bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of antibiotic fermentation wastes as fertilizers for tomatoes
Authors: Bewick M. W. M.
Published: March 2009

An investigation was carried out into the potential of tylosin and terramycin fermentation wastes as fertilizers for tomatoes. Each waste was added at concentrations equivalent to 1 tN/ha to John Innes base compost. Each waste provided the sole source of nitrogen for the crop. Controls were set up with inorganic nitrogen applied at 1 tN/ha and 0·2 tN/ha, the quantity of nitrogen normally found in John Innes potting compost. Comparisons were also made between wet and dry terramycin waste. Each treatment was added to normal John Innes base compost and John Innes base minus one part peat, to determine the potential of antibiotic fermentation waste as a peat substitute. The size, weight and antibiotic content of the tomatoes produced were determined.

The use of antibiotic fermentation wastes delayed the onset of tomato production due to the slow release of nitrogen. Final yields were not significantly different from the control treatments except in the tylosin treatment which produced the highest yield, both in terms of weight and numbers, of all the treatments. The reduction in the amount of peat in the base compost only appeared to affect the control treatments, where a delay in the onset of tomato production was seen in the control low in peat. No antibiotic was detected in any of the tomatoes.
Energy cost and water requirement of black Bedouin goats at different levels of production
Authors: Maltz E. , Silanikove N. , Shkolnik A.
Published: March 2009

The energy and water balance for Bedouin goats before gestation and at different levels of production was worked out. Both gross energy and total water intake were linearly related to their milk production. High producing animals consumed twice as much food (up to 1256kJ/kg body weight/day) and three times more water (290ml/kg body weight/day) as non-lactating ones.

The conversion coefficient of digestible energy to energy in milk ranged from 34% at peak lactation to 25% at the end of the period. No mobilization of tissue was observed even at peak lactation. Black Bedouin goats thus demonstrate ‘superior dairy merits’ throughout their entire lactating period.

Water requirement of a lactating Bedouin goat was lower than reported for other ruminants and amounted to 2·5 l/kg milk produced. This ratio was maintained whether over 2 l of milk was produced or only 0·5 1.

Compared with goats before gestation, lactating Bedouin goats ‘economize’ both their energy and water metabolism and were highly adapted to maintain production in the adverse desert environment.
Adenosine 5′-triphosphate and adenylate energy charge in sheep digesta
Authors: Wallace R. J. , West Aileen A.
Published: March 2009

The concentrations of adenosine 5′-mono-, -di-, and -triphosphate (AMP, ADP and ATP) in sheep digesta were measured by a new bioluminescence method. ATP in rumen digesta varied with time after feeding and diet, and most markedly according to the size of the population of ciliate protozoa: the ATP content of rumen digesta from ciliate-free sheep was less than a quarter of that of faunated animals receiving the same diet. The adenylate energy charge (EC) (ATP + ADP/[ATP + ADP + AMP]), an indicator of metabolic activity, was high (0·77–0·94) in all rumen samples, but did not appear to be as useful a measurement of activity as ATP alone. As digesta passed along the alimentary tract, the ATP content decreased progressively, from 0·9–2·2 μmol/g dry matter in the rumen to 0·5–1·0μmol/g in the abomasum and duodenum, 07middot;03–0·08 μmol/g in ileal digesta and 0·01–0·02 μmol/g in faeces. EC also tended to decrease, further emphasizing the large decrease in microbial activity which occurs in the hindgut.
Comparative rate of development of Orosius albicinctus Distant (Cicadellidae: Homoptera) on different host plants
Authors: Kooner B. S. , Deol G. S.
Published: March 2009

The comparative rate of development of Orosius albicinctus Distant was studied on different host plants, sesame, sannhemp, radish, purslane, lucerne, chicory, Indian rape, sugar beet and black gram. The duration of the egg stage was the shortest (7·1 days) on sesame and was prolonged to 12·0 days on chicory. The nymphal duration was again minimal (11·9 days) on sesame and was prolonged to 15·4 days on chicory. The nymphal survival was also more on sesame than on the other hosts. Thus, among all the host plants tested sesame was found to be the best suited host for this leaf-hopper.
Histology of allometric growth in hindlimb muscles of pigs
Authors: Swatland H. J.
Published: March 2009

Hindlimbs of pigs were dissected at 4-week intervals from 9 to 29 weeks after birth. Allometric growth ratios of the gluteal muscles, biceps femoris and semitendinosus were calculated relative to gastrocnemius. Relative growth in weight of the proximal limb muscles was greater than that of the distal muscle, gastrocnemius. The greater relative growth of proximal muscles was not due to greater relative growth of muscle fibre diameters, nor to greater relative growth of muscle cross-sectional areas. In biceps femoris and gluteal muscles, growth in the area of musole cross sections did not keep pace with the radial growth of muscle fibres. The relative longitudinal growth of proximal limb bones exceeded that of distal bones, and the relative longitudinal growth of biceps femoris and semitendinosus exceeded that of any of the limb bones. New sarcomeres were added to muscle length at a faster rate in biceps femoris and semitendinosus than in the peroneus longus located distally in the limb.
Ruminal flow rate of soya-bean meal, rapeseed meal and cottonseed meal in cows fed at maintenance and at three times maintenance
Authors: Lindberg J. E.
Published: March 2009

