bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The pre-natal development of the coat of the New Zealand Romney lamb
Authors: Galpin Nancy
Published: March 2009

V. Summary

For the purpose of describing the development of the Romney lambs’ coats it was found convenient to divide the skin into six areas, A, B, C, D, E and F, each being formed by the grouping of all regions that develop at the same time and rate.

These areas are determined by the following methods:

1. All regions whereXandYfollicles begin growth at the same time belong to the same area.

2. All regions attaining the trio stage of development at the same time belong to the same area.
A note on the effect of lime and calcium carbonate supplementation on the nutritive value of paddy (Oryza sativa) straw
Authors: Nath K. , Sahai K. , Kehar N. D.
Published: March 2009

In an experiment on nine Kumaoni bullocks, the effect of supplementing paddy straw rations with calcium carbonate or lime was studied. The digestion coefficients of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and total carbohydrates and balances of nitrogen and phosphorus were not significantly affected by such supplementation; the calcium balances were significantly improved. It is concluded that supplementation of paddy straw rations with calcium carbonate (which is cheap and easier to handle), or with slaked lime, can be used with advantage in combating the problem of negative calcium balances frequently encountered on paddy straw rations. Incorporation of a small quantity of wheat bran (about 4 oz) helps in meeting the phosphorus requirement of adult animals.
A widespread occurrence of xanthin calculi in sheep
Authors: Easterfield T. H. , Rigg T. , Askew H. O. , Bruce J. A.
Published: March 2009

The occurrence of xanthin calculi in the kidneys of sheep on certain poor pastures on the Moutere Hills in the Nelson district is reported and described. The incidence of xanthin calculi is associated with poor stock results over large areas. Poor lambing returns, high mortality of stock in certain seasons, low milk yields and inability to fatten stock are common features of many farms on the Moutere Hills soil. On one small farm, grazing 120 sheep, no less than 12 sheep which have died or have been killed during the last six months have had calculi in the kidneys.

The Moutere Hills soil type is shown to be highly deficient in both lime and phosphate. Great increase in crop production invariably accompanies the application of lime and phosphate to the land.
The Effect of Irrigation on Soil Salts at the Gezira Research Farm, Wad Medani, Sudan
Authors: Greene H. , Peto R. H. K.
Published: March 2009

In order to ascertain whether subsoil salts moved upwards under the influence of irrigation an elaborate investigation was carried out at the Gezira Kesearch Farm, Medani. It wasfound that the small apparent changes which occur under normal irrigation and cultivation are largely due to swelling and shrinking of the surface soil occasioned by changes in moisture content and to mechanical disturbance and settling which depend on cultivation. Apart from these apparent changes there may be a small downward movement of salt through the soil material; there is no upward movement.
High level cereal diets for the growing/finishing pig: III. A comparison with a control diet of diets containing high levels of maize, flaked maize, sorghum, wheat and barley
Authors: Lawrence T. L. J.
Published: March 2009

In a randomized block experiment, seventy-two Large White type weaner pigs (thirty-six hogs and thirty-six gilts) were individually and restrictedly fed to 200 lb live weight six diets (as wet mashes). Five of these diets contained high levels (85 % in the starter diets and 90 % in the finisher diets) of either maize, flaked maize, sorghum, wheat or barley. The sixth diet, which acted as the control diet for the experiment, was similar to the barley diet except that 25 % of weatings replaced a similar percentage of barley. A further three groups of six litter-mate hog pigs per group were used to measure the digestibility of these diets.

For the starter diets the maize diet had the highest digestible energy content, for the finisher diets the highest values were for the wheat and sorghum diets which in turn were similar to each other. The digestible energy content of the flaked maize diet was higher than the contents of the barley and control diets but lower than the contents determined for the other three diets.

Three of the pigs fed the sorghum diet developed leg weaknesses and this affected growth rate and food conversion efficiency. The symptoms suggested a pantothenic acid deficiency but the results of assays carried out on all the diets indicated that the condition was not necessarily due to a deficiency of this vitamin. Growth rates in the starter period (up to 115 lb) did not differ significantly between diets but food conversion for the maize and barley diets was significantly superior to that for the wheat and sorghum diets. In the finisher period growth rate and food conversion efficiency for the maize and wheat diets was significantly superior compared with that for the other four diets. Overall, from start to slaughter, the maize diet was significantly superior to the flaked maize, sorghum and control diets in both these parameters of performance. The energetic efficiencies of growth tended to be poorer for those diets with the better food conversion ratios, the best efficiency being for the control diet.

