bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the dynamics of farm size distribution in Finland
Authors: Sahal Devendra
Published: July 2018

This study attempts to explain why farm structure in Finland is what it is. The static aspects of size distribution are summarised by means of log-normal distribution and tested with respect to data on more than 500 communes for years 1959 and 1969. As to the dynamic aspects, despite some correlation between percentage growth and size at the beginning of the time period and which is believed to be partly spurious, the observed phenomena do not seem to be incompatible with the proposed version of law of proportionate effect. The latter need not be observed at every point in time.
The effect of temperature and growth density on the development and yield of two- and multi-rowed barley varieties
Authors: Äyräväinen Kirsti , Paatela Juhani
Published: July 2018

The effects of temperature and plant spacing on growth, on the distribution of biological mass within the plant, and on yield were studied with seven barley varieties at two temperatures, 10°C and 20° C, and two growth densities, 3 and 13 plants per pot. Vegetative development at 20° C was nearly twice as fast as at 10°C. After the plants had entered the reproductive phase, the difference in developmental rate became smaller. Plants grown at the lower temperature produced much higher total biological yields and grain yields than plants grown at the higher temperature. Percentage proportion of leaves was higher and proportion of culms lower at 20° C than at 10°C. Temperature had no significant effect on number of culms and 1000-grain weight. Number of grains per ear was higher at 10°C than at 20° C. Total biological yield per pot and grain yield per pot were larger when the plants were grown in dense populations. More culms and larger yields per individual plant were produced in sparse populations. Growth density did not affect the number of grains per ear. Length of ear and 1000-grain weight were larger in sparse than dense populations. Two-rowed barley varieties gave significantly higher total biological yields and slightly higher grain yields than multi-rowed varieties. There were no differences between the two types of barley in proportions of leaves, culms and roots. As expected, number of culms and 1000-grain weight were higher, and number of grains per ear was lower, in the two-rowed than in the multi-rowed varieties. Among the various yield components, number of culms explained most of the yield. The number of grains per ear explained a smaller proportion, and 1000-grain weight a larger proportion, of the yield of the two-rowed varieties than of that of the multirowed varieties. In both types of barley there was a significant positive correlation between number of culms and 1000-grain weight. The number of grains per ear was not correlated with the number of culms; neither was it correlated with 1000-grain weight. There were differences between the two-row and multi-row types in correlations between culm numbers, leaves and roots. The distribution of biological yield between various plant parts in different phases of development did not affect the grain yield.
Correspondence between phenotype tests of boars and progeny evaluations made on boars and barrows
Authors: Ettala Elsi
Published: July 2018

Fifteen boars tested at the experimental station were evaluated on the basis of 120 boars and 120 barrows from their progeny, one boar and one barrow being taken from each of their litters. Compared with the barrows, the boars of the progeny had a higher growth rate (P < 0.01), were meatier (P < 0.001), had less fat (P < 0.001) and were longer (P < 0.001). Significant phenotypic correlations existed between the ultrasonic fat measurements of the sires and the results of the lean cuts analysis of the most valuable parts of the boar and barrow carcasses (P < 0.05 P < 0.001). The corresponding correlations with the values of the progeny boars and barrows were equally high. The growth rate of the sires was significantly correlated with the growth rate of the progeny boars. The animals were ranked and divided into three groups, the sires on the basis of their average fat measurements, and the boars and barrows from their progeny on the basis of the results of the lean cuts analysis of the carcasses. In the best and poorest groups distinguished by these different methods of evaluation, 40—BO % of the sires were the same. The correspondence in the middle groups and in groupings made according to growth rate was smaller than in the groups mentioned above.
Yield composition of two-rowed and multi-rowed barleys in drilled and single-plant populations in southern and northern Finnish experiments
Authors: Äyräväinen Kirsti
Published: July 2018

Northern location was found to accelerate the development of multirowed barley varieties more than that of two-rowed varieties. In drilled trials two rowed varieties even required longer growing periods in the north than in the south. Single-plant populations developed more slowly than drilled populations and produced larger biological and grain yields per plant. They also produced higher numbers of culms and ears and higher proportions of leaves in the biological yield than the drills own trials. On the other hand, adventitious shoots were more abundant and the ratio of grain yield to biological yield was lower in the single-plant trials than in the drilled trials. In general, multi-rowed varieties were significantly earlier than two-rowed varieties. In single-plant trials the two-rowed barleys, due to their good tillering capacity, gave a larger biological yield than the multi-rowed barleys. Grain yield in single-plant trials was in the south higher from the two-rowed varieties but in the north from the multirowed varieties. There were no differences due to barley type or locality in the proportions of different plant organs in the biological yield. Correlation coefficients between grain yield and some factors affecting it. is also treated.
Factors affecting the availability to radishes of cadmium added to soil
Authors: Jaakkola Antti , Sirén Matti J.
Published: July 2018

In a five week period, the cadmium uptake of radishes in pot experiments made in the greenhouse was on average 7.8 % of the cadmium mixed with the soil (0.4 mg Cd per 400 ml of soil). In a material consisting of samples from 25 plough layers the uptake varied from 1.4 to 11 % and in a material of samples from the corresponding subsoils from 14 to 22.6 %. The increase in cadmium content (∆ c) of the radish tops, which increase was regarded here as describing best the availability of added cadmium, varied in the plough layer material from 2.2 to 27.1 mg/kg and in the subsoil material from 4.3 to 94.9 mg/kg Cd on a dry matter basis. The increment ∆ c was related to the amount of organic carbon (x1) and to proportion of hydrogen (x2)) of total exchangeable cations according to the equation ∆ c = k * x2 *b2 /x1*b1. In this equation 0
An Econometric model for the Finnish egg industry
Authors: Nevala Markku
Published: July 2018