The introduction of new protein evaluation systems for ruminants presupposes means to measure the ruminal protein degradability of feeds (Burroughs, Nelson & Mertens, 1975; Royet al.1977; Vérité, Journet & Jarrige, 1979). One potentially useful method to get such estimates is the nylon bag technique (Mehrez & Ørskov, 1977). This method, however, does not take into account the flow of feed particles from the rumen. By adjusting rumen degradation results obtainedin saccowith the outflow of the feed from the rumen more accurate estimates of the actual degradability is possible (0ørskov & McDonald, 1979).
On the Yields and Composition of Pasture Grass from the tree Field Plots at Cockle Park.
Authors: Thomas Brynmor , Elliott F. J.
Published: March 2009

1. The results of an investigation into the yield and composition of pasture grass from certain of the Tree Field plots at Cockle Park have been described. Samples were taken from randomised cutting areas, at intervals of 14 days, during a season of 22 weeks. The experiment was so designed as to admit of the application of statistical treatment to the results.

2. The differences between the mean yields of dry matter from plots under varying manurial treatment could not be regarded as significant, and it is noteworthy that the control plot has not proved inferior to any other. The yields showed marked and significant seasonal variation, the occasion mean reaching its highest values in early summer and in autumn. The correlation of dry matter with rainfall, sunshine and temperature data yielded no significant results.
The Method of Sampling Swede Bulbs by Cores.
Authors: Davey V. McM.
Published: March 2009

Unreplicated dry-matter estimations on cores of swede are subject to errors caused by deflection of the borer from an intended alignment, and also to asymmetric concentrations of solids. A series of experiments was carried out to determine the extent of error likely to occur through deflections from diagonal and horizontal coring alignments. The coefficient of variability was estimated as about 1 per cent. of the drymatter value for either method. The relationship in dry-matter value of horizontal cores, diagonal cores and whole bulbs was found to be approximately 95:97: 100 respectively. There is little difference in accuracy between the coring methods; in practice the horizontal core is capable of more facile application.
The Azotobacter Test of Soil Fertility Applied to the Classical Fields at Rothamsted.
Authors: Ziemięcka Jadwiga
Published: March 2009

Summary and abstract

1. The kneaded plate (plaque moulée) method of detecting deficiency in lime and available phosphate was applied to seventy-nine soil samples taken from the classical Rothamsted arable plots, and the Azotobacter population from some of these samples was estimated by counts on silica jelly.

2. The silica jelly counts showed that Azotobacter cells were very much reduced in number, or even absent in soil receiving 86 lb. per acre or more of mineral nitrogen. It is suggested that this is due to competition with other organisms whose growth is stimulated by added nitrogen compounds.

3. The kneaded-plate test correctly indicaṫed whether phosphate had been applied in soils receiving little or no nitrogen manures.

4. In those soils receiving 86 lb. or more of mineral nitrogen, the kneaded-plate test usually showed little or no Azotobacter growth even in the presence of phosphate and calcium carbonate. This failure was probably due to the paucity of Azotobacter cells originally present in such soil samples. In some cases the test was modified by inoculating the sample with a culture of Azotobacter and it then gave correct indications as to phosphate content.
The Determination of Exchangeable Bases in Carbonate Soils.
Authors: Williams Rice
Published: March 2009

A method for determining the total exchangeable bases of carbonate soils is described. The carbonate in a known weight of soil is decomposed by acetic acid and the carbon dioxide evolved is estimated. By further extraction with acetic acid a solution is obtained which contains not only the bases originally in combination with the carbon dioxide but also the exchangeable bases. The amount of the latter is found by difference.
Ruminal volatile fatty acids and ammonia in cattle grazing dry tropical pastures
Authors: Playne M. J. , Kennedy P. M.
Published: March 2009

Total VFA concentrations, individual VFA proportions and ammonia concentrations in the rumen of cattle grazing tropical pastures for 7 months during the dry season were compared with concentrations of these metabolites in cattle grazing in the wet season and in cattle given two pasture hays in pens.

Neither total VFA nor ammonia concentrations were altered by periods of new pasture growth within the dry season although responses in live weight occurred. Further evidence that concentrations of total VFA were insensitive to differences in feed quality was shown in the pen experiment.

VFA concentrations were 53% higher in the rainy season than in the dry season and ammonia concentrations doubled from 62 mg/1 in the dry to 128 mg/1 in the wet season. Ruminal ammonia was related to ingested bolus N concentration (r= 0·58,P< 0.001) during the dry season.

Individual VFA proportions did not vary greatly. The highest acetic (79·1%) and lowest butyric acid (5.10%) proportions occurred in the same sample. Iso-valeric and valeric acid proportions were related positively to ruminal ammonia (P< 0·001).