Carcass length differences were not significant but backfat thickness and eye muscle area differences followed closely the pattern found for lean and fat content of the carcass. In this context the highest percentages of lean were found first in the control and, secondly, in the barley treatment carcasses. Some differences were found in the development of anatomical regions and tissues within these regions. In particular, and relative to the five other diets, there were in the control diet carcasses (1) higher percentages formed by the leg and shoulder and (2) a higher percentage of lean in the middle.
Mineralizable-N in the soil under various leys and its effect on the yields of following wheat
Authors: Gasser J. K. R.
Published: March 2009

Soil samples taken in the autumn after ploughing ryegrass, clover, and ryegrass/clover leys were used to measure the mineral-N (ammonium-N + nitrate-N) in the fresh soil (mineral-Nfresh), the increase in mineral-N on incubating the fresh soils (Δmineral-Nfresh), and the increase in mineral-N on incubating the re-wetted air-dry soils (Δmineral -Nair-dry). Mineral-Nfresh and Δ mineral-Nair-dry were measured on further soil samples taken the following spring. Values of Δmineral-Nair-dry, not only correlated best with grain yields and N uptakes by wheat without fertilizer-N, but also with yield responses and fertilizer-N recovered from fertilizer-N applied to the winter wheat.

Treatment of the ley altered measurements on samples taken in the autumn but not those taken the following spring.

Soil samples taken in the autumn 1960 from under three-year grass leys were used to measure mineral-Nfresh, Δ mineral-Nfresh and Δ mineral-Nair-dry Spring wheat was grown in 1961 followed by spring barley in 1962. Further soil samples were taken in spring 1962 after cultivations were complete and before the barley was sown or fertilizers applied.

A mineral-Nair-dry was the best measurement to use on soils from under grass leys. Values depended on grass species, and were increased by N applied to the ley. Differences had largely disappeared 18 months later. A mineral-Nalr.dry was positively correlated with grain yields of spring wheat grown both with and without fertilizer-N, and with the yield response or the nitrogen recovered from, a dressing of 56 lb N/acre.

With fertilizer-N yields of winter wheat after the mixed leys tended to the same maximum value independently ofmineralizable-N in the soil. After grass leys maximum yields of spring wheat given fertilizer-N increased with increasing mineralizable-N in the soil.
The metabolizable energy of field beans (Vicia Faba L.) for poultry
Authors: Carpenter K. J. , Johnson C. L.
Published: March 2009

Although beans are grown primarily because samples they are richer in protein than the cereal grains, the energy they contribute to mixed diets is also important. An unpublished computer calculation of least-cost formulae for laying hen diets has indicated that if two samples of bean meal were of the same composition, except that one had 300 kcal/lb more metabolizable energy (M. E.) than the other, its worth would be more than £3/ton greater. The actual range of values taken for bean meals in this country is considerably wider than 300 kcal/lb. Bolton (1963) lists a value of 830 kcal/lb, whilst Bolton (1967) lists 1400 kcal/lb. Titus (1955) lists 610 and 640 kcal/lb though specifying that these values refer to navy beans and pinto beans respectively (both being Phaseolus vulgaris). Bletner, Chalhoub & Geff (1963) were unable to find any published value for ‘horse’ or ‘field’ beans as (i. e. Vicia faba), the type normally used for animal feeding in Britain.
Protein content of spring and winter varieties of field beans (Vicia faba L.) sown and harvested on the same dates
Authors: Bond D. A. , Toynbee-clarke Gillian
Published: March 2009

When both spring and winter varieties of field beans were entered in the same trial, sown on the same date (in the spring) and harvested on the same date, the seeds of spring varieties had mean crude protein contents which were higher than those of winter varieties by 3·1 ± 0·9% in the first trial, 2·8 ± 0·7% in the second trial, and 2·9 ± 0·3% in the third trial.
The weight of the thyroid and pituitary glands and its relationship with rate of gain in beef steers
Authors: Luitingh H. C.
Published: March 2009

The daily live-weight gain of beef steers was not correlated with the weight of the pituitary gland. In the case of the thyroid gland a significant correlation was found between the absolute weight of the gland and the rate of gain. No correlation, however, was found between the relative weight of the thyroid gland and the rate of gain of the steers.

A highly significant correlation was found between the weight of both the pituitary and thyroid glands and the live weight of the steers (r = 0·44 and r = 0·55 respectively), and the slope of the regression lines showed that the weight of the pituitary gland varied with the power of 0·34 of live weight (0·34% increase in the weight of the pituitary for every 1% increase in live weight) whilst the weight of the thyroid gland varied with the power of 0·89 of the live weight.

No correlation was found between the weight of the pituitary and thyroid glands. The average weight of the pituitary was 1·89, 2·11 and 2·19 g. and the average weight of the thyroid was 16·81, 20·24 and 22·65 g. for steers of 14, 26 and 38 months respectively. The average live weights of the steers in the age groups concerned were 791, 893 and 1071 lb. respectively.
Some aspects and methods of soil survey work
Authors: Hardy F.
Published: March 2009

(1) Soil surveys are classified into (i) preliminary reconnaissance surveys, (ii) broad ecological surveys, (iii) detailed physiological-ecological surveys, and (iv) special-purposes surveys. The objects of each are briefly discussed.

(2) Particular consideration is given to the methods of physiological ecology, which attempt to assess the chief soil factors controlling plant growth.