An econometric model for the Finnish egg industry was derived in this study to provide information concerning the impact of alternative price policies on the development of the egg industry for price policy analyses. The basic model specified in this study is an eight-equation model including distributed lag formulations and consisting of three different blocks. The basic assumption behind the model specification is that the price levels of eggs are mainly determined by the target price level (set up by the government) and the domestic market situation. Producers are assumed to respond to changes in the producer price of eggs and in the other factors influencing the profitability of egg production. The basic model was estimated on the basis of semiannual observations from period 1956-70. In addition, the stability of the coefficients of production equations in the model over the years was tested by using the stepwise regression method. The structure of the basic model was evaluated by means of deterministic simulations to gain some idea of the model’s ability to simulate the actual development of the egg industry. Both historical simulations and ex-post forecast simulations were conducted and the »goodness of fit» was tested by the use of Theil’s inequality coefficients and graphical examinations. The basic model was also used for analyzing the price policy pursued by the government in period 1956-70 in order to illustrate the type of analyses that can be conducted by the basic model. An alternative policy mix consisting of the target price system for maintaining the domestic market balance and the direct payment scheme for attaining the income target of producers was defined. Given the assumptions made in this study this policy mix would have been a more effective policy tool from the standpoint of society for attaining the policy goals than the target price system as implemented in that period. Similar conclusions can be also drawn from the results of the ex-post price policy simulations, in which the target price level was assumed to be used for adjusting the domestic egg production gradually to the domestic consumption. Also in this alternative the government was assumed to bear the burden of attaining the income target of producers in the system by the use of direct payments. However, we must point out that results depend on the assumptions necessary for computations of this type.
Suomalaisten lämminveristen kilpailukuntoisten ravihevosten veriarvoista
Authors: Kääntee Esa
Published: July 2018

Suoritetuissa tutkimuksissa on määritetty suomalaisten kilpailukuntoisten lämminveristen ravihevosten (41 kpl) veren Hb- sekä seerumin Na-, K-, Fe-, TIBC-, kolesteroli-, uraatti-, kreatiini-, CA-, Mg-, P-, CPK-, AP-, TP-, GOT-, sokeri- ja LDH-arvot keskiarvoineen ja poikkeamineen. Näiden lepoarvojen määritys on tapahtunut heti aamuruokinnan jälkeen otetuista verinäytteistä. Hb:n ja SGOT:n rasitusarvot (30kpl) on määritetty 2km:n hiitin jälkeen välittömästi otetusta näytteestä. Pitempiaikaisessa seurannassa on todettu SGOT-arvojen kohoavan valmennuskauden alkaessa ja laskevan alkuperäiselle tasolleen suorintakyvyn parantuessa ja elimistön tottuessa rasitukseen. Hyväkuntoisella yksilöllä on lepo ja rasitusarvojen välinen ero ollut vain 25 %:n suuruusluokkaa. Ylikuntoisilla yksilöillä SGOT-taso nousee. Hb:n lepoarvon seuraaminen antaa osalla hevosista hyvän kuvan suorituskyvyn kehityksestä. SAP:n kohdalla on todettu selvät ruokinnasta johtuvat tallikohtaiset vaihtelut. Rehun Ca-pitoisuuden lisääminen on johtanut SAP:n laskuun.
The digestibility and nutritive value of sugar beet top silage for sows
Authors: Salo Maija-Liisa , Laakso Elisa
Published: July 2018

The digestibility of beet top silage made from tops harvested with a mower chopper was determined with five adult, pregnant sows. Two rations of 6 kg/day (Trial I) and 2 kg/day (Trial II) were tested, with the dry matter comprising 48 (I) and 20 % (II) of the total dry matter of the barley-based diet. The average digestibilities of silage were 68.6 (I) and 69.3 % (II) for organic matter and 71.0 (I) and 64.4 % (II) for crude protein. The pepsin-solubility of crude protein was 85 %. The calculated energy value was 2.21 Meal. ME/kg DM, corresponding to 0.60 f.u./kg DM (f.u. =C.7 starch units), and the protein value 142 g DCP/kg DM. The amino acid composition of crude protein of both fresh and ensiled tops was better than that reported for beet tops cut at ground level. The composition changed very little during ensilage. Beet top silage is rich in all required minerals except phosphorus. The oxalic acid converts silage Ca and even extra Ca to an indigestible form, but does not impair the digestibility of Mg. The large amounts of K and Na raise the pH of urine to a high level. The trace element contents of beet tops are well above the established requirements for pigs and the excess is secreted in the faeces.
Renal responses of reindeer to high and low protein diet and sodium supplement
Authors: Valtonen Maija
Published: July 2018