In grazing cattle, concentrations of VFA and ammonia in their rumen taken at hourly intervals between 07.00 and 18.00 h did not vary greatly with time. Samples taken before 10.00 h had higher VFA and ammonia levels.
The digestibility of dried microbial cells grown on methanol in diets for growing pigs
Authors: Whittemore C. T. , Moffat I. W.
Published: March 2009

A microbial cell product was compared with fish meal at three levels of dietary inclusion, using barley as the basal diet. Digestibility coefficients for flash-dried microbial cells (DMC) were calculated to be 0·85 for gross energy and 0·91 for N. Digestible energy (DE) values were 18·8 MJ DE/kg D.M. for DMC and 16·5 MJ DE/kg D.M. for the fish meal. Digestible nitrogen (DN) values were 119 g DN/kg D.M. for the DMC protein and 108 g DN/kg D.M. for the fish meal. The metabolizable energy (ME) values for diets containing DMC were similar to those for diets containing fish meal; ME/DE for diets containing about 16·5% crude protein was 0·96. Microbial N was less efficiently utilized than fish meal N; this was largely attributed to the different contents of nucleic acid N.
Some factors influencing the effect of alkali treatment on crop residues
Authors: Nikolić J. Anna
Published: March 2009

Five agricultural by-products, maize stover and cobs, wheat straw, grape marc and sunflower husks, were treated with alkaline reagents under various conditions.

Maize stover and wheat straw reacted quickly with both sodium hydroxide applied at a level of 4 g NaOH/100 g dry residue and a mixture of calcium and sodium hydroxides (1:1), which led to changes in chemical composition and increases in digestibility. However, ensilage of the treated product at about 37% dry matter (D.M.) was not successful.

When dried grape marc was treated with sodium hydroxide (4·3 g NaOH/100 g dry residue) apparent lignin content increased, although other changes in composition and digestibility were similar to the above. Nevertheless, digestibility remained low. Moreover, when previously ground marc was treated in the same way lignin and cellulose fractions increased markedly while digestibility decreased.

Treatment of maize cobs with increasing amounts of sodium hydroxide (2·1–4·2 g/100 g dry residue) at 80% D.M. gave progressively more favourable results, although no improvement in digestibility was noted when half the sodium hydroxide was replaced by calcium hydroxide. Similar positive results were obtained under industrial conditions at application rates of 3·2 and 4·5 g sodium hydroxide per 100 g dry residue. Pelleting the product led to a further increase in digestibility.

Sunflower husks also showed a decrease in hemicellulose content and increases in digestibility and volatile acid content after treatment with 4·4 g NaOH/100 g dry residvie under industrial conditions. Lignin content was unchanged. The pelleted products (about 80% D.M.) were stable for more than 6 months when stored in paper sacks.

Except with grape marc loss of hemicellulose provided a general indication of the success of alkali treatment, although correlation with increased digestibility did not reach statistical significance (r = 0·34). Volatile acid production and alterations in lignin content were not suitable as general indicators.

In general, alkali treatment of the examined materials improved digestibility, although the products with a high water content were subject to undesirable fermentative changes during storage and therefore should be used within a few days.
Effect of type of seed, depth of planting, and dose of fungicide on groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Farah S. M. , Khalifa O.
Published: March 2009

The area of groundnuts in the Sudan has greatly increased in the last few years, as a result of introducing the crop in the Kenana Scheme (15000 ha) and the Rahad Scheme (50000 ha), as well as the intensification of the Sudan Gezira Rotation (225000 ha).
Yields and components of yield of dry beans (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) in the United Kingdom
Authors: Hardwick R. C. , Hardaker J. M. , Innes N. L.
Published: March 2009

Exotic accessions of Phaseolus vulgaris selected for seedling cold tolerance by Austin & Maclean (1972) in a test in controlled environments were grown in a field experiment at Wellesbourne in 1974. Yields of up to 4·;7 t/ha at a plant density of 34 plants/m2 were obtained. In 1975, six selected accessions were grown at 21 plants/m2 at six different sites. Mean site yields ranged from 1·0 to 3·1 t/ha. The six accessions all had better emergence and higher yields than two commercial cultivars used as controls. The genotype × site interactions for yield (and for yield components) were small. The variation in yield between accessions (from 2·0 to 2·5 t/ha) was smaller than the variation in yield between sites. Variation in yield components tended to be additive between sites, and compensatory between accessions. There was a negative correlation between crude protein content and yield across accessions; the correlation between protein content and yield across sites was not significant. Accessions differed significantly in the amount of green leaf still attached to plants at harvest. This variation was not related to maturity as judged by moisture content of the seed. There was a negative correlation across accessions between the weight of leaf per plant at harvest and harvest index (the ratio of seed weight to stem weight).
Changes in the angle and curvature of the uppermost leaves of winter wheat
Authors: Ledent J. P.
Published: March 2009

Each of the three uppermost leaves of wheat canopies studied in 1975 and 1976 showed a downward movement after its emergence. The variations with time of leaf angle were greatest in the flag leaf. Genotypes differed markedly in the rate of change with age in flag-leaf angle. Leaf curvature did not vary with age. There were differences between years in the rate of leaf movement, but cultivars ranked roughly the same in terms of leaf angle in each year. Grain yield per hectare was not related to leaf angle change. Most of the higher-yielding genotypes included in the study had straight leaves, the correlation between curvature and yield being —0·30 in 1975 and —0·60 in 1976.
Response of lentil to Rhizobium inoculation and N fertilizer
Authors: Sekhon H. S. , Kaul J. N. , Dahiya B. S.
Published: March 2009

Field investigations were undertaken during the winters of 1971–6 to study the grain yield responses of lentil cultivars to seed inoculation with single and mixtures of Rhizobium strains. An effective symbiosis and consequent increase in the grain yield was associated with the efficacy of the strain. Inoculation with a superior strain produced 23–32 % more grain than no inoculation on loamy-sand soil and 46–90% more on sandy-loam soil.

