bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mineral and vitamin supplementation of diets for growing pigs. 2. Barley, oats, sorghum and maize-based diets
Authors: Greer EB , Lewis CE , O'Neill GH
Published: March 2005

The response of growing pigs to supplementation with minerals, vitamins, or both, when fed diets bassd on barley, oats, sorghum or maize was examined in six factorial experiments involving 192 pigs. In two of these experiments meat-and-bone meal (with some fish meal up to 32 kg liveweight) was used as a protein concentrate with barley and oats. In the other four experiments, soybean meal (SBM) was used with each grain. A base supplement of vitamins A and D3 was added to all diets, The pigs were restrictively and individually fed between 18 and 73 kg. Mineral supplementation of the animal protein (AP) diets did not affect pig performance, but improved that of pigs fed the SBM diets. Lack of supplementary minerals in the SBM diets caused slow growth, broken bones, foot abnormalities and failure of many pigs to reach slaughter weight. Some results indicated there were differences in mineral availability between grains. Vitamin supplementation, over and above vitamins A and D3 did not affect performance of pigs fed AP diets. Despite a number of apparent vitamin deficiencies in the SBM diets, there was little or no response to vitamin supplementation. The lack of response suggests the vitamin requirements of growing pigs currently estimated by the Agricultural Research Council are high for restrictively fed pigs.
Mineral and vitamin supplementation of diets for growing pigs. 3. Salt, calcium and phosphorus, and trace mineral supplements in a wheat/soybean meal diet
Authors: Greer EB , Lewis CE
Published: March 2005

A 2 x 2 x 3 x 3 factorial experiment with 72 growing pigs examined the effect of adding salt, calcium and phosphorus (Ca + P) and trace minerals (TM-manganese, zinc, iron and copper) to a wheat/soybean meal diet. Gilts and barrows were individually fed at restricted intakes from 20 kg liveweight. Pigs required both salt and Ca + P to reach slaughter at 73 kg. Without these minerals they stopped growing; lameness and broken bones were also common. All pigs fed salt plus the higher level of Ca + P (0.84 and 0.57 per cent, respectively) completed the experiment but only half those fed salt plus the lower level (0.42 and 0.29 per cent Ca + P, respectively) did so. There was a response to salt within three weeks. In the first four weeks, 0.125 per cent added salt improved growth by 26.5 per cent and feed conversion ratio by 21 per cent. The results indicated that growing pigs require less sodium than currently estimated (Agricultural Research Council). A response to both levels of supplementary Ca + P was seen after about seven weeks with salt and nine weeks without salt. In the first eight weeks of the experiment there were no differences in performance between the two levels of added Ca + P when salt was also used. Between 8 and 12 weeks, pigs fed the higher level grew 17 per cent faster. Although 0.84 + 0.57 per cent Ca + P increased rib Ca and P levels, foot and joint abnormalities showed that these levels were insufficient for normal bone development. This suggests that the Agricultural Research Council estimates of Ca and P requirements for restrictively fed growing pigs are low. TM supplementation did not affect performance when both salt and Ca + P were added to the diet.
A comparison of twenty Digitaria accessions at four sites in south-east Queensland
Authors: Strickland RW , Haydock KP
Published: March 2005

Dry matter production and quality of 20 Digitaria accessions, cut four- and eight-weekly, were compared at four sites in south-east Queensland differing in soils, rainfall and frost incidence over the period 1971-73. The wettest, least frosted site was at Beerwah (70 km north of Brisbane) and the two driest, most frosted sites were at Narayen (480 km north-west of Brisbane). Samford (near Brisbane) was intermediate in terms of rainfall and frost incidence. Dry matter production over the two years varied markedly with site, accession and cutting frequency, and there were interactions between all three. D. smutsii (CPI 38869) was well adapted to all sites and Narayen in particular, O. macroglossa (CPI 16267) was specifically adapted to Beerwah, and D. milanjiana (CPI 41 192) and the two D. smutsii accessions (CPI 38869,16778A) to Samford. Accessions of D. milanjiana, O. pentzii and D. setivalva also performed well at Narayen. Accessions differed in resistance to fire, frost, rust and insects, and in nutritional quality. However, all were adequate for ruminant nitrition. An examination of the quality of the accessions as standover winter feed at Narayen showed that frost lowered digestibility, and the sodium and potassium content of the herbage, but not to the level where animal nutrition would be affected.
Effect of irrigation, nitrogen and defoliation on pangola grass in the dry season at the Ord Valley, north-western Australia
Authors: Blunt CG , Haydock KP
Published: March 2005

