasing intake of the supplement. However, following a compensation period, the supplement was most efficiently utilized by the group offered 0.85 kg hd-1 day-1. Faecal nitrogen and serum inorganic phosphate concentrations were influenced by the meat and bone meal but there was no change in serum urea levels.
Digestibility and voluntary intake measurements on regrowths of six Tasmanian pasture species
Authors: Michell PJ
Published: March 2005

Pure species swards of Trifolium repens (white clover cv. Grasslands Huia), Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass cv. Tasmanian No. I ) , Lolium perenne x L. multiflorum (short rotation ryegrass cv. Grasslands Manawa), Lolium perenne (long rotation ryegrass cv. Grasslands Ariki), Dactylis glomerata (cocksfoot cv. Currie) and Dactylis glomerata (cocksfoot cv. Grasslands Apanui) were mechanically cut in May, August, September-October, and November 1969, and January, March, May, and August 1970. The material from these cuts was artificially dried, and digestibilities and voluntary intakes measured using penned sheep. Overall, the digestibility and voluntary intake of white clover was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of any of the grasses, the digestibility of Apanui cocksfoot was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that of the ryegrasses and there were no significant differences (P < 0.05) between the intakes of the various grasses. Under the management system used, the digestibility of the grasses remained relatively stable over the summer, autumn and winter, rose to a peak in early spring and fell in late spring after ear emergence. The digestibility of white clover remained high over the winter and early spring and declined slowly over the summer. The voluntary intakes of all the species were at their lowest levels in the winter, rose to a peak in the spring, fell in the late spring to a stable level over the summer, and fell again in the autumn. At any digestibility level, the intake of spring-summer cut pasture was approximately 20 per cent higher than that of winter cut pasture. The intake of autumn cut pasture was intermediate. The overall relation between intake (I) and digestibility (D) was I = 1.06D + 2.7 � 8.4 (P < 0.01). Within the spring-summer cuts, the relation was I = 1.01 D + 14.6 � 4.0 (P < 0.01) and within the winter cuts it was I = 1.08D - 5.9 � 4.1 (P < 0.01).
The effect of high temperature pretreatments on germination of Townsville stylo seed material
Authors: Holm AM
Published: March 2005

Townsville stylo cv. Gordon dehulled seed and intact pods were exposed to temperatures ranging from 40� to 11 5�C for between 12 and 48 hours in the expectation that a method of reducing hardseededness could be devised. Dry heat temperatures of 75� and 95�C markedly decreased the level of hardseededness in both dehulled seed and intact pods. A temperature of 11 5�C for 12 hours was sufficient to kill all seeds and pods. Fifty per cent germination was achieved after 2.5 days for dehulled seeds and after 5 days for pods exposed to a pretreatment of 95�C. Untreated scarified dehulled seeds took only 1.5 days to achieve 50 per cent germination. It was suggested that a suitable heat pretreatment on Townsville stylo pods should result in a seed material with a soft-seed level similar to dehulled scarified seed, yet with the pods still retaining considerable immunity from 'false starts' to the wet season.
The role of honeybees in pollination of cherries
Authors: Langridge DF , Goodman RD
Published: March 2005

The availability of pollen for fertilization of Moss' Early cherries and its dispersal by wind and by honeybees was studied in the laboratory and in a cherry orchard. Ripening and dehiscence of anthers was promoted by higher temperatures and lower relative humidities. Airborne pollen concentrations in the orchard were greater between 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. than during the remainder of the day. Flight activity of bees was related to ambient temperatures and bee visits to cherry flowers were comparable with those for apples. Enclosing trees in beeproof cages caused a marked decline in fruit yields.
Races of Drechslera maydis in Queensland
Authors: Alcorn JL , Pont W
Published: March 2005

In a survey of its occurrence in Queensland, Drechslera maydis was found infecting Cyperus rotundus, Digitaria ciliaris, Echinochloa colonum, Eleusine indica, and Euchlaena mexicana in addition to maize. Race T was isolated from all hosts, and was the only race identified from maize. One culture of race O was obtained from E. mexicana.
Production and utilization of fodder and grain sorghum as forage for cattle in the Ord River valley, Western Australia
Authors: Blunt CG , Fisher MJ
Published: March 2005