The effects of reducing dietary nitrogen and increasing sodium chloride intake on renal function were studied in reindeer in order so elucidate the extent of urea conservation and solute excretion by the reindeer kidney. The fall in plasma urea concentration and urea excretion on the low protein diet was accompanied by a significant reduction in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urine osmolality. The fraction of filtered urea reabsorbed increased. However, the contribution of the fall of the GFR to restriction of urinary losses of urea was far more significant than the increase in fractional urea reabsorption. The increase in sodium chloride intake reflected in icreased urinary sodium excretion, inducing a rise in urine osmolality on the low protein diet. Increased excretion of sodium was accompanied by decreased urea excretion. This interdependence of urea and sodium in urine excretion was particularly pronounced during the mating season in the autumn, when prominent retention of electrolytes and water was observed. On low protein diet, when reindeer were exposed to cold, the energy intake proved insufficient. The use of body protein as energy source resulted in increased plasma urea values. The fractional reabsorption of urea decreased, but the GFR stayed low. The GFR seems to be unaffected by plasma urea concentrations but is in some way regulated by the intake of dietary protein. Also on lichen diet the intake was not sufficient to satisfy the energy requirements and the plasma urea concentrations increased. The urea excretion was still low due to a decreased GFR. The high moisture content of lichen caused an increase in the urine water excretion, but no increase occured in the solute excretion. The rumen ammonia concentrations correlated significantly with the plasma urea concentrations, showing that urea is readily returned to the rumen in reindeer. The restriction of urea excretion on low protein intake contributes to the nitrogen economy and in reindeer it is brought about by a marked decrease in the GFR together with an increase in the urea reabsorption.
Dried poultry manure as a feed ingredient for dairy cows
Authors: Näsi Matti
Published: July 2018

The study investigated the utilisation of dried poultry manure as a protein source for lactating cows and its influence on the blood metabolic profile and rumen fermentation. Two consecutive feeding trials were carried out for the comparison of dried poultry manure (DPM) 20 %, soybean meal (SBM) 10 % and urea 1.5 % as protein supplement in a concentrate mixture. Eighteen cows were used in each of the two experiments. The experimental period was 13 weeks in Expt. 1 and 15 weeks in Expt. 2. The apparent DM digestibilities of the DPM, SBM and UREA rations were 69.9, 72.0 and 74.0 % (P < 0.05) and crude protein digestibilities were 72.0, 71.8 and 76.0 % (P < 0.01). The FU-value of the DPM ration was lower (P < 0.01) than the SBM and UREA rations. The palatability of the concentrate including DPM was depressed (P < 0.05). The differences in milk yield and milk constituents between groups were not statistically significant. Feed utilisation was equal in Expt. 1 0.37 FU/kg FCM but in Expt. 2 value of 0.39 for the DPM group was lower than 0.45 for the SBM or 0,43 for the UREA group (P < 0.05). The values obtained in hematological and blood chemical analyses were within normal ranges. The blood metabolic parameters indicate that DPM can be used as feed for dairy cows without any detrimental effect on health. The rumen fermentation was investigated with rumen fistulated cows in two experiments. With a constant feeding level and the DPM inclusion adjusted to 0, 10, 20 and 40 % of concentrate mixture, the rumen fluid ammonia-N increased with the increasing amount of DPM in the diet (P < 0.05). The NH3-N concentration was still lower (P < 0.05) in the isonitrogenous SBM diet. Furthermore, with increasing DPM inclusion the molar percentage of acetic acid of the total volatile fatty acids increased (P < 0.05), the percentages of propionic acid and butyric acid decreased. The total volume of microbial mass was 10—20 % higher with the SBM diet than the various DPM diets.
Polyol mixture supplementation in the diet of breeding sows and piglets
Authors: Näsi Matti , Alaviuhkola Timo
Published: July 2018

In a factorial 2x2 experiment the use of a polyol mixture (sugar alcohols) in the diet of sows and piglets was investigated. The trial was performed with 26 sows divided into two groups. The polyol sows were fed 180 g polyol mixture daily, and for polyol group piglets the polyol supplementation in creep feed was 5 %. The average number of piglets per litter in the control group was 10.3 and in the polyol group 9.2. The addition of polyols to the diet of sows had only a small effect on the performance of piglets. The piglets receiving polyols in creep feed gained during 1—21 days post partum 21.1 % more than controls and during the rest of the lactation period 7 % more (P > 0.05). The incidence of diarrhoea in piglets of polyol groups was slightly higher compared with controls. The consumption of creep feed supplemented with polyols tended to be higher than consumption of control feed. Colostrum and milk samples were taken for analysis within 12 h after feeding and 7 and 21 days thereafter. The protein and lactose contents of colostrum and milk were slightly higher and the fat content lower from sows receiving polyols, but the differences were not significant. The mineral and amino acid composition was also analysed.
Seeding year alfalfa population development as influenced by weed competition and density of establishment
Authors: Pulli Seppo
Published: July 2018

The research in intraspecific competition within an alfalfa stand and interspecific competition between alfalfa and weeds was begun on the Michigan State University farm in East Lansing in 1972. Alfalfa seeding densities of 50, 400 and 800 seeds/m2 were used to determine intraspecific competition. Interspecific competition between alfalfa and weeds occurred mainly in noncontrolled alfalfa stands at various levels of seeding densities. Plant competition was evaluated with importance values and with relative crowding coefficients. Both measurements were found to be suitable for this kind of study. Importance values primarily indicated the quantity relationships of different species. Relative crowding coefficients mainly characterized the competitive ability of a species in a mixed stand. The importance of alfalfa exceeded the importance of weeds in noncontrolled and herbicide controlled stands at the seeding rates of 14 and 7 kg/ha respectively. Relative crowding coefficients show the competitive ability of alfalfa with regard to weeds. In the case of intraspecific competition there was no change in the crowding coefficient of alfalfa in respect of weeds when the seeding rate of alfalfa was increased beyond 9 kg/ha. The crowding coefficient of weeds presented equal values under all treatments thereby indicating the variability and plasticity of weeds. The maximum yield level was obtained in all treatments with the alfalfa seeding rate of 9 kg/ha. The total biomass production per unit area was equal in the noncontrolled system at all seeding densities and in the herbicide controlled system at seeding rates of 9 kg/ha or more.
The epidemiology of ostertagiasis in cattle in Finland
Authors: Oksanen H. E. , Nikander S.
Published: July 2018