The effect of irrigation, cutting and nitrogen treatments on dry matter and nitrogen yield of pangola grass (Digitaria decumbens) growing in a calcareous clay soil in the Ord River Valley of northwestern Australia, was studied. Irrigation treatments ranged from 4-13 irrigations and nitrogen treatments from zero to 630 kg N ha-1 over the 5 months in each of two dry seasons. Cutting treatments to 15 cm at intervals of 2, 3, 6 and 12 weeks were applied only in the first year. In the first year dry matter yield (DM) increased from 3100 to 5200 kg ha-1 with an increase from 5 to 7 irrigations, a change of average daily available moisture from 78 to 107 mm, but there was no further increase from 13 irrigations (1 48 mm). DM increased linearly in the second year as average daily available moisture increased from 61 to 141 mm (4-12 irrigations). DM increased and N per cent decreased as cutting intervals increased. When cut at 2, 3 and 6-week intervals, pangola response in DM to nitrogen applied was linear, but was curvilinear when cut each 12 weeks. Average nitrogen recovery rates improved from 16 per cent to 30 per cent with an increase in nitrogen applied from 123 to 203 kg N ha-1 and remained at a similar rate to 630 kg N ha-1. Increased moisture improved apparent nitrogen recovery linearly to a maximum of 40 per cent at an average daily available moisture of 141 mm and 203-630 kg N ha-1 applied. For both DM and nitrogen yield the response to nitrogen and cutting frequency was proportional to the amount of moisture available. It was concluded that when cutting for hay at the Ord River, efficient use of applied nitrogen would be achieved by irrigating at least every two weeks, cutting about every 6 weeks and applying 250 kg N ha-1 during the dry season.
Insecticide resistance in field populations of the sheep blowfly Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) in 1977
Authors: Hughes PB
Published: March 2005

A survey of insecticide resistance in Lucilia cuprina, the sheep blowfly, was conducted during 1977. The levels of organophosphorus resistance in samples collected from the Central West of New South Wales and Victoria were determined by testing diazinon against first instar larvae. Resistance factors varied from x4 to x 28. The allele(s) for resistance were present at a frequency close to 1.0 in 23 of the samples tested, while the remaining five samples contained the susceptible allele at an average frequency of 0.6. The frequency of the allele for dieldrin resistance, determined by treating adult females with the discriminating dose, was less than 0.02. A composite of field samples, following pressure from diazinon in the laboratory, increased its larval resistance factor to x45, indicating selection to high-order resistance. It is suggested that insecticides be used only at the onset of a fly wave to delay a similar response occurring in the field.
Artificial induction of lactation in unmated heifers and in heifers with reproductive abnormalities
Authors: Field DE , McDowell GH , Buesnel RJ , Jessep TM
Published: March 2005

Six unmated heifers and six heifers with reproductive abnormalities were induced to lactate artificially. Mammary glands were developed with a series of subcutaneous injections of oestrogen plus progesterone over either 30 or 60 days (priming phase) prior to triggering milk secretion with injections of dexamethasone trimethylacetate. All twelve heifers commenced lactation and the composition of their milk was similar to that of heifers lactating after calving, with the exception that the fat content was consistently high for heifers induced to lactate artificially (ca 4.1% and ca 5.3% respectively). Yields of milk and milk fat for heifers primed for 30 and 60 days, respectively, were not significantly different (P > 0.05) over the first five months of lactation. During this period, the mean milk yield of heifers induced to lactate artificially was 55% and 71%, and their mean yield of fat was 69% and 87% of corresponding yields for heifers lactating after normal and advanced calving, respectively. The hormone treatments did not correct reproductive abnormalities in heifers with aberrant reproductive capacity, neither did they impair reproductive capacity in 'normal' heifers. It appears that a suitable treatment for inducing lactation artificially in non-pregnant dairy cows would be to use a priming phase of 30 days followed by a trigger phase of 3 days.
Effects of iodine supplementation of pregnant and lactating ewes on the growth and maturation of their offspring
Authors: Knights GI , O'Rourke PK , Hopkins PS
Published: March 2005

Iodine supplementation (20 mg KI twice weekly) to ewes during the last month of pregnancy and the first 3 months of lactation increased productivity. Production traits enhanced by this treatment included the birth weight (3.9 vs 3.5 kg; P < 0.01), survival (84% vs 64 %), growth rate (P < 0.05), and mature SIP wool follicle ratio of lambs (1 4.9 � 1.2 vs 10.3 � 1.6). These differences were most apparent in animals receiving a low plane of nutrition (i.e. intake restricted to maintain ewe liveweight at approximately 32 kg). There were no marked changes in the body composition of lambs in the treated groups. The control animals in these studies exhibited only marginally depressed plasma thyroxine levels (4.7 � 0.4 �g %). Iodine supplementation can be used to partly circumvent the low productivity of tropical Merinos receiving a low plane of nutrition. More marked benefits could probably arise from treating animals which normally demonstrate low plasma thyroxine levels.
An on-farm evaluation of three growth promotants for pigs
Authors: Brennan PJ , Joyce EJ
Published: March 2005

The performance of 160 crossbred pigs on a commercial piggery was studied from weaning, at an average age of 20 days, to slaughter at 27 weeks. They were fed control diets (treatment 1) or similar diets containing the growth promotants tylosin + sulphadimidine, virginiamycin + sulphadimidine + furazolidone, and carbadox + oleandomycin, (treatments 2, 3 and 4), according to regimes recommended by the 3 manufacturers. During the starter phase (3 to 11 weeks) pigs in treatments 2 and 3 (P < 0.01) and treatment 4 (P < 0.05) grew faster than the controls. Growth on treatment 3 was faster than that on treatment 4 (P < 0.05). Food conversion ratios did not differ. Growth rate and food conversion ratio on all treatments were similar during the grower phase (11 to 27 weeks). Overall, the growth rate, food conversion ratio, cold dressed weight, carcase dressing percentage and depth of fat over the eye muscle did not differ significantly between treatments. It is concluded that the growth promotants tested failed to improve overall growth rate and food conversion.
Variability in the composition of commercial pig diets with particular reference to minerals
Authors: Hilliard EP , Pearce GR
Published: March 2005