Three experiments were carried out to obtain data on optimum water and nitrogen regimes for growing fodder sorghum; on cattle liveweight gains on irrigated fodder sorghum and grain sorghum regrowth; and on cattle liveweight gains on green chop fodder sorghum in feed lots. Near maximum dry matter yields of fodder sorghum were obtained with 180 kg ha-1 nitrogen and 4- weekly irrigation. Fodder sorghum grazed at 6.4 and 4.0 head ha-1 for 26 weeks gave mean liveweight gains of 0.36 and 0.41 kg head-1 day -1. Ratooned grain sorghum grazed at 4.0 head ha-1 gave 0.35 kg head-1 day-1, but was unable to carry 6.4 head ha-1. Green chop fodder sorghum fed at the preflowering and at the soft dough stages gave mean liveweight gains of 0.48 and 0.37 kg head-1 day-1 over 26 weeks.
Effects of four grazing management systems on the production and persistence of dryland lucerne in central western New South Wales
Authors: Brownlee H
Published: March 2005

During an experiment conducted for eighteen months at Condobolin, New South Wales, the production and persistence of dryland lucerne grazed by Merino wethers at 10 ha-1 yr-1 were measured under set stocking and three rotational grazing treatments differing in length of spelling period between grazings (grazed one week in four, six or eight weeks). The results showed that although dry matter availability and lucerne survival increased with decreased grazing frequency, only 35 per cent of the lucerne survived in the treatment with the slowest rotation.
Establishment of green panic as influenced by type, amount, and placement of vegetative mulch
Authors: Rickert KG
Published: March 2005

Establishment of green panic (Panicum maximum var, trichoglume cv. Petrie), was measured after sowing beneath mulches of sawdust, native pasture hay, barley straw, Dolichos lablab stubble and sorghum stubble. Long, chaffed, or milled materials, all applied at 2500, 5000, or 10,000 kg ha-1 were tested. Comparisons were made with a control (no mulch) in two experiments on a self-mulching clay at Gayndah, south-eastern Queensland. Seedling emergence with all surface mulches was superior to the control and to emergence from sowing into mulch incorporated in the surface soil. Optimum rates of mulch for emergence approached 5000 kg ha-1 but varied between experiments and with mulch types. Reducing mulch particle size did not consistently improve emergence relative to long straw. In a third experiment, seedling emergence at 42 days after irrigation was directly related to the proportion of area covered by mulch irrespective of the arrangement of mulch bands. Seedling yield followed trends in plant density. Practical implications of the results are discussed.
Fruitfulness and cane pruning of Zante currant
Authors: Cirami RM , El-Zeftawi BM , Zeftawi BMEl
Published: March 2005

Microscopic examination of buds in positions one to eight on Zante Currant (Vitis vinifera) bearers showed that buds three to eight contained more inflorescence primordia than buds one and two. In a second experiment fruit was harvested by bud position from bearers of one to eight buds in length. When the bearer length was three buds or more, the proximal buds were lower yielding than the distal ones. In a third experiment dry weight yield over two seasons was not adversely affected by pruning to 14-bud bearers, and pruning method had no effect on optimum harvest date.
The effect of management during spring on the growth of a mixed annual pasture containing capeweed (Arctotheca calendula)
Authors: McIvor JG , Smith DF
Published: March 2005

A number of grazing and mowing treatments were imposed in spring on a mixed annual pasture mainly comprising capeweed (Arctotheca calendula) 36 per cent and barley grass (Hordeum leporinum) 27 per cent, with a small amount of (4 per cent) subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum). The effects of treatments on flowering, seed setting and subsequent autumn production were followed, with special reference to any possible reduction in capeweed content. Seed numbers of all species were reduced by grazing throughout spring (barley grass was least affected) and by late mowing (severe reduction in the grasses), but early mowing had little effect. The mowing treatments all increased the content of capeweed and subterranean clover in the pasture next autumn and reduced the amount of grass, especially barley grass. Close grazing increased barley grass content and, if it continued throughout the spring, capeweed content also increased. Seed germination following rain in January varied considerably between treatments, but was not greater than 3 per cent on any. It was highest where dry pasture residues were present, and clover and capeweed seed germinated more than grass seed. It was concluded that spring management is unlikely to offer scope for reduction in capeweed content of pastures.
Plant factors influencing the nutritive value of some temperate annual pasture species
Authors: McIvor JG , Smith DF
Published: March 2005