It has been shown that Ostertagia ostertagi, the brown stomach -worm, may have its prevalence all over Finland where cattle husbandry exists. The infection was able to over-winter on the pasture. The infection rate caused by the overwintered infection reached its maximum early in the spring and declined then successively until the middle of the summer. Thereafter, the number of the infective larvae on pasture began to increase again. The infection rate on pasture was markedly higher close to the droppings than further away from them. It was shown that the vertical distribution of larvae on grass depends on the environmental humidity, temperature and light. The weight gain of all experimental animals, controls as well as those of treated with anthelmintics was modest. Consequently the effect of the anthelmintic treatment could not be estimated. Pathological changes in the abomasal wall caused by Ostertagia ostertagi were common, but only in a few cases were they severe. Neither did the abomasal pH-value or the serum pepsinogen content suggest a severe ostertagiasis
Effect of liming on the magnesium status of some mineral soils and on the fate of fertilizer magnesium
Authors: Jokinen Raili
Published: July 2018

Nine mineral soils were incubated in laboratory without lime (Ca0) or limed (Ca1) with calcium carbonate (lab.reag.), and without magnesium fertilizer (Mg0) or fertilized with MgSO4*7H20 (Mg1 = 4 mg/100 g soil Mg). The incubation covered a period of seven weeks in aerobic conditions at constant 20 °C temperature. The relative increase in the effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) caused by liming seemed to be in coarse mineral soils greater than in clay soils. The differences in pH (CaCl2) values between soil types was not so evident. In seven soils of the nine, liming decreased the 0,01 M CaCl2 extractable magnesium content more than in 1 M KCI or in 1 M neutral ammonium acetate extractable magnesium contents. The limed soils contained ammonium acetate extractable magnesium 2—24 % less than the unlimed soils. The decrease in magnesium content was greatest in acid muddy silt (Littorina soil) and in acid silty clay. Without lime the I M KCI extractable (Al+H) contents of these soils were 6,6 and 2,2 me/100 g soil and pH (CaCl2) 3,9 and 4,5, respectively. In finesand soils liming seemed to increase the magnesium content although not significantly. In limed soils 17—73 %of the fertilizer magnesium was extractable in 0,01 M CaCl2, 67—100 % extractable in 1 M KCI and 57—100 % extractable in 1 M neutral ammonium acetate. The equivalent ratio of exchangeable (1 M ammonium acetate, pH 7) calcium to magnesium in the soils may give pointers to the choice of liming agents, especially in the liming of low cation exchange capacity soils.
Uptake of soil P, Al, Fe, Mn, Mg and Ca by Italian rye grass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) induced by synthetic chelating agent
Authors: Hartikainen Helinä
Published: July 2018

The effect of a synthetic chelating compound on the dry matter yield and the uptake of soil P, Al, Fe, Mn, Mg and Ca by Italian rye grass was studied in a pot experiment with three mineral soil samples irrigated with water or 0.001 M Na2-EDTA(dinatrium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) solution. The Na2-EDTA treatment seemed not to affect the quantity of the dry matter yields, but it affected markedly their chemical composition. Increased contents of P, Al and Fe were found in all the harvests. In two soil samples the P supply was improved by 35—45 %. The accumulation of Al, Fe and Mn induced by Na2-EDTA tended to be the more effective the greater the stability constant for the corresponding metal-EDTA chelate was. Thus, the iron uptake increased most intensively, i.e. by 217—458 %, and that of aluminium by 33—120 %. On the basis of the first two harvests the manganese absorption by the rye grass seemed to decrease probably due to the enormous accumulation of iron. The results also suggested that the addition of Na2-EDTA to the soil was not able essentially to affect the magnesium and calcium supply to the plants.
Labour consumption in blackcurrant production
Authors: Yläranta Maritta , Ryynänen Viljo
Published: July 2018

Twenty-nine blackcurrant growers participated in the study, which took place between 1977—1980.The purpose of the study was to establish how much time was spent in preparing the fallow ground, planting, cultivating and harvesting blackcurrants. The total area of blackcurrant cultivation included in the study was 136,7 ha. The work involved in establishing an area of one hectare for blackcurrant cultivation took 147,0 man hours using methods which were only slightly mechanized and 98,5 man hours using more mechanized methods. The corresponding tractor hours were 37,0 and 38,0. In the normal fruit-bearing years (following the third growth period) cultivating tasks took 158,5 man hours and 9,5 tractor hours using slightly mechanized methods. With more mechanized methods, the labour consumption was 95,0 man hours and 24,0 tractor hours per hectare. Harvesting with a mechanical harvester took 37,5 man hours, 6,0 harvester hours and 8,0 tractor hours per hectare. The corresponding average yield was 3 300 kg/ha. An average of 4 000 kg/ha were harvested by baton, accounting for 400,0 manhours and 6,0 tractor hours per hectare. The bushes were handpicked after mechanical harvesting. 800 kg/ha were picked in 210,5 hours.
Effect of the crude protein level on the utilization of untreated and formaldehyde-treated urea in vitro
Authors: Setälä Jouko , Syrjälä-Qvist Liisa
Published: July 2018