In separate studies comprising inoculation and nitrogen treatments, the seed treated with an effective Rhizobium strain gave on average 43% more yield than no inoculation and the application of 25 kg N/ha alone gave the same yield as inoculation. Rhizobium inoculation plus 20 kg N/ha was the best combination for maximum yield under both loamy-sand and sandy-loam soils.
The digestion of dry-matter, organic matter and nitrogen in calves fed diets containing broiler-house litter
Authors: Jacobs G. J. L. , Leibholz Jane
Published: March 2009

Four diets were fed to two Friesian bull calves fitted with re-entrant duodenal cannulae. The diets contained no poultry litter (diet 0); 30% poultry litter (diet 30 D); 50% poultry litter (diet 50 D) or 30% poultry litter which had been ensiled at 45% moisture content for 3 weeks (diet 30 W). The total flow of digesta from the abomasum was measured over four 24 h periods for each diet.

The flow of dry matter and organic matter to the duodenum was similar on all four diets but the percentage of apparent digestion occurring in the stomach was higher when the diets containing poultry litter were fed.

Less nitrogen was digested in the hind gut on diet 30 W than the other three diets. Greater amounts of the nitrogen ingested and also of the nitrogen flowing to the duodenum were apparently digested in the hind gut on the diet containing no poultry litter. Microbial protein synthesized/100 g organic matter apparently digested in the stomachs was lowest when the calves were fed the 30 W diet.

The results obtained in these experiments were then used to evaluate the results of growth trials previously reported.
Possible causes of the high death rate of ciliate protozoa in the rumen
Authors: Coleman G. S.
Published: March 2009

The protozoa in washed suspensions of rumen ciliates were killed by freezing or heating at 49 °C for 5 min before incubation at 39 °C, aeration during incubation or incubation in hypotonic salt solution (30% of ncrmal) and released their intracellular cellulose and amylase during 4–6 h. With the last two treatments it was only necessary to expose the protozoa to the conditions for 2 min to obtain over 50% of maximal enzyme release 4–6 h later. It is suggested that death of the protozoa during exposure to air and/or hypotonic salt solution for short times during drinking and rumination by the host animal could be the explanation for the high postulated protozoal death rate in the rumen. The amylase and cellulase released from the protozoa tested were stable in the presence of mixed rumen bacteria for 1·5 h and could be of importance in the degradation of plant constituents in the rumen.
Sequential design for estimating levels with low response rates in potato drop tests and other binary response experiments
Authors: Kershaw C. D. , McRae D. C.
Published: March 2009

Tests were to be made to estimate the ED 10 for surface splitting of potatoes; that is the dropping height for which on average 10% of potatoes sustain a surface split. To got good estimates for the ED 10 it is necessary to drop potatoes from heights close to this level. It was decided that a sequential procedure should be used to alter drop heights so that most drops would be made from heights close to the ED 10. Several procedures were investigated by calculation of large-sample properties of estimators and computer simulation of experiments. A procedure was then chosen for the drop tests. Results show that this procedure is easy to use, and also yields satisfactory estimates of ED 10s.
Estimation of additive and dominance components through triple test cross in wheat
Authors: Singh I. , Paroda R. S. , Singh S.
Published: March 2009

Forty-five triple test cross progenies produced by crossing 15 homozygous strains of wheat with three testers (varieties HD 2160 and NP 846 and their F1) and 17 parents, were raised in a randomized-block design in two environments (normal and stress). The data on five randomly chosen plants from parents and F8 and ten plants from F1 x lines were recorded for number of days from sowing to heading, plant height, the number of tillers per plant, total biomass, the number of grains per ear, 1000·grain weight and grain yield per plant. The additive and dominance components of genetic variation were each estimated by three methods to determine their relative usefulness in estimating these components. The variance of parents gave better estimates of the additive component than the two other methods (1i + 2i and 1i + 2i + 3i). The method 1i + 2i + 3i proved its superiority over the 1i + 2i method. The dominance component was better estimated by the method 1i - 2i than by the 4σ2d + 9σ2 (1i + 2i - i) and 25 (σ2 (21i - i) pooled with σ2 (22i - i)) methods. The two methods 4σ2d + 9σ2 (1i + 2i - i) and 25 (2σ2 (21i - i) pooled with σ2 (22i - i)) provided similar results for the estimation of dominance component.
Attempts to develop a simple, objective test for oestrus in sows
Authors: Henderson Ruth , Stolba A. , Döbeli M. , Kündig H.
Published: March 2009

To evaluate the accuracy of various techniques for determining the sexual state of sows, four multiparous Landrace sows were housed in stalls 2–5 weeks after weaning. Catheters were inserted under anaesthetic into a prominent ear vein on each sow. Four days later blood and urine sampling commenced, along with other measurements to assess the oestrous state of the animals.