Changes in herbage production, dry matter content, nitrogen content and in vitro digestibility of two sown species-subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) and annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) - and five common volunteer species-capeweed (Arctotheca calendula), musky crowfoot (Erodium moschatum), barley grass (Hordeum leporinum), ripgut brome grass (Bromus rigidus) and soft brome grass (Bromus mollis)-were measured throughout their growth cycle. The volunteer species compared favourably with the sown species for these measurements and should be capable of providing nutritious grazing for animals.
The effects of pre-maturity desiccation with paraquat and leaching on the quality of dry Wimmera ryegrass
Authors: Barrett DW , Campbell NA , Arnold GW
Published: March 2005

The effects of pre-maturity desiccation with paraquat and post-maturity leaching with water on the quality of the dry residues of annual Wimmera ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) were examined under laboratory and field conditions. Paraquat applied at head emergence increased the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur in mature ryegrass and, in some experiments, the levels of magnesium, calcium and water soluble carbohydrates (WSC), and increased the in vitro digestibility. Concentrations of nitrogen were changed little by leaching in either sprayed or naturally matured ryegrass. Concentrations of other mineral nutrients decreased following leaching to similar levels in sprayed and unsprayed tissue. The proportionate change in concentration of nutrients varied between experiments, with the nature of the nutrient, with the part of the plant, and with the period of leaching. Leaching removed WSC and, in one case, more was lost from paraquat-treated herbage. However, decreases in percentage digestibility in vitro were not significant. Changes in potassium and WSC contents were greater following multiple immersions than with a single immersion lasting the same total length of time, and this effect was not changed by spraying paraquat.
Correction of manganese deficiency in barley crops on calcareous soils. 2. Comparison of mixed and compound fertilizers
Authors: Reuter DJ , Heard TG , Alston AM
Published: March 2005

Mixed and compound fertilizers made from superphosphate and manganous sulphate were compared in field experiments as sources of manganese for barley on the calcareous soils of southern Yorke Peninsula, South Australia. The compound fertilizers were made by blending manganous sulphate with 'den-fresh' superphosphate before the granulation process: mixed fertilizers were made by mixing the components after manufacture. The fertilizers were applied at sowing at rates of 19 kg haw1P and 16 kg haelMn in one experiment and 28 kg ha-1 P and 6 kg ha-1 Mn in a second experiment. In the latter, up to three foliar sprays of manganous sulphate (1.3 kg ha-1 Mn per spray) were applied in addition. The rate at which the fertilizers reacted with the soil was studied in an incubation experiment, and the nutrient content of particle-size fractions of the fertilizers was also determined. Plant dry weight, manganese and phosphorus uptake, and grain yield were increased to a greater extent by application of the compound fertilizer than by the mixed fertilizer. Application of compound fertilizers at sowing also delayed the appearance of manganese deficiency symptoms in crops by two weeks compared with mixed fertilizers. Neither fertilizer prevented the occurrence of manganese deficiency and further yield increases were obtained by subsequent foliar sprays of manganous sulphate. Fertilizer manganese was rapidly immobilized in the soil. After 167 hours' incubation, approximately three quarters of that added in manganous sulphate, and in the mixed and compound fertilizers was not extractable in divalent form. The variation in nutrient content of particle size fractions of a compound fertilizer was much less than that in a mixed fertilizer.
Behaviour of thiabendazole when used as a post-harvest dip in banana packing sheds
Authors: Rippon LE , Glennie-Holmes M , Gilbert WS
Published: March 2005

A series of trials was undertaken to study the behaviour of a thiabendazole wettable powder, when used as a post-harvest treatment for the control of squirter and blackend diseases in bananas packed as 'singles' in wooden boxes. In three grower sheds box lots of 100 were dipped in a range of fungicide concentrations, under conditions that could be expected to differ from those in a centralized packing shed. There was an apparent depletion of thiabendazole, the depletion rate being highest in the initial stages of dipping and after topping, and over all trials each 25 cases treated appeared to reduce concentration by approximately 21 per cent. Topping up appeared to cause a sudden rise in thiabendazole concentration. Fruit skin deposits decreased significantly (P < 0.001 ) as concentration decreased and were 0.8 p.p.m. for a dip at 110 p.p.m. and 1.4 p.p.m, for one at 400 p.p.m. No phytotoxic effects were observed on either green or ripe fruit, and ripening abnormalities were absent. The trials indicated that with an initial concentration of about 200 p.p,m. and using a recommended dip management procedure, a grower should be able to treat 100 boxes in any one lot of dip and effectively control the major post-harvest fruit rots.
The yield response of bananas to supplementary watering
Authors: Trochoulias T
Published: March 2005