Utilization of untreated urea (F0) and urea treated with 1.5 % formaldehyde(F1.5) was tested in vitro on incubation substrates with different levels of crude protein: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 % of the substrate dry matter. The content of crude protein was adjusted by addition of urea, the lowest level (9 %) being that of the substrate without urea. The incubation time was five hours. When F0 urea was used microbial protein synthesis, determined by tungstic acid-sulphuric acid precipitation, reached its maximum at the crude protein level of 11 %. When F1.5 urea was added, the synthesis increased up to the level of 15 % crude protein. At the levels of 13-15% crude protein, the synthesis was significantly (P< 0.05) higher with F1.5 urea than with F0 urea. In the bacterial mass obtained by ultracentrifugation the content of methionine was significantly higher (P< 0.01) when treated urea was used. With untreated urea, the proportion of lysine was significantly higher (P< 0.05). Addition of urea did not affect the amino acid composition of the bacterial mass but increased the yield of microbial protein during incubation.
Effect of formaldehyde-treated urea on rumen fermentation, ration digestibility and nitrogen utilization
Authors: Setälä Jouko , Syrjälä-Qvist Liisa
Published: July 2018

The study comprises two experiments in which young Finn-sheep were used as test animals. The experimental rations consisted of equal parts of NaOH-treated wheat (Exp. 1) or barley (Exp. 2) straw and a concentrate mixture of barley-molassed beet pulp (Exp. 1) or barley-oats-molassed beet pulp (Exp.2). Feeding was performed twice a day. In addition 20 grams of urea/animal/day was mixed into the concentrates just before feeding. The urea was treated with the following percentages of formaldehyde, on a weight basis: 0 (F0), 1.0 (F1.0), 3.0(F3.0) and 5.0(F5.0) in Exp. 1 and 0, 1.0 and 1.5(F1.5) in Exp. 2. The digestibility of the total ration decreased, when F3.0 and F5.0 urea was used, but the decrease was significant (P< 0.05) only when the apparent digestibility of crude protein was compared between the F0 and F5.0 diets. The amount of rumen bacteria was decreased (P< 0.05) and the amount of protozoa increased (P< 0.01) by formaldehyde treatment levels above F1.0 and F3.0, respectively. The concentration of the total VFA in the rumen tended to decrease with treatment levels higher than F3.0. No significant differences were found in the composition of the VFA. When treated urea was used, the excretion of nitrogen in the faeces increased but its excretion in the urine decreased. The percentage retention of the nitrogen ingested by the animals on diets F0, F1.0, F3.0, and F5.0 in Exp. 1 was 15.0, 10.8, 13.2 and 12.2 and on diets F0, F1.0 and F1.5 in Exp. 2 it was 20.5, 20.2 and 21.2, respectively.
Measuring technological change in agriculture: an application based on the ces production function
Authors: Hemilä Kalevi
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study is to analyse and measure the technological change that has occurred in agriculture. The study is primarily methodological with the focus on development of a method for measuring technological change and on testing this method. The study is divided into a theoretical and an empirical part. The most common methods for measuring technological change are examined in the theoretical part of the study together with the concepts connected with a technological change and its characteristics. The empirical part tests the applicability of the measuring method based on the CES function for estimating the parameters of technological change in agriculture. To a great extent the parameter estimates calculated conform with what was anticipated. Technological change will continue to be a very important source of productivity growth. By adapting to new technology our small farms can develop very fast in terms of structure and productivity. It appears that technological development will continue to proceed along the lines described in this study in the near future. Technological change can be expected to be capital-using and labour-saving. It will also have a considerable influence on increasing output, especially in cattle husbandry.
Nutritive value of Eurolysine bacterial protein and Pekilo protein for growing pigs
Authors: Näsi Matti
Published: July 2018

Digestibility and balance trials were performed with six growing pigs, to evaluate the nutritive value and protein utilization of Eurolysine bacterial protein and Pekilo protein used to replace 50 % or 100 % of soybean supplement in a barley-based diet. Eurolysine had a high content of crude protein, 67.8 % of DM, and was rich in lysine, 8.3 g/16 N, and the corresponding values for Pekilo were 49.5 % and 5,5 g/16 g N. The diets containing Eurolysine had lower digestibilities than those with Pekilo or soybean meal. With Eurolysine the digestibility values for crude protein, ether extract and N-free extract (NFE) were, respectively, 64.3 %, 35.4 % and 76.5 %, and with Pekilo 74.8 %, 28.5 % and 79.4 %. The feed values for Eurolysine were 0.82 FU/kg, 509 g DCP/kg and 12.0 MJ ME/kg DM, and those for Pekilo 0.90 FU/kg, 409 g DCP/kg and 12.6 MJ ME/kg DM. The urinary nitrogen excretion was lower with Eurolysine than with the other supplements, and the nitrogen retention and the biological values were higher (P < 0.05). Eurolysine is well suited as a protein supplement in pig feeding because of its high content of lysine. Combined with barley the protein in Eurolysine gave a high biological value.
Performance of laying hens on diets containing Eurolysine bacterial protein or Pekilo protein
Authors: Näsi Matti
Published: July 2018