Samples of 28 pig diets fed to grower pigs in 24 commercial piggeries in Victoria were analysed for proximate constituents, fibre components, energy, Ca, P, K, Mg, Na, Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd, Pb and As. Vitaminmineral premixes, salts used in the premixes, and some other additives were analysed for Cd and Pb. There was a wide variability in the composition of all components in the diets except gross energy. 'Home mix' diets tended to have lower contents of ash and fibre, compared with diets supplied by feed manufacturers. Comparisons with recommended nutrient requirements showed that 8 diets were apparently deficient in crude protein (less than 16%) and only 7 diets contained sufficient crude protein to meet the requirements of pigs up to 50 kg liveweight (20% or more). However, amino acid contents were not determined. One diet was deficient in Na, six diets were deficient in Ca, and eight diets had Ca : P ratios less than 1:1. Seven diets contained Cu at levels recommended for growth promotion (125-250 mg kg-1) ; 20 diets contained added Cu but at levels insufficient for growth promotion. All diets contained excessive amounts of Zn and Fe (up to 317 and 701 mg kg-1 respectively) ; the mean concentration of Zn was three times the recommended requirement and the mean concentration of Fe was six times the recommended requirement. Concentrations of Cd occurred up to 0.61 mg kg-1 and of Pb up to 5.53 mg kg-1. One diet contained 32.41 mg As kg-1 but the next highest concentration was 1.07 mg kg-1. Vitamin-mineral premixes contained up to 81 mg Cd kg-1 and up to 1292 mg Pb kg-1. Copper sulphate contained 376 mg Cd kg-1; copper oxide contained 2550 mg Pb kg-1; zinc oxide contained 114 mg Pb kg-1.
Environmental influence on sunflower achene growth, oil content and oil quality
Authors: Goyne PJ , Simpson BW , Woodruff DR , Churchett JD
Published: March 2005

Achenes of the open-pollinated sunflower cultivar Sunfola 68-2 and the hybrid Hysun-30 were sampled at seven day intervals following first anthesis in December and April plantings at Biloela Research station in Central Queensland during 1975. For both sowing times, Sunfola 68-2 had reached maximum achene dry weight, oil and linoleic acid content by 800 growing degree days (GDD) (base -1.3�C) after first anthesis and Hysun-30 by 900 GDD (base -5.g�C). The corresponding achene moisture contents were 32.1% and 34.2%, respectively. Using this information, relations were established between oil content, linoleic acid and climatic data obtained from a number of plantings made at Emerald and Biloela in Central Queensland. Although there were significant relations between oil content and temperature, other plant and environmental factors were found to be more important in the determination of the final oil content. Linoleic acid content of Sunfola 68-2 at harvest was best related to mean temperature between 300 and 800 GDD following first anthesis in the form: Y = 63.41 + 2.46X - 0.10X2 (R2 = 79.4, P < 0.01) where X is the mean temperature 300 to 800 GDD after 50% flowering. This equation explained 80% of the variation in linoleic acid content of achenes obtained from 16 independent plantings made at Biloela from 1972 to 1975, and a range of linoleic acid from 55 to 78%. Linoleic acid for Hysun-30 was significantly correlated with both average mean and mean minimum temperatures from 300 to 900 GDD after 50% flowering. The formulation of these relations and use of the findings in the early harvesting of sunflowers and in studying planting times is discussed.
Post-emergence control of wild oats in Queensland with difenzoquat, flamprop-methyl, dichlofop methyl and barban
Authors: Wilson BJ
Published: March 2005

The post-emergence herbicides, difenzoquat, flamprop-methyl and dichlofop methyl were evaluated for their effect on wild oats (Avena sterilis and A. fatua) and selectivity in wheat and barley crops on the Darling Downs, Queensland. Barban was included as a standard treatment. These herbicides generally did not provide complete control of wild oats. Wild oat control as measured near harvest-time, was equally as good with tillering or pre-tillering applications, with only two exceptions. Production of wild oat spikelets was reduced by all herbicides. However, although spikelet numbers were reduced to a very low level occasionally, spikelet production was usually quite substantial (500 to 1500 m-2). The most consistent increases in grain yield were obtained from dichlofop methyl (0.75 kg ha-1), difenzoquat (0.75 kg ha-1) and barban (0.175 kg ha-1) when applied prior to the tillering stage of the wild oats. With a few exceptions, dichlofop methyl, difenzoquat, and flamprop-methyl (0.45 kg ha-1) applied during tillering did not increase grain yield. Difenzoquat and flamprop-methyl were also evaluated at 1.5 and 0.9 kg ha-1 respectively. Apart from a small yield increase in two trials there was no advantage from these higher rates. For dichlofop methyl a rate of 0.5 kg ha-1 was less effective than 0.75 kg ha-1 in one of two trials in 1976. In weed-free trials, flamprop-methyl reduced the height and grain yield of the cultivar Kite, but had little or no effect on five other wheat cultivars. The damage occurred when flamprop-methyl was applied at the end of tillering, but not at the early tillering stage. These trials show that an increase in grain yield can occur when the effect on the wild oats has been only moderate, so herbicide performance should not be judged only by the effect on the wild oats.
Sec-butylamine residues in citrus, pome fruits and bananas from post-harvest treatments
Authors: Singh G , Rippon LE , Gilbert WS , Ahmad N
Published: March 2005