Oestrus was detected in all four sows and so were corresponding oestradiol·17β peaks (22–49 pg/ml) in serum of the three sows from which blood was successfully sampled during the complete 25·day collection period. Serum progesterone concentrations were highest between days — 5 and — 12 (day 0 = 1st day of standing heat) (peak values of 33·1–58·2 ng/ml), with values of 3·55 ng/ml or less on day 0. Urinary oestrogen was less well correlated with oestrous state than were serum hormone concentrations, but progesterone derivatives in urine corresponded well to serum progesterone with peaks between days —5 and —9. Vulval redness, vulval size, social interest and the occurrence of flehmen were markedly greater during the oestrous period than at other times in the cycle. Body temperature, vaginal pH, the presence of vaginal mucus and behavioural manifestations of oestrus (with the exception of back pressure test) were less well correlated with sexual state. A combination of vulval colour and size, back pressure test, a more detailed study of behaviour and possibly with urinary progesterone derivatives, should give the best indication of the incidence of oestrus in sows.
The effects of management and duration of grazing by sheep during the autumn and winter on subsequent grass production
Authors: Newton J. E. , Jackson Caroline
Published: March 2009

Sheep are commonly used to graze dairy pastures in the late autumn and early winter, to make use of grass that cows have rejected and to utilize any late growth with a minimum of poaching damage. From late December onwards sheep are less welcome to farmers because of the possible harmful effect on the regrowth of grass in the spring. But if the alternative to grazing from January to March is to bring the sheep indoors and feed them hay or silage, then this cost may be greater than that of the grass lost in the spring. Wilman & Griffiths (1978) concluded that the reduction of yield in spring was directly related to date of last grazing but emphasized that they had made no measurement of herbage remaining at this time. Furthermore, their measurements of subsequent yield were in dry matter to a cutting height of 4 cm with no estimate of the amount of ash or green and dead material.
Alkali-treated neem (Azadirachta indica) seed cake as a livestock feed
Authors: Nath K. M. , Vijjan V. K. , Ranjhan S. K.
Published: March 2009

Neem (Azadirachta indicaA. Juss syn.Melia azadirachtaLinn.) seed cake boiled with 8 g caustic soda/kg cake in 2·51 of water for 30 min yielded a product which was palatable to cattle unlike untreated neem seed cake which is bitter, foul smelling and wholly unpalatable to cattle.

Two experiments were made on calves to compare the performance of two groups of animals; one group (control) fed on a standard concentrate mixture consisting of 33% groundnut cake, 34% maize and 33% wheat bran and the second group (experimental) on 50% alkali-treated neem seed cake, 33% groundnut cake and 17% maize, the roughage being the same in both the groups.

The results showed that the dry-matter intake/100 kg body weight of the animals did not differ significantly (P> 0·05) between the two groups but digestibility of dry matter and total carbohydrates and the growth rate was significantly lower (P< 0·05) in the experimental group. The digestibility of crude protein and ether extract and the adjusted balances of nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus and sulphur remained similar (P> 0·05) in the two groups. The reduction of the growth rate in the experimental group could be accounted for by the lower total digestible nutrients (TDN) intake and there was no difference (P> 0·05) in the serum icteric index, blood inorganic phosphorus and serum alkaline phosphatase activity in the two groups.

It is concluded that alkali-treated neem seed cake has great potential as a cattle feed and alkali treatment removes either completely or very largely the toxic principles present in neem seed cake.
Response of semi-dwarf and conventional winter wheat varieties to the application of nitrogen fertilizer
Authors: Blackman J. A. , Bingham J. , Davidson J. L.
Published: March 2009

Winter wheat varieties of contrasting height were grown in a series of yield trials to investigate their response to nitrogen fertilizer. The treatments also included application of fungicides and the use of nets to prevent lodging. The varieties were ‘semidwarfs’ based on the Norin 10 genetic factor Rht2 or taller ‘conventional’ varieties, all well adapted to the U.K. environment. The average response of the semi-dwarf varieties was similar to the conventional and there were varietal differences within each group. There was a marked tendency for the newer varieties to be more responsive but the varietal differences were not consistent between trials, the occurrence of powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis) being a major factor. When this disease was prevalent, response to nitrogen was greatest in resistant varieties and increased by application of fungicides. In farm practice the optimum rate of nitrogen application for a variety will depend on its physiological response, resistance to lodging and resistance to diseases if these are not controlled by fungicides. No evidence was obtained that the gene Rht2 necessarily confers a greater response to nitrogen.
Intake of hay by cattle given supplements of barley subjected to various forms of physical treatment or treatment with alkali
Authors: Ørskov E. R. , Soliman H. S. , Macdearmid A.
Published: March 2009

Voluntary intake of hay by steers was measured when supplements of barley were given: (1) whole unprocessed, (2) NaOH treated, (3) torrified (infra-red heat treatment), (4) crimped, (5) rolled, (6) ground and (7) ground and pelleted. The cereal supplements were given at 50 g/kg live weight0·75/day. The voluntary intakes of hay dry matter were 42·1, 43·0, 38·1, 35·1, 34·9, 34·4 and 30·5 g/kg W0·75/day respectively.