The Giant Cavendish banana variety Williams growing on a red clay loam (krasnozem) soil, was used to study yield response to sprinkler irrigation from 1967 to 1970, at the Alstonville Tropical Fruit Research Station. Irrigation treatments were applied when moisture deficits fell to 90, 80, 60, and 30 per cent of available water capacity (AWC). Non-irrigated control plots were also included in the experiment. Bunch number, fruit weight, hand and finger number and finger length all increased significantly (P < 0.001 ) with decreased moisture deficit. The most effective treatment (minimum of 90 per cent AWC) involved the application of 7.7 mm of water every three to five days during dry periods and produced about double the yield of the non-irrigated treatment.
Analysis of the response by wheat to application of molybdenum in relation to nitrogen status
Authors: Lipsett J , Simpson JR
Published: March 2005

The response of wheat to the application of molybdenum was studied on a fallowed site near Canberra, A.C.T. Application of molybdenum increased the yield of vegetative material and of grain by 50 to 60 per cent; the increases were somewhat smaller without applied nitrogen than with it. Form of nitrogen (urea or ammonium nitrate), rate (up to 90 kg ha-1), and method of application (drilled or broadcast) did not consistently affect the results. The results suggest that molybdenum status should be considered in conjunction with nitrogen supply where application of nitrogen in the field is followed by a decrease in grain yield, including those cases where grain filling is curtailed.
Chemical control of the cereal cyst nematode (Heterodera avenae) - a comparison of methods and rates of application of two systemic nematicides
Authors: Brown RH
Published: March 2005

Temik, (2, methyl 2(methylthio) propionaldehyde O-(methylcarbamoyl)oxime) and Lannate, (S methyl N ((methylcarbamoyl)oxy)thioacetimidate) were compared in broadcast and drill row applications at different rates for control of Heterodera avenae on wheat at two sites in Victoria during 1969-1972. All broadcast applications and all drill row treatments except Lannate 0.3 kg ha-1 in 1971, significantly reduced white cyst production. Lannate dusted wheat seed was ineffective. Temik at 9 kg ha-1 broadcast, and 2.2 kg ha-1 in the drill row gave best control of H. avenae and completely prevented production of cysts. Temik, at comparable rates, was a better nematicide than Lannate, and on a rate for rate basis drill row treatments were more effective than broadcast treatments. The degree of nematode control was directly related to the amount of nematicide applied. Significant increases in grain yield were obtained in each experiment. All chemical treatments (except Lannate dusted seed) applied in 1969 significantly reduced white cyst production in 1971 but only four of these provided significant increases in grain yield, viz. Temik (at 9, 4.5 and 2.2 kg ha-1 broadcast, and 2.2 kg ha-1 in the drill row)
A statistical study of rain damage of grapes grown for drying in Victoria
Authors: Considine JA
Published: March 2005

Effect of harvest rainfall on loss of dried vine fruits was examined by step-wise regression with dried fruit packed per year as the dependent variable and rainfall, summed at half-monthly intervals, as an independent variable. Secular trend variables were fitted to account for trends in annual production. Fitted equations accounted for 81, 77, and 42 per cent of the variation in total production for the years 1925 to 1970. of sultanas, currants, and raisins, respectively. Half the non-trend variance of sultana production and one-third of that of currants and raisins was accounted for by rainfall during statistically selected periods. These were, first and second half of March for sultanas, first half of January and first half of February for currants, and second half of March for raisins. An attempt to enhance accuracy in an analysis of sultana production (Sunraysia district, 1946 to 1971) by including per cent fruitful buds and maximum daily temperatures (summed at six day intervals) in November as additional covariates was only partially successful. Per cent fruitful buds was not significantly related to production but daily maximum temperatures summed over the period November 25-30 inclusive accounted for a small (13 per cent) but significant portion of non-trend variance. A shift in time of maximum damage to sultanas was indicated; from the second half of March in the period 1925 to 1945 to the first half of March since then. These results are discussed in terms of economic importance and type of damage sustained. Ways of reducing the magnitude of the problem are suggested.
Control of Rhizopus barn rot of flue-cured tobacco using dicloran
Authors: Paddick RG , Turner PL
Published: March 2005