(3) Soil factors are grouped into (A) static factors, which do not fluctuate appreciably during a growing season, and (B) dynamic factors that may exhibit marked fluctuations within a season, or during years when climatic conditions vary.
Chick rearing: VII. The control of epidemic bacillary white diarrhoea
Authors: Mann T. Barton
Published: March 2009

A feeding test performed on Hanns Hall Farm chicks demonstrates that a diet conducive to intestinal putrefaction fed to chicks after 14 days from birth initiates an epidemic of bacillary white diarrhoea (pullorum disease).

If is proposed that measures for the control of epidemic bacillary white diarrhoea of chicks (pullorum disease), which consist of the detection and removal of reacting hens from the flock by means of a diagnostic and sensitive antigen, cannot be effective unless accompanied by an alteration in nutrition for the purpose of reducing intestinal putrefaction.

Experiments at this laboratory show that the agglutination test for bacillary white diarrhoea cannot differentiate between fowls which produce diseased chicks and fowls which produce chicks resistant to disease.

Experiments at this laboratory show that B. pullorum as a potential pathogen does not remain viable to an extent that it is able to produce bacillary white diarrhoea in chicks from an incubator or brooder which has held diseased hatches or broods, respectively.
Digestion and nitrogen conservation in cattle and buffaloes given rice straw with or without molasses
Authors: Abdullah N. , Nolan J. V. , Mahyuddin M. , Jalaludin S.
Published: March 2009

Using [14C]urea, the rates of urea synthesis in the body, excretion in the urine and degradation in the rumen and gut were compared in 20-month-old Kedah-Kelantan cattle and swamp buffaloes at the Universiti Pertanian Malaysia, Malaysia in 1987. The animals were fed rice straw or straw plus molasses.

The buffaloes were heavier than the cattle and had higher straw and nitrogen intakes, although these intakes did not differ significantly when compared on the basis of metabolic liveweight (W0·75).

Rumen pH in the buffaloes was lower, whereas ammonia and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations were higher than in the cattle. Total VFA concentration was lower when the diet contained molasses. Rumen bicarbonate kinetics did not differ significantly between species or diets.

There were no significant differences between species in plasma urea concentration, or urea synthesis rate per W0·75, or endogenous urea movement into the rumen per W0·75.

The buffaloes consumed more water and discharged twice as much urine as the cattle, but nevertheless excreted less urea per W0·75, and a larger fraction of their endogenously produced urea entered the gut. Movement of urea into the rumen per W0·75 was lower when the diet contained molasses.
Effect of rebreeding on lamb production
Authors: Sharafeldin M. A. , Ragab M. T. , Ramadan I. A.
Published: March 2009

This experiment was carried out in a newly reclaimed desert area south-west of Alexandria. The purpose was to study the effect of breeding Barki ewes more than once per year on body weights and mortality rates of their lambs. Lambs were weighed 24 h after birth and at the ages of 1, 2, 2·5 (weaning age), 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 12 months.

The experiment comprised three groups of single-born lambs of both sexes. The first group included 385 lambs born (in October–November) to ewes lambing once per year; tho second group comprised 155 lambs born (in January–February) to ewes lambing twice in twelve months and the third comprised 102 lambs also born in January–February to ewes lambing thrice in two consecutive years.

Lambs born to ewes lambing once were heavier from the age of 1 month to the age of 5 months than lambs born to ewes lambing twice in the same year or three times in two consecutive years. However, the three groups of lambs did not significantly differ in their body weights from 5 to 12 months of age.

Rebreedi ng did not significantly affect the mortality rate of lambs at the three studied ago periods, i.e. from birth to 1 month of age, from 1 month to weaning and from weaning to the age of 12 months.

Sex had a significant effect on body weights of lambs but did not affect their mortality rates.
The effects of live weight on the ovarian response to pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin and on embryo mortality in the ewe
Authors: Guerra J. C. , Thwaites C. J. , Edey T. N.
Published: March 2009

Despite the fact that early embryo mortality commonly leads to the loss of 25% of fertilized ova in ewes (Edey, 1969), little is known of factors associated with this loss. Severe, acute undernutrition (Edey, 1966) and high ambient temperatures (Dutt, Ellington & Carlton, 1959) are specific factors which are known to cause embryo death, but these do not normally occur in most sheep producing areas.
Sulphur as a nutrient for Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) seedlings and radish (Raphanus sativus) grown on a sandy podzol in England
Authors: Bolton J. , Benzian Blanche
Published: March 2009

Experiments with Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) seedlings grown on an acid sandy podzol at Wareham, Dorset, England showed that sulphur fertilizers improved the colour but not the height of the crop and increased sulphur concentrations in the needles above those considered by Ingestad (1962) to indicate sulphur deficiency for Norway spruce (Picea abies). Spruce seedlings grown on other soils (Oxford and Woburn) contained more sulphur than those grown at Wareham. Sulphur concentrations in transplants of both species were generally less when S-free basal fertilizers were used.