Sec-butylamine residues were determined for post-harvest treatments for control of citrus green and blue mould (Penicillium digitatum Sacc. and P. italicum Wehmer), blue mould of pome fruits (P. expansum Thom.) and black-end (Colletotrichum musae (Berk and Curt.) Arx) and squirter (Nigrospora sphaerica Sacc.) of banana fruits. The treatments were as follows: 0.5% bulk bin dip of citrus and pome fruit. 1.0% dip of bananas packaged in wooden boxes. 1.0% flood of citrus and bananas on packing line. A combined 0.5% dip and 1.0% flaod of citrus. Residues in citrus fruit (orange, tangor, mandarin, grapefruit, lemon) ranged from 0.88-7.65 �g g-1 and were well within the 30 �g g-1 recommended limit of the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting of Experts on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) and the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council. The single bulk dip gave two to three times higher residues than the combined dip and flood treatment. Pome fruit residues ranged from 2.75-1 1.6 �g g-1, with pears (1 1.2-1 1.6 �g g-1) having 3-4 times higher residues than apples (2.75-3.61 �g g-1). Whole green or ripened Cavendish bananas contained residues ranging from 15.1-27.6 �g g-1, with 2% or less of the residue being found in the pulp. The dipped, boxed single fruits had almost double the residues of flooded hands.
Comparative growth and carcase characteristics of Shorthorn, Brahman × British, Friesian and Sahiwal X Friesian steers on the Atherton Tableland, north Queensland
Authors: Winks L , Holmes AE , O'Grady P , James TA , O'Rourke PK
Published: March 2005

Liveweight gains of Shorthorn, Brahman x British cross and Friesian steers grazing improved grass-legume pasture were studied on the Atherton Tableland, north Queensland between 1970 and 1975. Representative animals were slaughtered at mean liveweights of approximately 400, 500 and 600 kg and carcase characteristics examined. Friesian steers gained faster than the Shorthorns and Brahman crosses but produced lighter carcases at any liveweight because of lower dressing percentages. Friesian carcases had a higher bone percentage than the other two genotypes, and carried less subcutaneous fat. Yields of saleable meat were comparable in all three genotypes. In a subsequent study, weight gains in Friesian and Sahiwal x Friesian steers were similar. The Sahiwal x Friesian steers had a higher dressing percentage, and produced heavier carcasses with greater subcutaneous fat cover than Friesian. Further studies on this genotype for beef production are warranted.
Effect of lupin grain and recently cut lucerne on intake and digestibility of mature weathered herbage by Border Leicester × Merino ewes
Authors: Roberts GB , Kenney PA , Reeve JL
Published: March 2005

The effect of lupin grain and freshly cut lucerne supplements on the ad libitum intake of mature, weathered herbage (Lolium rigidum and Trifolium subterraneum) by fourteen Border Leicester x Merino ewes was examined. There were seven treatments: in six, each supplement was fed separately at three rates between 190 and 750 g ewe-1 day-1. and in one, no supplement was fed. There were two replicates : one of ewes with high, and the other with low, ad libitum intake. Treatments were imposed for three weeks, and for analysis, data for an individual ewe were related to data collected during two periods of three weeks before and after the experimental period. Apparent digestibilities of DM of herbage, lucerne, and lupins were 50, 60 and 88%, respectively, and were not affected by different rates of supplement fed. Ad libitum intake of herbage at 0 and 200 g ewe-l day-1 of supplement intake was similar. At supplements above 200 g ewe-1 day-1, intake of herbage decreased by 40 and 61 g DM for each 100 g DM increase in supplement consumed by high and low intake ewes, respectively. Liveweights increased by 100 g for every 250 g DM of supplement consumed. It was concluded that the effect of feeding ewes lupin grain on consumption and digestion of roughage was unlikely, by itself, to be responsible for improvements in reproduction observed in ewes fed a supplement of lupin grain.
The movement of sheep on inclines
Authors: Hitchcock DK , Hutson GD
Published: March 2005

The effect of three factors on the movement of small flocks of sheep on narrow (0.5 m) and wide (1.5 m) ramps was tested : 1. direction of movement on the ramp-either up or down ; 2. type of floor - either slats, a solid surface, or steps; and 3. angle of incline-either 0�, 10�, 20�, 30�, or 45�. On both narrow and wide ramps sheep moved better on the flat than up an incline, and better up an incline than down. Floor type had little effect on sheep movement. The preference of sheep for moving up inclines or on the flat was tested in a separate experiment. All 10 groups of test sheep chose to move on the flat when first given this choice, and this preference persisted despite training to the contrary and despite blocking the view through the race. The results suggest that a major cause of the unreliability of self-feeding races may be their use of inclines, that sheep yards should be sited on the flat, and that where sheep must be elevated, smaller angles of incline will give better flow.
Seasonal changes in chemical composition of heavily fertilized Kikuyu pasture and their potential effects on the mineral nutrition of grazing cattle
Authors: Awad AS , Edwards DG , Huett DO
Published: March 2005