The investigation was made to determine to what extent soybean meal and fish meal protein in the diet of laying hens can be replaced by Eurolysine bacterial protein, a by-product of lysine fermentation, or with Pekilo protein. In a 24-week laying trial the inclusion levels of Eurolysine in the diet were 0-4.0- 7.9- 11.9 % and those of Pekilo 0-6.3- 12.7 - 18.0 %, or 0-33-66-100 % of the protein supplement. Eurolysine contained 68.5 % crude protein 53.5 % true protein and 6.9 % ether extract in DM and the corresponding values of Pekilo were 43.3 %, 38,8 % and 1.4 %. The average laying rates decreased with increasing inclusion of Eurolysine, and replacement of the protein supplement by Pekilo also lowered egg production, but the differences between the treatments were not significant (P > 0.05). Feed intakes were increased (P < 0.05) by inclusion of SCP. Feed conversion efficiency did not differ significantly among the treatments (P > 0.05). Mortality increased with inclusion of both types of SCP in the diets, but the principal cause of death was cannibalism.
Soil compaction by the tractor in spring and its effect on soil porosity
Authors: Aura Erkki
Published: July 2018

The effect on soil porosity of tractor compaction of soil in the spring was studied by taking cylindrical core soil samples. The profile samples showed that the tractor most seriously compacts the soil below the harrowed layer at the depth of 10-25 cm. Soil was compacted most severely when till age and drilling were performed under wet conditions about one week be for enormal sowing time. The sub soil at the depth of 35-40 cm was compacted only under very wet conditions. The grain yield of wheat was significantly reduced when the volume of large pores was reduced to about 10 % or less. Porosity measurements showed that the severely compacted soil almost completely recovered from one spring to the next. Theoretical calculations suggested that compaction by normal traffic does not cause a shortage of oxygen at least in the inter-crumb pores of soil if the soil surface structure is not dispersed and encrusted. The decrease in crop growth by compaction is primarily due to mechanical impedance, which slows down development of the root system.
Influence of weather conditions during swath drying on the nutritive value of hay
Authors: Salo Maija-Liisa , Virtanen Erkki
Published: July 2018

The influence of weather conditions during swath drying on the composition and nutritive value of hay was investigated at seven plots of conditioned Gramineae hay. Hays were tedded 1-2 times a day except on rainy days. Five of the hays were sampled and analyzed daily, two at cutting and baling and on one other day only. One hay was harvested in fine weather and dried in just over two days. The protein content decreased, but the sugar content remained unchanged. The f.u. value (fattening feed unit = 0.7 x starch unit) fell 4 %, the DCP value 12 %. A second hay was exposed to eight days of rain. The main changes were a rise in lignin content and decrease in digestibility. The protein and sugar contents and the pepsin solubility of protein changed very little. The f.u. value fell 18 %, the DCP value2 %. Five other hays were 6-12 days as swath in variable rainy and dry weather conditions. The quality changed depending on the time, duration and amount of rain. The decreases of f. u. and DCP values were 10-30 % and 8-28 %, respectively. The contents of sugar, ash and crude fat fell 31-64, 3-51 and 36-39%, while the crude fibre content rose 6-23 %. The reduction in the DCP value in bad weather depended more on the decrease of pepsin solubility of protein than on the decrease of protein content. The potassium content of hay proved to be a good measure of the leaching due to rain. In the present hays the potassium content decreased 0-79 %. The average total losses calculated on the basis of lignin content of hay were as follows (ranges in parenthesis): DM 22 % (12-29), F. u. 35 % (15-51), DCP 32 % (22-49), sugars + fructosan 50 % (12-74) and ash 33 % (18-65).
Response of timothy to increasing rates of potassium
Authors: Saarela Into
Published: July 2018

Five potassium fertilization rates ranging from nil to 80 kg/ha/cut were compared over 2 to 3 years in field trials on timothy leys at nine sites between 61 and 65 °N. The grass was cut twice a year and the contents of nitrogen, potassium, calcium and magnesium in yields were determined. The soils were tested at the beginning and at the end of the trials. On four peat soils the yields over two years without potassium dressings were 34 to 66 % of the respective yields with adequate potassium fertilization. On humus soil the relative yield without potassium was 81 % and on fine sand soil 76 %. On two finesand tills rich inorganic matter the responce of timothy to potassium was 5 %. No significant yield response was obtained on silty clay. In accordance to the depletion of available soil reserves, the differences between the potassium rates increased with time. In average on the six most responsive soils the relative yields without potassium fertilization for the first four successive cuts were 88, 75, 58 and 45 %. For maximum yields, 60 to 80 kg/ ha potassium per cut was required on the organogenic soils and on the finesand, 20 kg/ha was enough on the other three mineral soils. The potassium contents of plants increased greatly, and the contents of nitrogen, calcium and magnesium decreased with increasing potassium fertilization rate. The magnesium content of grass rose to an unusually high level with severe potassium deficiencies. At the end of the trials the soils were quite exhausted of potassium, the subsurface layers being most exhausted. The critical plant potassium content varied from under 2 % to over 3 %. As the large variation was coupled with plant nitrogen, plant K/N ratio was a better indicator for potassium status of ley than plant K. Yield was likely to begin degreasing when the K/N ratio decreased under 1.
Chloride and sulphate solutions as extractants for soil P: III Effect of increasing sulphate concentration on P desorption
Authors: Hartikainen Helinä , Yli-Halla Markku
Published: July 2018