Radish (Raphanus sativus) experiments confirmed that Wareham soil was low in available sulphur. Increased yields were obtained from elemental sulphur treatments during the springs of 1968 and 1969, but not the summer months, when more sulphur may have been mineralized in the warmer soil. Wareham is in an area with less sulphur in the rain and atmosphere than most other parts of England.
Microscopic observations on the muzzle skin of buffaloes (Bos bubalis)
Authors: Chandra G. , Bharadwaj M. B.
Published: March 2009

Sections of muzzle skin were studied from twelve Murrah buffaloes including seven females and five males ranging from 1½ years to mature animals up to 7 years old. The 130–1350 μ thick epidermis of muzzle rested on a PAS positive, argyrophilic basement membrane. The stratum lucidum was lacking. The stratum granulosum could not be identified in some animals. In such animals, a wavy, deeply eosinophilic layer was seen in the area of stratum granulosum and stratum lucidum.

Lamellated nerve endings, 40–45 μ in diameter, and arteriovenous anastomoses, frequently appeared in the reticular layer of the muzzle dermis.

The muzzle glands were lobulated, compound tubuloacinar and resembled the salivary glands morphologically. Their acini were strongly PAS reactive and acidic mucopolysaccharide positive. While intercellular secretory canaliculi were present, myoepithelial cells could not be observed. It is suggested that fine bundles of striated muscle fibres which run perpendicular to the skin surface might function to expel gland secretions. Most gland-cell nuclei were intensely Feulgen reactive and the cells revealed a moderate alkaline phosphatase activity. The intralobular duct system of the muzzle glands consisted of PAS negative intercalated ducts and mildly PAS reactive striated tubules. The simple cuboidal to columnar epithelium of the striated tubule changed to pseudostratified columnar type toward the larger interlobular ducts which were lined by stratified columnar epithelium. Toward their opening, the excretory ducts had stratified squamous epithelium. The lumina of the ducts frequently contained PAS positive and colloidal iron reactive secretory mass.
Estimation of herbage intake from nitrogen, copper, magnesium and silicon concentrations in faeces
Authors: McManus W. R. , Dudzinski M. L. , Arnold G. W.
Published: March 2009

1. Data from eleven forages fed in digestibility trials were used to obtain statistical relations between organic matter intake (I), faecal dry matter output (F) and the concentration of nitrogen (N), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg) and silicon (Si) in faecal dry matter.

2. Exploration of multiple regressions using all variables, and their products, gave a prediction relationship with four variables that was slightly better than that for nitrogen alone, as obtained by Arnold & Dudzinski (1963). FN and the products of(FN × FCu) and (FN × FSi) were the contributing variables. The eleven forages could not be brought into a single expression.
A note on the production of premature sprouting in the potato, and its application to the study of virus diseases
Authors: Salaman Redcliffe N.
Published: March 2009

Workers on Virus Diseases of the Potato labour under a disadvantage inasmuch as they are frequently confronted with the difficulty of obtaining positive results of infection in one and the same season. Moreover, tubers resulting from a plant which has been artificially infected in one season, retain the secret of the success or otherwise of the operation until adult plants have been grown from them in the succeeding year. Any method which will sensibly curtail this long waiting period is welcome. As long ago as 1788, Joseph Webb, writing on “Curl” in potatoes, recommended that a sample of the seed-tubers intended for planting in the following season should be planted in a hot-bed before Christmas, and that if 2 per cent, or more of the plants exhibited Curl, the stock should be destroyed.
The scientific basis of rationing animals
Authors: Wood T. B. , Capstick J. W.
Published: March 2009

Four years ago one of us(1) propounded a method of computing rations for all classes of farm animals on the basis of a maintenance ration related to the animal's live-weight plus a production ration estimated in accordance with the amount and kind of product—such as live-weight increase, work, milk—which the animal is expected to produce. This method is on the same lines as the modern method of computing rations for milch cows which is based on Kellner's work (2). It has been used in practice for the last four years and has been found to be successful, not only as a practical method of computing rations, but more especially as a logical and intelligible method of teaching students. For this latter purpose it is a great advance over the learning of standard rations since it appeals rather to the reasoning powers than to the memory. In view of these considerations, the method has been incorporated in Rations for Livestock (3). Much of the time of the Staff of the Cambridge Animal Nutrition Institute has been devoted, during the last four years, to investigations designed to fill the gaps in our knowledge of the basal metabolism, the maintenance requirement, and the production requirement of farm animals.
Analytical Yield Investigations on New Zealand Wheat: II. Five Years' Analytical Variety Trials.
Authors: Frankel O. H.
Published: March 2009

The task of wheat growing in New Zealand is limited to providing for the needs of a population of 1½ million. Owing to the long distance from other wheat-growing countries it is considered essential for the Dominion to remain independent in its supply of wheat and flour. A sliding scale duty fixes the price of wheat at a level sufficiently remunerative to the grower to insure the production of approximately the required amount. Since 1927, when this duty was introduced, the area under wheat has varied between 236,000 and 302,000 acres, and the annual production between 6½ and 11 million bushels. The requirements for flour milling, seed and stock food being slightly less than 9 million bushels, shortages due to unfavourable seasons are covered by the carry-over from the previous season, and/or by importation. It is only in seasons of excessive yields that export of wheat becomes necessary. Under the compulsory pooling system in force since 1932·3, losses due to the difference between local and export prices are distributed amongst all the wheat growers in the Dominion.
The response of the carrot to water supply and fertilizer on a gravel soil
Authors: Woodman Rowland Marcus , Johnson Delphine Ainslie
Published: March 2009