was sampled at two week intervals over a period of one year. The concentrations of calcium throughout the year (0.15-0.28%) and phosphorus from late winter to early summer (0.20-0.28%) were well below the values normally considered to be required by milking cows and some classes of beef cattle. The nitrogen concentrations reached minimal values of 1.8-2.2% in winter, which appear to be adequate for milk production. From summer through to the end of winter, the ratio of K/(Ca + Mg) was much higher, and the Ca/P ratio was much lower, than those values reported to be associated with the occurrence of grass tetany in grazing cattle. Very high nitrogen concentratians in early summer (up to 5.2% N where 672 kg N ha-1 year-1 was applied) were in the range that has been associated with grass tetany in cattle. Lime application increased the nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium concentrations in the herbage throughout the year. The effect of lime in increasing nitrogen concentration in the herbage was maximal in late autumn and winter, at which time fertilizer nitrogen had little or no effect. The increased nitrogen concentration in the herbage through application of lime was associated with the development of a naturalized white clover component in the sward. Lime also increased the phosphorus concentration in the herbage, particularly from mid-winter to early summer, over which period phosphorus application per se had minimal effect. The application of lime allied with 134 kg N ha-1 year-1 maintained a high level of dry matter production as well as a more adequate and better balanced nutrient content in the kikuyu pasture throughout the year, and particularly in winter, when cattle grazing kikuyu pastures suffer a serious feed gap.
Lucerne survival in relation to grass management on a brigalow land in south-east Queensland
Authors: Leach GJ , Ratcliff D
Published: March 2005

Lucerne, Medicago sativa cv. Hunter River, was planted on a 90 cm x 90 cm grid on a fertile brigalow clay soil in south-east Queensland in November 1971. The lucerne was either cut regularly or cut annually. Volunteer species, principally grasses, were either mown regularly, 2-3 times as often as the lucerne during periods of active growth, or were also cut annually in late summer. Changes in lucerne vigour and survival were recorded about four times a year through to 1977. A few lucerne plants died between most samplings in each treatment. More substantial losses due to individual treatments were superimposed on the continuing small losses in successive summers. The first two summers following establishment were wetter than average, and as many as 41% of the original population died when volunteer species were cut annually. Where volunteer species were mown regularly from between lucerne plants, survival was good until the very dry 1974-75 summer when 35% of the original plants died. Our results thus suggest that lucerne plants were lost through their incompatibility with vigorous tropical grass growth, through drought effects, and also through the continuous slow erosion of the population : they emphasise the importance of managing vigorous grass growth if lucerne survival is to be prolonged in fertile sub-tropical environments. Vigour declined markedly only where4wzerne was regularly cut from within the annually cut volunteer species, but there were large seasonal fluctuations. The relative size of plants decreased over some 4 to 9 months before death, although there was an indication that those dying in summer were more representative of the population mean size. This suggests that summer deaths rapidly follow the occurrence of predisposing factors. In summer, management should aim mainly to prevent plant deaths, whereas at other times there may be additional scope for alleviating losses in productivity.
The effect of sugarcane mosaic virus on the yield of eleven grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) cultivars
Authors: Henzell RG , Persley DM , Fletcher DS , Greber RS , Slobbe LVan
Published: March 2005

The effect of a Johnson grass strain of sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV-Jg) on 11 grain sorghum cultivars was assessed in three experiments in which young plants were inoculated with the virus. The 11 cultivars were Alpha, Dekalb B17, Dekalb C42t, Dekalb C42Y, Dekalb E57, Goldrush, Pride, 051 61, Q5161 VR, Tx6I0SR and Yates 233. Severe yield depression (>50%) was observed in those cultivars that developed the red stripe and red leaf symptoms. The effect on cultivars producing mosaic symptoms ranged from tolerance (Tx610SR) to yield losses of ca 25%. Yield depression was primarily due to fewer grains per panicle and reduced grain weight. The number of panicles per ha was the least affected of the yield components. In most instances, the disease delayed maturity and decreased height. A virus-resistant cultivar (Q5161 VR) showed an increase in yield when inoculated with SCMV-Jg.
A comparison of sulphur fertilizers and sulphur seed pellets on a Stylosanthes guianensis pasture on a euchrozem in north Queensland
Authors: Gilbert MA , Shaw KA
Published: March 2005

Elemental sulphur, gypsum, superphosphate and seed pellets containing gypsum or elemental sulphur were compared as sulphur sources for the establishment of Stylosanthes guianensis cv. Endeavour in a glasshouse and a field experiment on a euchrozem soil near Mt. Surprise, north Queensland. At planting, both fine and granular forms of sulphur fertilizer were hand broadcast at rates which varied from 0 to 50 kg S ha-1. The gypsum and elemental sulphur seed pellets were made so that rates of from 0.1 to 20 kg S ha-1 were applied. In both experiments there was a clear response to sulphur application. In the glasshouse, broadcast gypsum was as effective as a gypsum pellet, and slightly superior to the elemental sulphur pellet in terms of legume sulphur concentration and yield. Over the three years of the field experiment, total legume yield increased from 4500 kg ha-1 to a maximum of 12,000 kg ha-1 in response to applied sulphur, but there were no differences between yields from the various forms of broadcast sulphur (elemental sulphur, gypsum and superphosphate). Sulphur pelleted onto the seed, however, was significantly better than the equivalent rate of broadcast sulphur.
Methiocarb as a bird repellent on wine grapes
Authors: Bailey PT , Smith G
Published: March 2005