The effect of increasing sulphate concentration on P desorption was studied in 102 mineral soil samples with: a) solutions of a constant ionic strength I=0.1 adjusted with KCI and b) 0.1 M and 0.033 M sulphate solutions of different ionic strengths. Further, the efficiency of chloride and sulphate solutions of equal anion concentration (0.1 M) was compared. At a constant ionic strength, P desorption was enhanced as the sulphate concentration of the extractant increased. Even despite a much higher ionic strength the extraction power of the K2SO4 solution was greater than that of the KCI solution of the same anion concentration. Comparison of the 0.1 M and 0.033 M K2SO4 solutions revealed in 53 soil samples the extractability of P to be depressed by an increase in sulphate concentration (and ionic strength). In 49 samples, on the contrary, the 0.1 M K2SO4 solution extracted equal or greater P amounts than did the 0.033 M K2SO4. It was observed that the lower the P coverage on the oxide surfaces in the soil was, the more obviously the promoting effect of increasing sulphate concentration overruled the depression induced by increasing ionic strength, and the more superior the K2SO4 solution was as compared to the KCI solution.
Continuous progeny testing, use and selection of proven bulls in Israel
Authors: Bar-Anan R.
Published: July 2018

The breeding policy of the Israeli Holstein-type dairy cattle is reviewed. The bulls are progeny tested on their daughters’ first three lactations. The traits evaluated are the following: milk, fat, yield persistency, fertility, incidence of mastitis, and % cullings for three most important reasons. The test analysis takes into account the genetic level of daughters’ contemporaries and maternal grandsires. The paper describes a general outline of the selection decisions in AI bulls. Considerable amount of imported semen is used for breeding young bulls. Breeding goals are discussed against the estimated genetic parameters for and between the given traits.
A modified stairstep apparatus for studies of allelopathy and other phytotoxic effects
Authors: Lovett J. V. , Jokinen Kari
Published: July 2018

The characteristics and performance of a modified stairstep, nutrient solution recycling, apparatus are described. An experiment in which the allelopathic potential of Agropyron repens was examined showed the apparatus to be reliable and accurate in operation. Allelopathic activity by A. repens was confirmed. The apparatus is also suited to studies of phytochemicals produced in stubble retention reduced tillage systems, in green manuring and in cognate areas.
The effect of feed grains of the fatty acid composition of milk fat
Authors: Kankare Veikko , Antila Veijo
Published: July 2018

Finnish milk fat is relatively hard, particularly during the indoor feeding period. For reasons of both dairy technology and nutrition, however, it would be advantageous to obtain a softer fat. On the basis of the initial experiments, it would appear that the feed concentrates used, particularly their grain component, have a effect on the composition of milk fat. For this reasons, a comparative study of the effect of oats and barley on the fatty acid composition of milk fat was being carried out in the winter of 1983. In a comparison of barley and oats, it was observed that the iodine value of the milk in the experimental group which was fed barley was 5.1 units lower than that of the group fed oats. By itself, the feeding of barley alone was also responsible fora sharp decrease in iodine values when compared to the results obtained during the pre-experimental phase during which the cows were fed barley and oats in a ratio of 1:1.The softening effect of oats on milk fat appeared to be slight when the results from the experimental phase were compared to those of the pre-experimental phase. In a comparison of the fatty acid composition of milk fat in samples from the barley and oats groups, it was found that the greatest differences were in the amounts of palmitic acid (C16) and oleic acid (C18:1) present. The amount of palmitic acid in the milk fat of the barley group was 36.6 %, and in that of the oats group 30.2 %. The corresponding amounts of oleic acid were 14.7 % and 22.1 %. On the basis of this study, it is recommended that oats should be preferred in making up feed concentrate mixtures for milk cows.
Distillers dried by-products from barley as protein source for ruminants
Authors: Näsi Matti
Published: July 2018

The nutritive value of barley-derived distillers dried grains (BDDG) and distillers dried grains with solubles (BDDGS) was assessed in digestibility and in sacco rumen degradability experiments. The crude protein contents of BDDG and BDDGS were 26.4 % and 29.9 %, and the crude fibre contents 19.9 % and 17.4 % in DM, respectively. The ADF and NDF contents averaged 33 % and 67 % and the lignin 7.6 % of DM. The digestibilities of the nutrients were measured with four rams in both trials and the distillers by-products were given at two levels, 33 % and 66 %, in hay-based rations. The digestibilities in BDDG and BDDGS were, respectively, 43.1 % and 47.7 % for organic matter, 64.5 % and 66.5 % for crude protein, and 86.7 % and 87.9 % for ether extract. Due to the low digestibilities, the energy values of the two products were low, 0.58 FU/kg DM and 8.0 MJ/kg for both, and DCP/FU 295g for BDDG and 347 g for BDDGS. The rumen degradability of the crude protein of BDDG and BDDGS was found to be low and significantly lower than the degradability of wheat distillery by-products (P < 0.05). Fine grinding gave more rapid degradability. Due to the low total digestibility and reduced lysine content, BDDG and BDDGS may have limited protein availability when given as supplements.
Freeze-drying and its application to some Finnish agricultural products
Authors: Roos Yrjö , Laine Jorma J.
Published: July 2018