Dry-matter digestibilities of barley given without hay were (g/kg): whole, 672; NaOH treated, 807; torrified, 813 and rolled, 834.

Incubation of feed samples in the rumen in polyester bags showed that rolled barley disappeared much more rapidly than NaOH treated and torrified barley.

It is concluded that the deleterious effect of a cereal based supplement on rate of digestion of cellulose and consequently voluntary intake can be largely overcome by use of processing methods which reduce the rate of release of starch and yet ensure complete digestion. Treatment with NaOH looks promising in this respect.
The effect of soil nitrogen on grain legume yield and nitrogen fixation
Authors: Jessop R. S. , Mahoney Janet
Published: March 2009

Two field experiments examined the influence of soil nitrogen on grain yield, wateruse efficiency and residual nitrate accumulation of four winter grain legumes in a legume–fallow–wheat rotation. In the first experiment, conducted on a clay soil with a high total soil nitrogen content (0·194%), the three legumes Cicer arietinum, Vicia faba and Pisum sativum gave similar yields, with Lupinus angustifolius showing poor yields. Water-use efficiencies followed similar trends to the grain yields. Wheat yields and concentration of nitrogen in the grain, following a fallow after the legume crops, showed no differences from a full 2-year fallow. In the second experiment on a low fertility soil (0·081 % total soil nitrogen), Cicer arietinum gave the highest yield and the greatest water-use efficiency. All legumes and long fallow resulted in a similar increase in wheat yield when compared with a wheat-fallow-wheat rotation. The legume crops generally increased soil nitrate status between their sowing and the sowing of a wheat crop 2 years later; such increases were greatest with Pisum sativum at the high fertility site, with a suggestion of the reverse occurring at the low fertility site.
The effects of cobalt additions on soil and herbage cobalt concentrations in some S.E. Scotland pastures
Authors: McLaren R. G. , Lawson D. M. , Swift R. S. , Purves D.
Published: March 2009

Cobalt, as cobalt sulphate and cobalt-EDTA, was applied to pastures at 15 sites in south-east Scotland. Herbage cobalt and extractable soil cobalt concentrations were monitored at these sites over the period 1978–81. Although the sites were located in a generally cobalt-deficient area, considerable variation between sites was observed both in the concentration of cobalt present in untreated pasture and in the response to cobalt additions. There was no significant correlation between herbage cobalt concentrations and soil cobalt status as determined by acetic acid extraction. Application of cobalt sulphate (6 kg/ha) increased herbage cobalt concentrations at all sites but at several sites the response was short-lived. In general, cobalt-EDTA was less effective than cobalt sulphate in increasing herbage cobalt concentrations.

Extractable soil cobalt concentrations of the control areas showed some variability between samplings, but the variability was much greater for the cobalt-treated plots. Cobalt applied to pastures was found to accumulate in the top 0–4 cm layer of soil and penetrated deeper only in soils of low pH. Overall, only a third of the cobalt applied to pastures as cobalt sulphate was recovered by acetic acid extraction of the soil and less than 20% of the cobalt applied as cobalt-EDTA.
The influence of paclobutrazol on the distribution and utilization of 14C-labelled assimilate fixed at anthesis in oil-seed rape (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Addo-Quaye A. A. , Daniels R. W. , Scarisbrick D. H.
Published: March 2009

Untreated and paclobutrazol-treated field-grown plants of winter oil-seed rape cv. Jet Neuf were exposed to 14CO2 at anthesis. Redistribution of labelled assimilate was followed in sequential harvests between exposure and maturity.

Labelled assimilates moved progressively from the leaves into the stem and reproductive parts. At maturity 9% of 14C fixed at anthesis had been mobilized into reproductive organs. Paclobutrazol increased the proportion of 14C translocated to the uppermost branches especially the terminal raceme.

It is suggested that stem reserves are valuable for yields commonly achieved in U.K. commercial practice.
Nitrogen concentrations in field-grown spring barley: an examination of the usefulness of expressing concentrations on the basis of tissue water
Authors: Leigh R. A. , Johnston A. B.
Published: March 2009

A study was made of growth and N concentrations of field-grown crops of spring barley (Hordeum vulgareL. cv. Georgie or Triumph). Nitrogen concentrations were calculated on the basis of both dry matter and tissue water because previous research had indicated that K concentrations expressed on the basis of tissue water were better for assessing the K status of crops. The aim was to see whether this was also the case for N.

When supplies of P and K were adequate, the addition of N fertilizer stimulated growth in all crops except when sufficient N was already supplied as farmyard manure. Percentage N in dry matter declined as plants grew and was higher in plants given N than in plants grown without N, although the difference diminished with time. Nitrogen concentrations calculated on the basis of tissue water were very similar for both N-sufficient and N-deficient crops despite large differences in growth rates. Nitrogen concentrations in tissue water also declined but only until anthesis, thereafter they increased. This pre-anthesis decline was due to the increase in the amount of stem tissue which had lower N concentrations in tissue water than leaves. Similarly the post-anthesis increase in N concentrations was due to the development of the ears which had high concentrations of N in tissue water.