An experimental bird repellent, rnethiocarb, was evaluated as a spray treatment for reducing damage to ripening grapes at Loxton, South Australia, by blackbirds (Turdus merula) and grey breasted silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis). Methiocarb was applied to three border rows in an effort to protect the entire vineyard from bird damage. Yields and the incidence of bird damage on treated and untreated sides of a vineyard were compared. One application of rnethiocarb at the rate of 1.9 kg a.i. ha-1 four weeks before harvest protected the entire side of the vineyard from damage. Grapes on the treated side of the vineyard were either undamaged, or showed minor pecking; most bunches of grapes in untreated border rows were damaged. Yields from treated border rows were about double those from untreated border rows. Methiocarb residues of 1.3 ppm were recovered from Gordo grapes 28 days after harvest. There was no evidence that methiocarb killed any birds. Before border row treatment with methiocarb can be commercially recommended, more extensive observations need to be made to determine whether birds learn to fly over the treated rows. Also, the effects of methiocarb on fermentation need to be studied.
The use of ethephon in advancing red colour in the apple cultivar Tydeman Early
Authors: Jones KM
Published: March 2005

A trial in the Huon Valley of southern Tasmania in 1976 showed that ethephon sprays applied seven days prior to harvest strongly advanced the red colouration of the apple cultivar Tydeman Early. Urea sprayed with the ethephon did not have a synergistic effect on apple colour as suggested for other types of fruit. In a second trial in 1977, sprays were applied two, one and zero weeks before the normal date of first picking, and the fruit harvested one week after spraying. At the first harvest the percentages of fruit in the economically important colour category (61-100% red) were 8.5, 39.9, 53.4 and 60.4 in the 0, 100, 200 and 300 ppm ethephon treatments, respectively. The 100 ppm spray was better than the control (P < 0.001), and 200 ppm was better than 100 ppm, (P < 0.05) ;the 300 ppm spray was not significantly better than 200 ppm. The 200 ppm treatment achieved the over 50% target in the high colour category at the first harvest. Even at the third harvest, fruit on unsprayed trees was not red enough for a one-pick harvest. Treatments reduced yield through an increase in windfalls from 12 to 22% as the ethephon concentration increased from 0 to 300 ppm. No effect on mean fruit size was detected. No commercially important quality problems arose during storage although there was a small overall incidence of slight core rots. This work leads to a recommendation that in Tasmania 200 ppm ethephon should be sprayed two weeks prior to the normal first pick, allowing the complete harvest of marketable fruit one week prior to normal first pick. A stop-drop spray such as NAA or 245TP should be sprayed with the ethephon to reduce abscission losses. Storage is recommended as a method of bridging the supply gap between Tydeman Early and mid-season cultivars.
Nematode parasite control in weaner cattle on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales
Authors: Bowen FL
Published: March 2005

An indication of the extent to which parasite infection can limit production in yearling cattle was studied by comparing a monthly treatment with cambendazole with non-treated control cattle. In the same experiment the technique of limiting parasite infections by alternate grazing of pastures by sheep and cattle was studied. Growth rate of monthly treated cattle (0.667 kg day-1) was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than for untreated cattle (0.421 kg day-1) over the 12-month period of the trial. The mortality of 12.5% in untreated animals was avoided by regular treatment. These two factors resulted in a marked financial advantage to monthly treated cattle. Ostertagia ostertagi, as the major nematode involved, produced production losses primarily in the spring and early summer periods. The alternation of sheep and cattle grazing gave an advantage over set stocked cattle in both liveweight gain and financial returns, but did not prevent mortalities in untreated cattle.
Reproductive performance of Shorthorn and Brahman crossbred cows in the dry tropics of north Queensland
Authors: Holroyd RG , O'Rourke PK , Allan PJ
Published: March 2005

A study was made (1 970 to 1973) of the reproductive performance of Shorthorn and Brahman crossbred cows grazing pasture in the dry tropics of north Queensland. Breed had a variable effect on the conception rates of lactating cows, with Brahman crossbreds having significantly higher (P < 0.05) conception rates in the first year. The two breeds had similar conception rates in the following year. In the third year, overall conception rates of both breeds were reduced due to a prolonged dry season, with Shorthorn cows having significantly higher (P < 0.01) conception rates than Brahman cows. However, during this dry period, twice as many Shorthorn cows required survival feeding as did Brahman cows. Calving rates followed conception rates closely, prenatal loss in each breed being low. In all years, Shorthorns had significantly earlier (P < 0.05) calving dates than Brahmans. The interval from calving to first recorded ovarian activity was significantly longer (P < 0.05) in Brahman cross than in Shorthorn cows in only one of the three years. There was no significant difference between breeds for the interval from first recorded ovarian activity to conception, but this interval decreased with increasing age of the cow. Breed had a variable effect on gestation length. Brahman cows were generally heavier each year in April and in better condition throughout the experimental period than Shorthorn cows.
Growth rates of British breed calves in central Australia
Authors: Low WA , Wood JT
Published: March 2005