The severity of barn rot (Rhizopus arrhizus Fischer) of flue-cured tobacco was reduced by soaking tying twine, or by spraying butts of leaves, with 0.05, 0.1 or 0.2 per cent dicloran suspensions. In preliminary experiments, where leaves were sprayed individually, twine treatment was less effective than leaf treatment, and no added benefit resulted from treating both twine and leaves. In large scale experiments twine treatment tended to be more effective than spraying the butts of bundles of leaves and better control of barn rot was obtained when both twine and leaves were treated. Spraying sticks of tied tobacco proved less effective than other treatments. Barn rot was more destructive on leaves cured on higher tiers of the kiln than on leaves on lower tiers. A relationship was established between weight of tobacco lost and disease index.
Liveweight change of yearling steers returned to pasture after hand feeding
Authors: Bailey PJ , Bishop AH
Published: March 2005

When yearling beef steers were returned to pasture after being fed in a feedlot, they lost more liveweight than similar steers that had remained on pasture. As the continuous period in the feedlot immediately before common grazing increased, the loss of weight increased. Three, six or nine weeks grazing before the final feedlot period, did not affect weight loss when the steers were finally returned to pasture. The use of hay in decreasing amounts at pasture served only to delay the eventual weight loss of the steers from the feedlots. It is postulated that during hand feeding the steers progressively lost the ability to graze efficiently.
Correction - Phosphorus nutrition of beef cattle. 3. Effect of supplementation on the phosphorus content of blood and on the phosphorus and calcium contents of hair and bone of grazing steers
Authors: Cohen RDH
Published: March 2005

The effect of phosphorus supplements of 35 and 70 g per head per week on the calcium and phosphorus contents of bone and hair and on plasma inorganic phosphorus levels of steers was compared with those of unsupplemented steers which grazed carpet grass (Axonopus affinis) pasture of low phosphorus content at Grafton, New South Wales. The supplements had no effect on plasma inorganic phosphorus concentration. Hair phosphorus content was not affected by either dietary phosphorus or season. Hair calcium was not influenced by pasture calcium but was related to season, with highest levels in summer and lowest in winter. Supplementation increased the amount of phosphorus in dry fat-free rib-bone (P < 0.05) but this effect was not apparent in the first three months of supplementation. The amount of calcium in bone (Y) was influenced by pasture calcium content (X1) and bone phosphorus content (X2). This relationship was described by the equation: Y = 51.0 + 140.81X2 - 3.33X2(R2 = 0.71; P < 0.001) It is suggested that bone phosphorus levels below 14.3, 13.5, and 12.7 per cent of dry fat-free bone may represent a phosphorus deficiency state in 15-27-month-old steers when pasture calcium levels are 0.18, 0.15, and 0.12 per cent respectively. Further, when estimates of the calcium status of beef steers are made from measurements of bone calcium content, corrections should be applied for bone phosphorus content. It is concluded that measurement of bone phosphorus and calcium provides the most sensitive indication of the phosphorus and calcium status of beef cattle and that when phosphorus supplementation has no effect on liveweight of beef steers its effect on mineralization of bone tissue may justify its use, particularly in areas where poor bone development and lameness occur.
Cottonseed meal in broiler diets. 1. The use of cottonseed meal as a replacement for soya bean meal in broiler starter diets
Authors: Packham RG , Royal AJE , Payne CG
Published: March 2005

Three samples of cottonseed meal were substituted for soyabean meal on an isonitrogenous basis in broiler starter diets. With adequate supplementation of methionine and lysine, diets containing 31.3 per cent of cottonseed meal were associated with slightly inferior performance. Subsequently, a further three samples of screwpressed cottonseed meal produced by different defined processing conditions were evaluated by chemical tests and by a broiler growth experiment. The proportion of lysine chemically unavailable was 15 per cent for a mildly heat-treated cottonseed meal, and 38 per cent for an over-heated sample. When cottonseed supplied 14 per cent of the 20 per cent dietary crude protein, growth was depressed compared with soyabean meal diets. The depression was minimised if the total dietary lysine level was elevated to 1.3 per cent. However, feed conversion efficiency was inferior on all cottonseed diets. When supplemented comprehensively with amino acids, a cottonseed meal processed with prolonged cooking had a 'Total Protein Efficiency' value of 2.13, whereas a superior cottonseed meal processed with less cooking recorded 2.59 and soyabean meal, 2.97. Extra lysine supplementation improved the total protein efficiency values for the cottonseed meals, in particular the over-heated meal recorded 2.55.