An experiment designed to show the effects of a complete fertilizer and of water applied extra to the rainfall on the yield of carrots grown on a gravel soil in good heart, has demonstrated that the fertilizer mixture was entirely without effect. The interaction water level × fertilizer was not significant, so that the increases in yield of carrot roots (increases which were 61·46 and 127·5 ― above the mean of the plots for rainfall only in the case of the total crop, and 61·73 and 111·5 ― for ware carrots, for 3 and 6 in. of water extra to the rainfall, respectively) were due entirely to the additional water. The response in yield of the roots of the total crop and of ware to the second application of extra water showed no falling off compared with the response to the first extra application. There was evidence to prove that additional water caused heavier infestation of the roots by aphis.
Rapid method of standardization of the density of bull semen
Authors: Kyaw M. H.
Published: March 2009

1. An accurate method of estimating the density of spermatozoa in a suspension by the haemocytometer is described.

2. A rapid method of estimating the density of a semen sample by the use of Brown's opacity tubes is given. There is a simple linear relation between opacity and density, the latter expressed in terms of millions of spermatozoa per ml. being approximately five times the opacity standard.

3. The rapid method is sufficiently accurate for use in insemination centres.
Changes in the body composition and efficiency of mature sheep during loss and regain of live weight
Authors: Keenan D. M. , McManus W. R. , Freer M.
Published: March 2009

The body composition of eight Merino wethers was estimated from the tritiated water (TOH) space and live weight at intervals during a cross-over experiment in which they were fed to either maintain a uniform live weight (about 34 kg) or to lose and, later, recover live weight over a 17-week period. The diet was a pelleted mixture of lucerne and wheat.

The multiple regression equations used for these estimates were established from the chemical analysis of 24 sheep, including six from the cross-over experiment, which were killed at intervals during these two feeding regimens. The inclusion of TOH space in addition to live weight in the regression equations decreased the standard error of the estimates of body water, fat and energy by two-thirds. Correction of TOH space and live weight for gut water did not increase the precision of the equations.

Shoop which ate, during the first 4 weeks of the experiment, one-third of the amount of food required to maintain their original live weight, lost 16% of their weight and 30% of their total body energy. This weight loss consisted of 45% water, 39% fat and 13% protein. It appeared that tissue was mobilized inefficiently to meet a sudden energy deficit.

When food was offered ad lib. to these sheep after they had maintained a liveweight deficit of about 11 kg for 8 weeks, they regained their weight in 5 weeks but only 75% of their energy deficit. This was due to the high content of water (60%) and low content of fat (23%) in the regained tissue.

The sheep that lost weight and then recovered it were, over-all, about 86% as efficient in their use of food to maintain body energy and produce wool as the sheep that maintained their original weight.
The progeny testing of dairy bulls—a comparison of tests on father and son
Authors: Robertson Alan
Published: March 2009

1. A comparison has been made of the progenytest figures for father and son in the Friesian breed.

2. There was a significant regression of contemporary comparison of son on contemporary comparison of father (0·22) and on r.b.v. of father (16·4 lb. per unit of r.b.v.), though both figures were about one-quarter lower than expected. The observed figures were consistent with a heritability of heifer yield of 0·19. The regression of contemporary comparison of son on the average production of the herds in which his half-sibs were milked was small and not significantly different from zero.

3. For fat content, the regression of son's daughter average on father's daughter average was 0·32, in agreement with expectation.

4. A less-detailed analysis for the Ayrshire breed on the above points gave essentially similar results.

5. The possible extent of selection on the basis of progeny-test results was looked into. For yield, the selection was small, leading to a probable improvement of 1–2 gal. a year. For fat content, the probable increase was 0·01% a year.

6. A method is described for evaluating the progeny test of a son in relation to his father's own progeny-test results, which can serve as a method of combining the progeny-test figures from different bulls.
Composition, digestibility and nutritive value of samples of grassland products
Authors: Watson S. J. , Horton E. A.
Published: March 2009

The composition, digestibility coefficients and digestible nutrients of a large number of samples of fresh grass, silage, hay and artificially dried grass are tabulated. Curves have been prepared from these figures which enable the starch equivalent and protein equivalent to be obtained, by interpolation, from the value for crude protein determined by analysis.

The method of calculating the starch equivalent of artificially dried grass from the data for digestibility and composition is discussed with particular reference to the fibre correction factor. It is considered that this should be the same as that used for the fresh grass prior to drying.