Data were collected on 2649 Shorthorn and Hereford calves under six months old at three sites in central Australia between 1970 and 1976. Growth rates averaged 0.59 kg day-1 over the six-month interval after the calves were tagged, and 0.46 kg day-1 in the following six-month interval. There were significant differences between sites. Regression analysis showed the rate of growth was significantly affected by season, sex and forage abundance. Steers outgained heifers by 0.06 kg day-1 in the first interval (about 6 to 12 months old), and by 0.11 kg day-1 in the second interval (about 12 to 18 months old). Calves born in autumn and spring had the best growth rates. Growth rates up to 0.85 kg day-1 during a period of good forage conditions are comparable with rates of gain on improved pasture in temperate higher rainfall areas of Australia. Growth rates were highest but most variable on the light soiled site with mainly ephemeral forage, lowest at the mulga-perennial grass site and were least variable at the site with mixed annual and perennial forage. This suggests that modified nomadic use during good seasons would be the most effective use of range communities with variable productivity.
Production, composition and manufacturing properties of milk from dairy cows fed hay and silages made from either wilted herbage or formaldehyde-treated herbage
Authors: Valentine SC , Wickes RB
Published: March 2005

Hay, normal silage, and silages prepared from herbage either treated with formaldehyde at 0.8% of the dry matter (DM) ('formaldehyde silage') or wilted to 31 % DM ('wilted silage') were all made from grass/clover herbage cut at the same time. Dairy cows were offered the feeds ad libitum together with 4.5 kg of a barley-meatmeal concentrate daily. The chemical composition, digestibility and DM intake of the feeds together with the production, composition and manufacturing properties of the milk were determined. Compared with normal silage, the formaldehyde silage and wilted silage had lower concentrations of total titratable acids, butyric acid and lactic acid. The DM intakes (g day-1kg -0.75 by COWS of normal silage (126.7) and wilted silage (133.7) were higher than those of formaldehyde silage (114.0) and hay (103.6). The yield of milk fat (kg day-1) was greater for the cows offered wilted silage (0.62) and hay (0.62) than for cows offered normal silage (0.58). The yield of milk protein (kg day-1) was greater for the cows offered wilted silage (0.54) and hay (0.54) than for those offered formaldehyde silage (0.50) and normal silage (0.47). The percentages of milk protein and solids not fat, respectively, were greater for the cows offered wilted silage (3.37, 8.83), formaldehyde silage (3.30, 8.83) and hay (3.30, 8.89) than for those offered normal silage (3.1 5, 8.61). No differences were found between treatments in the heat stability characteristics of the milk. However, the milk of cows fed normal silage produced a firmer rennet curd than the milk from cows fed hay, wilted silage or formaldehyde silage. Cows offered normal silage, formaldehyde silage, wilted silage and hay had liveweight gains (kg day-1) of 0.1 6, 0.35, 0.86 and 0.04, respectively. It is concluded that although the milk fat and protein production of cows fed wilted silage and hay were similar, dairy farmers may prefer to feed wilted silage to dairy cows especially in late lactation, because of the ability of the cows to consume more wilted silage and consequently increase liveweight in preparation for the next lactation.
The effect of four schemes of parasite control on production in Merino wether weaners in two environments
Authors: Johnstone IL , Darvill FM , Bowen FL , Butler RW , Smart KE , Pearson IG
Published: March 2005

The effect on wool production and liveweight changes of four parasite control programs, differing only in the number and timing of anthelmintic treatments, was compared in two experiments. In one program (Salvage), only individual clinically affected sheep were treated, to avert death. In a summer rainfall environment, increases in wool production of 18.4, 25.0 and 34.2% above the Salvage control scheme were recorded, respectively, for Curative (4 thiabendazole, 1 rafoxanide), Preventive (5 thiabendazole, 5 rafoxanide) and Suppressive (11 thiabendazole, 5 rafoxanide) programs of control. In the area of dominantly winter rainfall, the increases in wool production over the Salvage scheme were 17.9, 26.4 and 45.9 % for the Curative, Preventive and Suppressive programs, involving 3, 3 and 11 treatments with thiabendazole, respectively. The three treatments in the Curative program were given 3, 0 and 1 month later than in the Preventive program. Liveweight gains followed a similar pattern to wool production, but with some compensatory gain in the spring at the lower levels of control in the summer rainfall environment. The final gains were 17.4, 20.7, 23.7 and 24.7 kg in the first experiment, and 12.3, 18.3, 19.5 and 22.6 in the second experiment, for the four schemes of parasite control. The high level of production resulting from the Suppressive program was attributed to the reduction of the contamination/reinfection cycle to a low level. The experimental design involved thorough replication and required that different treatment groups be grazed separately so as to facilitate the measurement of true production differences.
Improvement of native pasture with Townsville stylo in the dry tropics of sub-coastal northern Queensland
Authors: Gillard P
Published: March 2005