This study deals with the freeze-drying of berries, vegetables, roots and pork produced in Finland. The products were freeze dried whole, in slices or cubes. The pressure in the drying chamber was 10—20 Pa and the maximum surface temperature +23—+ 40°C. The products were packed after freeze-drying into glass jars under air and in polyester-aluminium-polyethene foil under vacuum or nitrogen atmosphere. The drying temperatures and drying times were measured. During storage for 4 months, the differences in quality were evaluated. The drying times ranged from 8 to 25 hours. The moisture content of the dry products was 1—3 %. The sublimation rate at the beginning of the drying process was very rapid, being there after constant. Bilberries, carrots and radishes collapsed during drying. Most of the products dried moistened and underwent aroma changes during storage in glass jars under air. The products packed under vacuum or nitrogen atmosphere proved stable.
Effect of hot air and freeze drying on the volatile compounds of dill (Anethum graveolens L.) herb
Authors: Huopalahti Rainer , Kesälahti Eila , Linko Reino
Published: July 2018

Volatile compounds of fresh, hot air dried and freeze dried dill (Anethum graveolens L.) herb were studied by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Of the 25 volatile components identified, 16 the most abundant compounds were analysed quantitatively. The major primary aroma compounds were α-phellandrene, 3,6-dimethyl-2,3,3a,4,5,7a-hexahydrobenzofuran,β-phellandrene, limonene, α-pinene, p-cymene and myristicin. Severe loss of these components occured during the drying of dill. E.g. the retention of the benzofuranoid, the most important aroma component of the dill herb, was from trace to 1.3 % in hot air dried samples and 3.5—20 % in freeze dried samples. During the drying secondary aroma compounds are formed consisting over 50 % of the total volatiles. Among these phytadienes, especially neophytadiene, were the major components. The best result was obtained by freeze drying, but the product contained only one quarter of the total aroma compounds of the fresh dill herb.
The appearance of soil-borne viruses in Finnish plant nurseries II
Authors: Tapio Eeva
Published: July 2018

In the beginning of the 1970’s, the occurrence of soil-borne viruses in 30 Finnish nurseries and experimental fields of garden plants at 3 research stations was mapped. Viruses were isolated on 26.9 % of the 672 plant and soil samples collected. The two most commonly found viruses were tobacco necrosis virus (TNV), 42.5 %, and tobacco rattle virus (TRV), 23.7 %. Tomato black ring virus (TBRV) and raspberry ringspot virus (RRSV) were isolated for the first time in Finland. The abundant occurence of TBRV in 32 samples was due to the abundance of Phlox paniculata samples. RRSV was isolated from only a few samples. The vectors of all of the above-mentioned viruses were found in many samples. The fungus vector of TNV, Olpidium brassicae, was investigated by examining the roots microscopically. The vector of TRV, the Trichodorus sp. nematodes, and the vector of TBRV and RRSV, the Longidorus sp. nematodes, were isolated from soil samples. In addition to the foregoing, tobacco mosaic virus was isolated from 31 samples of 6 nurseries and 2 experimental fields. Viruses were isolated from many weed samples, especially from roots of Senecio vulgaris and Stellaria media. Perennials proved to be virotic. All of the above mentioned viruses, especially TBRV and TRV, were isolated from Phlox paniculata; TBRV was also found in an Astilbe x arendsii sample. Dicentra spectabilis, like Phlox, was commonly infected with TRV. No clear results could be obtained from control experiments.
The high-molecular-weight glutenin subunit compositions of wheat varieties bred in Finland
Authors: Sontag Tuula , Salovaara Hannu , Payne Peter I
Published: July 2018

The composition of high-molecular-weight (HMW) glutenin subunits in 35 Finnish bread wheat cultivars was determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. One third of the varieties have one of two HMW glutenin subunit compositions and there are only 17 different compositions in all. Three cultivars, Antti, Kiuru and Panu, are genetically mixed for some of these subunits. Cultivar Tammi (II) contains a novel HMW subunit of glutenin, not detected in any bread wheat previously analysed, and is presumed to be coded by genes on chromosome 1A at the Glu-A1 locus. On the basis of previous work, which related individual subunits to bread-making quality, HMW glutenin subunit quality (Glu-1 quality) scores were calculated for the varieties. The results are related to the bread-making quality of Finnish wheats.
Gaseous health hazards in livestock confinement buildings
Authors: Kangas Juhani , Louhelainen Kyösti , Husman Kaj
Published: July 2018

Gas concentrations were measured on 16 farms (eight cattle farms, five piggeries, three poultry yards) mainly during wintertime. The gases were ammonia, carbon dioxide, methane, hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan and other sulfides. The mean concentrations of ammonia varied between 8—43 cm3/m3 in the air of livestock building. In the poultry yards the mean concentration of ammonia was highest; it was lower in piggeries and especially in cowhouses. Carbon dioxide concentrations were 500—3500 cm3/m3 in cowhouses, 1000—4000 cm3/m3 in hoghouses and 600—4000 cm3/m3 in poultry yards. Very low concentrations of methane and sulfur compounds were found in the livestock confinement buildings. It is obvious that in normal working situations only ammonia of the measured gases exceeds the threshold limit value (25 cm3/m3). High ammonia concentrations can be expected in the floor type poultry confinement buildings especially when manure is left on the floor for several months. In such cases effective mechanical ventilation is the only way to keep the ammonia level acceptable.