A number of miscellaneous samples—mostly of home-grown foods—are included in the tables.
The effect of supplements of sucrose and of glucose monohydrate on the milk production and live weight of dairy cows
Authors: Broster W. H. , Sutton J. D. , Smith T. , Broster Valerie J. , Balch C. C.
Published: March 2009

Three experiments on the effects of sugars on milk production and live weight of cows are described. Two experiments each with twelve cows were of latin square design with 5-week periods. The third was a continuous treatment experiment of 11 weeks duration with twenty cows. All the animals were in mid-lactation. Performance on the basal diet of hay and concentrates was compared to that when the basal diet was supplemented with 10·7 Meal digestible energy daily in the form of sucrose or glucose monohydrate or concentrates.

Additional concentrates regularly increased milk yield, live-weight gain, solids-not-fat content of the milk, and yields of solids-not-fat and milk fat. Fat content of the milk was not affected.

Sucrose had a small beneficial effect on milk yield; the effect of glucose monohydrate on yield was small and indecisive. Sucrose depressed milk fat percentage; the effect of glucose on milk fat percentage varied between experiments. Both sugars increased solids-not-fat content of the milk, solids-not-fat yield, and rate of live-weight gain.

Over the longer treatment period in the third experiment milk fat content tended to recover partially for both sugar-supplemented rations. The effects on yield of milk and of milk fat did not alter. The effects on live-weight gain were established more decisively and the final order of the size of the beneficial effect of the supplements was: concentrates, glucose monohydrate, sucrose.

At the end of the third experiment rumen, contents from all cows were sampled by stomach tube. The concentrates supplement had no effect on the proportions of volatile fatty acids. Both sugars depressed the proportion of acetic acid and increased the proportions of propionic, butyric and valeric acids. In all cases except that of butyric acid, where the reverse occurred, the effect of sucrose was greater than that of glucose monohydrate.
Brahman cattle in a temperate environment:II. Adaptability and grazing behaviour
Authors: Moran J. B.
Published: March 2009

On seven separate occasions during a year, 24-h studies were made on the grazing behaviour of four ¾-bred Brahman and four purebred Hereford steers in the cool temperate New England region of northern N.S.W.

Although both breeds spent approximately the same time grazing, the Brahmans ruminated for shorter periods and thus had a lower ruminating time to grazing time ratio than the Herefords. No signs of cold stress were observed in either breed even though the dry bulb temperature frequently fell below freezing point. However, the Herefords sought shade more than the Brahmans when the black body temperature exceeded 32°C.

It is concluded that a climate such as that of New England, where winters are cold, should in no way adversely affect the performance of Brahman-type cattle, as judged by their behaviour.
Weed control in sugar beet with single and split applications of herbicides
Authors: Eddowes Maurice
Published: March 2009

Recent developments in chemical weed control in sugar beet have been reviewed. Two main approaches to the problem of providing reliable season-long control of annual weeds in sugar beet are, (a) the use of mixtures of herbicides applied pre-planting and incorporated into the soil during seed bed preparation, and (b) the use of split applications with a residual herbicide applied pre-emergence followed by a contact herbicide applied post-emergence.

The second approach (b) was examined in a series of field experiments from 1967 to 1969, on light to medium sandy loam soils in the West Midlands. Comparisons were made between pre-emergence application of lenacil and pyrazon, pre-emergence application of lenacil and pyrazon followed by post-emergence application of phenmedipham, and post-emergence application of phenmedipham for weed control in sugar beet.

Under dry soil conditions in April 1967, lenacil and pyrazon controlled only about 40% of the annual weeds, but in 1968 and 1969, when moist soil conditions predominated in April and May, lenacil and pyrazon controlled 80–95% of the annual weeds.

Phenmedipham applied post-emergence gave about 90% control of annual broadleaved weeds initially, but it seemed unlikely that a single application of this herbicide would provide satisfactory weed control in sugar beet.

In each of the 3 years 1967–9, a split application of a soil-acting residual herbicide (pro-emergence) followed by phenmedipham (post-emergence) gave outstanding weed control and enabled sugar beet to be established and grown until mid-June at least, in a near weed-free environment. It was concluded that this technique was the most effective for weed control in sugar beet on light to medium sandy loam soils in the West Midlands.
A note on the use of indwelling catheters in conscious adult pigs
Authors: Anderson D. M. , Elsley F. W. H.
Published: March 2009

A method of establishing indwelling catheters in the jugular vein and carotid artery of the pig by way of the blood vessels of the ears is described. The methods used to maintain these catheters patent for long periods are also detailed.
Variety × environment interactions in groundnut variety tests in Western Nigeria
Authors: Ojomo Olatunde A. , Adelana Bamidele O.
Published: March 2009

Sixteen varieties of groundnuts were included in a variety trial at three locations in 3 years in Western Nigeria. Significant ‘variety x environment’ interactions were observed, indicating that none of the varieties possessed wide adaptation. It is suggested that Western Nigeria be divided into sub-areas for which varieties showing specific adaptation could be developed.
The growth and performance of rain-grown cotton in a tropical upland environment: I. Yields, water relations and crop growth
Authors: Hearn A. B.
Published: March 2009