The effects of deficiencies of P or K or water on N concentrations in tissue water of the cultivars Georgie or Julia were studied also in field experiments at Rothamsted. Lack of P and K inhibited growth of crops given 144 kg N/ha. Crops grown without N grew more slowly than those given N but their growth was not further inhibited by lack of P or K. Deficiencies of either P or K increased N concentrations calculated on the basis of tissue water in crops given 144 kg N/ha but not in crops grown without N. The increase in concentration was not due to changes in the proportions of leaves and stems but to real increases in N concentrations in leaves, stems and ears. Drought decreased growth and also resulted in higher N concentrations in tissue water.

In the absence of other limiting factors, N concentrations expressed on the basis of tissue water were very similar for both N-sufficient and N-deficient crops. They increased only when growth was limited by factors other than N. The implications of this for the control of N concentrations by crops is discussed.

It is concluded that N concentrations expressed on the basis of tissue water are unlikely to be useful for determining the N requirements of barley. Percentage N in dry matter might be more useful for this purpose.
Effect of alkaloid-free ergot on the growth of obese and lean mice
Authors: Mantle P. G. , Willingale Julia
Published: March 2009

Young Lean And Obese Mice given diets containing, respectively, 5% reducing to 3% and 5% rising to 7% of typical alkaloid-containing ergot (Claviceps purpurea) showed inappetence, failed to grow during the period of 19 days and some individuals died. In contrast, ergot of a strain which cannot biosynthesize ergoline alkaloids was generally well accepted in dietary proportions, rising stepwise from 5 to 12% over the same period; growth rates of animals on control and alkaloid-free ergot diets did not differ significantly. The findings provide a context in which to discuss differentiation of ergoline alkaloids from the inappetence which is a prominent feature of ergot poisoning.
The relationship between serum albumin concentration and body protein loss in pregnant sheep
Authors: Sykes A. R. , Thompson R.
Published: March 2009

Data are presented from 104 sheep from three separate sources (batches) in which variation in the degree of maternal body protein loss was induced by nutritional means. The change in body protein content during pregnancy was calculated as the difference between body protein content in early pregnancy, predicted from the relationship with body weight in control sheep killed in early pregnancy, and actual content on slaughter at parturition. Serum albumin and globulin concentrations and body weight were measured at intervals during pregnancy and examined for relationships with body protein change.

Highly significant linear relationships were found between the change (%) in albumin concentration during pregnancy or albumin concentration in late pregnancy and the calculated change (%) in maternal body protein content (P < 0·001 in both cases) though fitting separate intercepts for each batoh of sheep led to improvements in fit.

Equations for prediction of loss (%) of body protein from change in body weight or maternal body weight during pregnancy though significant, were also improved by fitting separate intercepts for batches. The relative value of the relationships for predicting body protein loss is discussed.

Serum globulin concentration was not affected by protein status of the animal.
Studies on the breeding season and reproduction of the ewe Part I. The breeding season in different environments Part II. The breeding season in one locality
Authors: Hafez E. S. E.
Published: March 2009

A knowledge of the exact length of the breeding season for improved breeds under different environmental conditions in this country is lacking. Such knowledge is of importance so that the lambing season can be arranged according to farm conditions. Such knowledge, apart from providing the necessary background for the successful application of artificial insemination and administration of hormones, helps to explain certain problems of infertility. By selection it should be possible to build up strains, by extending the breeding season at one or both ends, so as to get lambing at any required time. As the results below show, crossbreeding and selection could lead to early sexual maturity, prolonged breeding season or restricted lactation anoestrus, which would undoubtedly increase the reproductive potentiality of the ewe.
Experiments on irrigation of sugar beet
Authors: Penman H. L.
Published: March 2009

It is assumed that maximum growth requires maximum transpiration, and that maximum transpiration can be maintained by keeping the soil near to field capacity throughout the growing season. Transpiration rates can be calculated from weather data (the basic principles are outlined and an example of the calculation given), and the paper describes four field experiments in which attempts were made to control the water content of the soil throughout the growing season, by irrigation from overhead spray-lines.

In spite of differences in season and soil, the four sets of data are consistent in showing that maximum sugar yield is obtained when the soil-moisture deficit (amount of rain or irrigation needed restore the soil to field capacity) does not exceed about 2 in. in mid-July, or about 4 in. in mid-September.
Studies in grazing management V. Further determination of the nutrient intake of dairy cows under close-folding and rotational methods of grazing
Authors: Waite R. , Holmes W. , Boyd J.
Published: March 2009

1. The experiments started in 1949 to determine the weight and chemical composition of the herbage dry matter eaten by two groups of dairy cows grazing under a rotational and a close-folding system of management have been continued in 1950.