The results of a grazing experiment in which Townsville stylo was oversown into native pasture in sub-coastal northern Queensland are reported. The region receives 650 mm average annual rainfall compared with >850 mm at other experimental sites where Townsville stylo has been tested under grazing. The experiment included three treatments in a factorial combination: timber clearing or not, application of 125 kg ha-1 superphosphate or not and stocking rates of 0.4 and 0.2 beasts ha-1. The yield of Townsville stylo depended on treatments and annual rainfall but was generally low in this environment. Over the ten year period of the experiment the pastures remained dominated by Heteropogon contortus and Bothriochloa bladhii, and there was no invasion of annual grasses. Clearing of the timber increased the pasture yield by 77%. There was no regrowth of trees after clearing. Within each year cattle gained weight in the wet season, when pasture quality was high, and lost weight in the dry season, when pasture quality declined. Mean liveweight gain over all treatments was correlated (r = 0.97) with the length of the growing season. A significant response in liveweight gain to fertilizer occurred only in years of average or above rainfall when there was also a response in Townsville stylo yield. The effect was due to increased gains during the wet season; there were no differences in liveweight gain during the dry season, when Townsville stylo became decomposed. Significantly greater liveweight losses occurred on the heavily stocked treatments during the dry season of drought years. The yield of Townsville stylo in the early years of the experiment was significantly higher on the cleared treatments and there was a corresponding response in liveweight gains in the wet season during this period. Liveweight losses in the dry season were also significantly higher on the timbered treatments in years of drought. The powerful influence of climatic variation on the treatments places reservations on their practical application. The increased pasture yield from tree clearing is likely to be a benefit to cattle only in years of drought. The responses to superphosphate fertilizer only in years of high rainfall suggests that its use is unlikely to be profitable on Townsville stylo based pastures in this environment.
Laboratory analyses of the nutritional value of western Queensland browse feeds
Authors: McDonald WJF , Ternouth JH
Published: March 2005

Seventy samples of browse feeds, collected during late autumn and spring of 1971 from 42 western Queensland shrubs and trees, were subjected to laboratory analyses of the proximate fractions and in vitro digestibility. Crude protein, crude fibre and nitrogen-free-extract fractions ranged between 65 and 242, 55 and 353 and 425 and 71 1 g kg-1 dry matter, repectively. The in vitro dry matter digestibility coefficients ranged between 0.22 and 0.86. Comparisons of 15 browse feeds collected in April-May and October indicated a higher crude protein content (P < 0.05) and in vitro digestibility (P .= 0.01) and lower crude fibre (P < 0.01) and ash (P < 0.01 ) content in spring samples for most species. Nine browse feeds of known in vivo dry matter and organic matter digestibility were subjected to in vitro digestibility analysis. Whilst the in vitro and in vivo dry matter digestibilities were similar (0.43 and 0.45, respectively) the mean in vitro organic matter digestibility was substantially lower than the corresponding in vivo digestibility (0.40 and 0.46, respectively).
Variability in the chemical composition of cereal straws and in vitro digestibility with and without sodium hydroxide treatment
Authors: Pearce GR , Beard J , Hilliard EP
Published: March 2005

A total of 28 samples of wheat, oat and barley straws showed a wide range in concentration of nitrogen, ash, gross energy, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, residual ash, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and phosphorus. Four straws that had suffered rain damage before collection ranged in in vitro organic matter digestibility from 25 to 34%, compared with 30 to 49% for the other straws; after treatment with 6 g NaOH per 100 g dry matter the ranges were 42 to 46% and 43 to 62%, respectively. The need to determine the effects of the various factors affecting straw quality is emphasized.
The occurrence and control of yellow spot of wheat in north-eastern Australia
Authors: Rees RG , Platz GJ
Published: March 2005

Explanations were sought for the increased severity of yellow spot of wheat (Pyrenophora tritici-repentis) in the north-eastern wheat growing areas of Australia. A close association between the severity of yellow spot and stubble management practices was found in a field experiment. There was less disease in plots where stubble had been burned (0.83 lesions per leaf) or burned and cultivated (0.62) than in plots which were mechanically cultivated (2.43) or untreated (11.75). In another study severe yellow spot developed as early as in the second wheat crop in a rotation. Differences in susceptibility to the disease were found among 11 wheat cultivars and lines. Vigorous development of the pathogen occurred on cereal rye and triticale while the fungus was isolated from small lesions on barley and four common grasses. Avoidance of planting wheat into infected wheat stubble, either by crop rotation or removal of surface stubble by incorporation or burning, should provide effective control of the disease in most situations.
Effect of pasture type and supplementary feeding on the milk yield of Shorthorn and Brahman cross cows and the growth rate of their progeny in the dry tropics of north Queensland
Authors: Holroyd RG , O'Rourke PK , Allan PJ
Published: March 2005

The milk yields of Brahman cross (Bx) or Shorthorn (Sh) cows and the birth weight and growth rate of their progeny to weaning were recorded over the four years 1970-73. Animals grazed either native pasture stocked at 1 breeder 4.9 ha-1 (NP) or native pasture oversown with Townsville stylo (Stylosanthes humilis) and fertilized with superphosphate and stocked at 1 breeder 2.4 ha-1 (TS). The animals on both pasture types were offered supplements of molasses, urea and phosphorus at various times of the year. Mating from September 1 to January 31 resulted in the cows commencing lactation during the dry season. Bx cows bore heavier calves than the Sh cows and had higher average daily milk yields. Bx calves grew faster from birth to weaning and were heavier at 180 days (P < 0.05 in both cases). Pasture type had a variable effect on milk yield in the two genotypes. Sh cows produced more milk on TS than on NP in all years (P < 0.05 for years 1 and 3). However, milk yields from the Bx were higher on NP than on TS in years 1 and 2 (P < 0.05 for year 1). Pasture type had little effect on birth weight but calves on TS generally grew faster and had higher weaning weights than those on NP. Supplements only increased milk yields in year 1 (P < 0.05 for urea and phosphorus fed during the dry season). Supplements caused no significant increases in birth weight, average daily gain (ADG), or weaning weight. In all years there were significant (P < 0.01) correlations of ADG with milk yield, birth weight and weaning weights. Male calves weighed more at birth and grew faster than female calves (P< 0.05)