The effects of environment and genotype on growth and yield of cotton were studied in three experiments done at Namulonge, Uganda, from 1966 to 1969. Treatments were date of sowing, variety, fertilizer, plant population and water. Variety BPA66 sown in June at 4–10 plants m-2 outyielded other varieties, sowing dates and population densities. Compound fertilizer at l.25 t ha-1 increased yield by 15% and irrigation increased yield by 38%. The soil water deficit (CSWD) was calculated from meteorological data, and the relative water content (RWC) of the plants was measured. CSWD did not affect growth until a critical value (CD) was reached, which increased from 20 to 50 mm as the crop aged. When CD was reached RWC was s0·094 at dawn and 0·83 at 1400 h. Growth stopped when CSWD > CD, except while any rain, insufficient to make CSWD < CD, was being consumed. Days while such rain was being consumed and days when CSWD < CD were added to give the effective numbers of growing days which accounted for differences in numbers of mainstem nodes caused by sowing date and spacing, and for differences in plant dry weight and leaf area caused by sowing date. Variation in light transmitted by the crop canopy depended on leaf area index (L) alone; spacing, fertilizer and CSWD had no independent effects. The measured extinction coefficient was 1.1 compared with 0·9 predicted by de Wit's (1965) model. Measured value of crop growth rate (C) agreed with values predicted by the de Wit model for the vegetative phase. Spacing and fertilizer only affected C through L. During the reproductive phase C became much less dependent on L, and the form of the relationship changed. Some varieties including BPA66 had a greater net assimilation rate. Maximum C was expected when L ~ 3, but L was seldom > 2. Crops sown at current and previously recommended spacings had sparse canopies and did not fully use light available for dry matter production.
Mother-offspring relationships in Awassi sheep:IV. The effect of weaning at birth, or after 15 weeks, on lactational performance in the dairy ewe.
Authors: Morag M. , Raz A. , Eyal E.
Published: March 2009

Sixty-six Awassi ewes were divided into two equal groups. The sheep were milked twice daily from lambing for 22 weeks. In one group (weaned) the lambs were separated from their dams within 6 h of parturition. In the second group (suckling) the lambs sucked the residual milk after milking for 15 weeks, after which they were weaned. Milking yields, fat tests, lactational persistency and udder health were not affected by the early weaning. The suckling ewes had greater amounts of residual milk and consumed more concentrates. Further data are presented that suggest that there may be a critical period of attachment of at least 10 days following lambing, during which weaning may effect subsequent milk production. The practical implications of these results are discussed in terms of flock management and the intensification of breeding programmes.
The utilization of the energy of artificially dried grass prepared in different ways
Authors: Wainman F. W. , Blaxter K. L. , Smith J. S.
Published: March 2009

Sheep were given artificially dried grass either in the long form or as pellets, and their energy retention measured. Experiments were made both at the maintenance level of feeding and when feed was offered ad libitum. An analysis of the effects of preceding and current daily feed consumption on heat production was made and both exact and approximate methods of estimating the mean food intake to which a determination of heat production should be referred, are given. Pelleting the dried grass increased voluntary intake of dry matter by 27%, and the intake above maintenance by 59% The metabolizable energy of the grass was depressed by pelleting but the net availability of metabolizable energy for production was 52% for pellets and 40% for long material. The percentage of the gross energy supplied above maintenance which was retained was 28% greater for pellets than for long dried grass. The results show that energy retention of the sheep was almost doubled when the grass was pelleted.
Environmental and genetic variation in some economically important traits in potatoes
Authors: Macarthur A. W. , Killick R. J.
Published: March 2009

Five potato varieties were grown at four sites over 2 years, and assessed for yield, specific gravity and for sloughing, texture and discoloration following steaming. Variation in discoloration was attributed to differences between sites. Genetic differences were established for specific gravity, sloughing and texture, all of which were positively correlated. Genotype × environment interactions and years × sites interactions contributed to the variation for these and the remaining variables.
Effect of date of harvest on seed quality and viability of soya beans
Authors: Nangju D.
Published: March 2009

Field experiments were made in both 1974 rainy seasons in Ibadan, Nigeria, to evaluate the effect of harvest time on seed quality and viability of soya beans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). The first harvest was made when about 85% of the pods had ripened and subsequent harvests were made at 7-day intervals. Delaying harvest increased the percentage purple-stained, cracked and black seeds in the first season, and of cracked seed in the second season. In the second season soya-bean seeds showed neither purpling nor dark discoloration on the seed coat; the crop matured during sunny, dry weather. However, in both seasons the reduction in seed quality was accompanied by a corresponding decrease in germination percentage. Varietal differences were noted in that the small-seeded Improved Pelican was least affected, and Hardee was the most affected by field weathering in both seasons. Kent and Bossier were intermediate between the two extremes. The results point out the importance of proper timing of harvest of soya beans in rainy seasons, and the need for screening soya beans for resistance to weathering in the tropics.
Nutritional studies with sheep fed conserved ryegrass. 1. Silage and dried grass offered ad libitum without supplements
Authors: Wernli C. G. , Wilkins R. J.
Published: March 2009

Silage, dried-grass wafers and dried-grass pellets all prepared from a single crop of perennial ryegrass were given ad libitum as sole diets to six rumen-fistulated wether sheep.