2. Good-quality herbage was fed in adequate quantity to both groups for 20 weeks, in four fiveweekly periods allowing a double change-over system for the groups. The weights of protein, fibre, other extractives, lignin and minerals eaten daily by the close-folded group were determined. Difficulty in obtaining truly representative herbage samples from the rotational paddock made such detailed analyses for the rotationally grazed cattle not worth while.

3. The weight of dry matter eaten by the closefolded cows was remarkably constant, the mean was 26 lb./cow/day and the standard deviation ±2·7 lb. The weight eaten by the rotationally grazed cows was more difficult to measure and appeared to vary considerably, the average being 31 lb. dry matter/ cow/day, and the standard deviation ±3·1 lb. Reasons are suggested why this figure of 31 lb. may be at least 5% too high.

4. The relationship between the chemical composition of herbage as cut for sampling and the probable composition of the herbage as eaten by the grazing animal is discussed. Correction curves are given to convert the protein and fibre contents of herbage as cut in these experiments to values corresponding to those in the herbage as eaten.

5. An attempt has been made to provide a balance sheet, in terms of D.C.P. and S.E., of animal production against nutrient intake. A deficiency of both protein and energy existed during the first spring period in both 1949 and 1950 (according to presentday standards), and although the protein balance became positive later in the season, the energy provided by the grass eaten was still barely adequate.

6. Mineral balances calculated for the closefolded cows showed deficiencies of both calcium and phosphorus during the period of high milk yield, with the balances becoming positive later in the grazing season.
Effects of energy and nitrogen supplementation of silage diets on rumen fermentation in fistulated heifers
Authors: Griffiths T. W. , Bath I. H.
Published: March 2009

Experiments were carried out to assess the effects of silage diets given with and without supplementary energy as barley and/or nitrogen as groundnut meal or urea on rumen fermentation in growing heifers.

Silage based diets resulted in a stable pH and a high molar percentage of acetate in rumen liquor. Total V.F.A. concentrations were significantly increased by supplementary energy plus protein but were not consistently increased by energy only, and were linearly related to M.E. intake but not to D.M. digestibility. Effects of energy and nitrogen supplementation on the molar percentage of rumen V.F.A. were small and not always significant.

Rumen NH3-N levels were normal on the basal silage diets and were linearly related to N intake. Levels were significantly reduced by energy supplementation but significantly increased by protein supplementation. Results are discussed in relation to energy and nitrogen utilization on silage based diets.
The composition and digestibility of Northern Irish hays III. Factors influencing the production of high-quality hays
Authors: Brown W. O. , Robinson K. L.
Published: March 2009

1. The results are presented of a survey of early cut hays, by the tripod and ground-cured methods, from fifteen ryegrass swards and six ryegrass-clover swards in Northern Ireland.

2. The effect of date of cutting on quality is discussed.

3. The losses in conservation at two centres included in this survey are presented. Losses of 15·9 and 13·3% are recorded for the tripod method.

4. A trial designed to produce high-quality hays from specially managed swards by these two methods is described. The results obtained in relation to conservation losses and the digestibilities of these hays are considered. Field losses of dry matter ranged from 3 to 16·5% for the tripod method and 9–27% for the ground-cured. The tripod hays had starch equivalents of 47, 48·2 and 51·5; those of the corresponding ground-cured hays were 41·5, 38·2 and 51·8.

5. It is suggested that the tripod method as applied to swards of the type used in the second experiment offers a means of securing a high degree of conservation.
The comparative seasonal output of ultra-simple and general-purpose seeds mixtures
Authors: Hughes G. Pearson
Published: March 2009

A comparison is made of the herbage production and animal output, as measured by live-weight gain, of temporary pastures sown to ultra-simple seeds mixtures with those sown to a more complex generalpurpose mixture.

Herbage production was somewhat higher in the simple-mixture series on account of the inclusion of a lucerne-meadow fescue mixture. In total seasonal output, as reflected by live-weight gain of fattening stock, only small differences occurred.

It is suggested that the value of simple mixtures lies in their ability to provide seasonality of grazing and a more even output of animal products throughout the season. This is not always possible when, using general-purpose competitive mixtures.
The nutritive value of common heather (Calluna vulgaris) I. The preparation of samples of Calluna vulgaris for analytical purposes and for digestibility studies
Authors: Thomas Brynmor , Armstrong D. G.
Published: March 2009

1. The methods employed by some of the earlier workers for separating analytical samples from heather, show little uniformity and are, in general, poorly defined. No procedure capable of separating the relatively large weights of material necessary for digestibility studies has hitherto been devised.

2. Analytical samples prepared by (a) a method used by Thomas, and (b) a method suggested by Braid were compared. The results obtained were very similar, but the latter method was recommended as being the better denned.

3. Two methods of preparing large samples for digestibility studies, one adapted for winter heather and the other for use in spring and summer, have been used. Both of these methods, when applied to winter heather, give samples which compare well with a sample obtained by the method of Braid.

4. Samples separated in summer by method 5 were compared with samples of material similar to that observed to be eaten by sheep. It was found that the former were of appreciably lower crude protein content and contained slightly more lignin than the latter.

5. No evidence of an adverse effect on digestibility by oven-drying for 24–48 hr. at 38° C. was obtained.