Feed intake, intake of digestible nutrients and the concentration of volatile fatty acids (VTA) in the rumen were lowest with silage, highest with pellets and intermediate with wafers. Conversely, digestibility, eating and ruminating time per kg D.M. consumed, rumen pH, the rate of D.M. and cellulose digestion in the rumen and the mean retention time of digesta in the alimentary tract were highest for silage, intermediate for wafers and lowest for pellets. The pattern of rumen fermentation differed significantly between silage and the dried-grass treatments. The rumen fluid contained higher proportions of acetic, iso-butyric, n-valeric and iso-valeric acids, but lower proportions of propionic and n-butyric acids with silage than with dried grass. Differences in rumen. VFA between the two forms of dried grass were small. Nitrogen retention was lowest for the silage treatment and this was associated with a high concentration of ammonia in the rumen.

Low nitrogen status with silage could have limited voluntary intake, whereas the difference in intake between the wafer and pellet treatments probably arose from differences in the retention time of digesta in the alimentary tract.
Effects of the physical environment on the growth and yield of field beans (Vicia faba minor) in the Canadian prairie
Authors: Keatinge J. D. H. , Shaykewich C. F.
Published: March 2009

The effects of the physical environment in Manitoba on the growth of Vicia faba minor cv. Diana were monitored during 1974–5. Seed yields and dry-matter production were considerably lower than have recently been achieved with similar varieties in Britain. Factors integral to the prairie environment are suggested to be the cause of this productivity differential. In particular, high soil moisture stress appears to be capable of severely reducing yields especially when experienced during the early phases of reproductive development. Satisfactory dry-mayEer production is not likely to be achieved if the seasonal soil heat accumulation (above 5 °C) is less than 1000 degree days. Low soil temperatures in the initial vegetative growth stage may also be responsible for the failure to achieve potential crop growth. Similarly high ambient temperatures (above 20°C) appear to be deleterious to crop growth.

Field-bean heat units were defined to facilitate the examination of potentially useful atmospheric heat on crop growth.
Size and shape of sampling units for estimating incidence of stem canker on oil-seed rape stubble in field plots after swathing
Authors: Gilligan C. A.
Published: March 2009

Further exploitation of the increasingly popular oil-seed rape crop, Brassica napus L., as a valuable break in cereal production in the U.K., is threatened by the susceptibility of the crop to a number of diseases of which the most serious is likely to be stem canker caused by Phoma lingam (Tode ex Fr. Desm.), perfect stage Leptosphaeria maculans (Desm.) Ces et de Not. (Gladders, 1977; Hewitt, 1977). This pathogen has already severely restricted the cultivation of oil-seed rape in France (Lacoste et al. 1969) and in Australia (Bokor et al. 1975; McGee & Emmett, 1977).
Some breed effects on the melting point and fatty acid composition of carcass fat in lambs
Authors: L'Estrange J. L. , Hanrahan J. P.
Published: March 2009

Two breed comparisons were made: (a) between Galway and Galway x Finnish Landrace (Fingalway) lambs, and (6) between Galway x Fingalway and Galway x (Finn x Texel) lambs, for the melting point and fatty acid composition of subcutaneous tail, subcutaneous 13th rib and perinephric fat. The lambs were slaughtered at market weight from September to January, being finished off on grass except for a small number finished indoors on concentrates and hay.

Slaughter age and carcass weight, both of which had significant effects on some of the measurements, were included as covariates in the breed comparisons. Overall breed effects were small. The melting point of the fat from Fingalway lambs was lower than that of the Galway breed in each location, the difference being significant for subcutaneous rib fat. This was associated with a lower concentration of stearic acid and a higher concentration of oleic acid in each fat depot of the Fingalway breed, the difference being significant for oleic in subcutaneous tail and for stearic in subcutaneous rib fat. No significant breed differences or trends were observed for the other fatty acids measured. Results for a small number of pure Finn lambs supported the Finn ancestry influence indicated by comparison (a). In the second breed comparison, no significant breed differences were observed, the values being close to those obtained for the pure Galway lambs.
Observations on the grazing habits of grade and zebu steers in a high altitude temperate climate
Authors: Lampkin G. H. , Quarterman J. , Kidner M.
Published: March 2009

1. Two series of observations are described on the habits of grade and zebu steers in an environment where maximum daily temperatures did not exceed 74° F.

2. No signs of heat stress were found in either group and the steers used were able to adopt a reasonable pattern of behaviour and graze throughout the day like cattle in other temperate regions.

3. Under wet conditions the zebus reacted to the cold much more than did the grades and did so by standing instead of Iying down.

4. There were considerable differences in the amounts of water drunk and it is suggested that these differences may result from the steers' efforts to maintain a homothermic state.