bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A note on an apparent copper deficiency in cattle in central coastal New South Wales
Authors: Lloyd Davies H
Published: March 2005

Hereford-type steers were grazed at 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 ha-1 on a Paspalum dilatatum dominant pasture for three years at Bringelly, New South Wales. There were large differences in mean daily liveweight gain between replicates; sometimes steers at the lowest stocking rate had a lower mean daily liveweight gain than those run at higher stocking rates. The mean plasma copper concentration varied from 0.28 to 0.41 �g ml-1 for the steers on the plots having a low liveweight gain and 0.50 to 0.87 for steers a with higher daily gain. The mean liver copper content varied from 11 to 46 mg kg-1. The copper concentration in the pasture ranged from 7 to 16 mg kg-1. The range in molybdenum concentration was from 0.08 to 0.38 mg kg-1. The plasma and liver copper data suggest that some of the poorer performance may have been due to copper deficiency in the animals but this was not caused by the low levels of copper in the pasture nor induced by high levels of molybdenum.
Effect of lupin grain supplements on lamb birth weight and growth rate and on milk production of Merino ewes
Authors: Arnold GW , Wallace SR , Boer ESde
Published: March 2005

Merino ewes lambing in March on dry subterranean-clover-Wimmera ryegrass (Trifolium subterraneum-Lolium rigidum) pastures were fed a lupin grain supplement at different rates for 10 weeks, beginning four weeks before lambing, In two experiments, birth weights of lambs were unaffected by the supplements but both milk production of the ewes and the growth rate and weaning weight of lambs increased linearly with increasing level of supplementation. At the highest rate of supplement (600 g day-1), the ewes produced 46 per cent more milk in a four hour period in the first four weeks of lactation than ewes that were not fed and their lambs were 3 kg heavier at weaning. In a third experiment in which ewes were fed in yards, increasing the protein level in the ration from 8 per cent to 14 per cent using lupin grain gave a 15 per cent increase in milk production and a significantly higher lamb growth rate at the same level of energy intake. At ad libitum levels of intake the high protein ration gave a 33 per cent higher rate of milk secretion over ten weeks and a 40 per cent higher growth rate of lambs than the low protein ration
The residual effect of molybdenum fertilizer on growth of tropical pasture legumes in a sub-tropical environment
Authors: Johansen C , Kerridge PC , Luck PE , Cook BG , Lowe KF , Ostrowski H
Published: March 2005

The response of several tropical legumes, grown with Panicum maximum cv. Gatton, to an initial application of molybdenum as molybdenum trioxide was studied over a five year period at six sites in south-eastern Queensland. The most responsive legumes were Glycine wightii cv. Tinaroo and Desmodium intortum cv. Greenleaf, followed by Macroptilium atropurpureum cv. Siratro and Medicago sativa cv. Hunter River, with Lotononis bainesiicv. Miles and Stylosanthesguianensis cv. Cook being least responsive. Sites differed markedly in magnitude of legume response. For example, the most responsive site required 200 g ha-1 molybdenum over five years for maximum growth of Siratro whereas there was no response of Siratro to molybdenum application at another site. There was no difference between surface-applied molybdenum trioxide, molybdenum trioxide applied to the seed pellet and surface-applied sodium molybdate in their residual effects on legume growth. Response of the grass to molybdenum treatment was generally similar to legume response and nitrogen concentrations in legume and grass increased with yield.
Effect on cereal crop and sheep production of two rotations in a ley farming system in the south-west of Western Australia
Authors: Watson ER , Lapins P , Arnold GW , Barron RJW , Anderson GW
Published: March 2005

The effects on pasture composition, soil nitrogen, cereal crop production and sheep production of two rotations in a subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) ley farming system were studied over an eight-year period, 1965-1 972, in a 625 mm rainfall area at Bakers Hill, Western Australia. A short rotation (one year pasture-one year crop) commencing after either one or two years of pasture, was compared with a longer rotation (six years pasture-one year crop). Closed farm systems were usedwith the pastures continuously grazed by Merino wether sheep at two set-stocked rates. A two year rotation based on one year of subterranean clover followed by one year of cereal crop resulted in cereal grain yields in the third crop equal to that after six years pasture. Clover content of pastures was higher with alternate years of cropping. Soil mineral nitrogen was higher in the two year rotation before the third crop than after six years of pasture. The wheat crops did not respond to fertilizer nitrogen on either rotation. Grain yield was slightly lower following grazing at the high stocking rate. At the end of the experiment the grain yield from the second crop in the two year rotation was less than half that from the first crop and the difference in yield could not be eliminated by the use of fertilizer nitrogen up to 100 kg ha-1. The sheep on the short rotation were heavier and cut more wool per head at both stocking rates by the end of the experiment.
The preservation of a Nandi Setaria silage and its feeding value for dairy cows
Authors: Hamilton RI , Catchpole VR , Lambourne LJ , Korr JD
Published: March 2005

The process of vacuum ensilage of Setaria Sphacelata (cv. Nandi) (33 per cent DM ; 7 per cent soluble carbohydrates; 1.36 per cent M) was studied, and the resultant silage was evaluated chemically, in milk production trials with dairy cows and in digestion trials with dry cows. The silage was well preserved in a chemical sense (pH 4.5; lactic acid 1.7 per cent, volatile acids 1.2 per cent DM ; volatile bases 9.8 per cent total N) but, because of the structural rigidity of the harvested grass, air could not be completely excluded even from the polythene-covered vacuum stack. The temperature reached 43�C in the first week of storage and considerable surface wastage occurred. The silage (DM digestibility 42 per cent, voluntary DM intake 81 g/kg0.75) was of poorer quality than the grass harvested (DM digestibility 54 per cent, voluntary DM intake 84 g/kg0.75) and, even by feeding concentrates, only a low level of milk production could be sustained in (mainly Jersey) cows in the 5th-9th months of lactation. In silage-fed cows given a protein supplement (cottonseed meal) milk production was lower (3.8 kg day-1) but fat content higher (5.4 per cent) than in those given an energy supplement (sorghum grain) or energy plus protein (4.7 kg day-1 and 4.9 per cent fat). When fed lucerne hay and given the same energy plus protein supplement, cows gave significantly more milk (5.7 kg day-1 and 4.6 per cent fat). The poor nutritive value of the silage is attributed to the nature and composition of the material ensiled rather than to any defect in the ensilage process itself, and may be a feature of most silage made from tropical grasses.
Effect of level of feeding a mixed ration of whole wheat grain and hay on the digestion of wheat grain by steers
Authors: Toland PC
Published: March 2005

The apparent digestibility of whole grain, proportion of grain voided in the faeces, retention time of whole grain and the rate of ingestion of the ration was measured for a mixed ration of 2/3 $whole wheat and 1/3 hay fed at 1 1/2 per cent and 3 per cent of mean liveweight to eight yearling steers in a cross-over design. Halving the level of intake of 3 per cent of the liveweight was accompanied by an increase in digestibility of grain dry matter from 53.8 to 68.3 per cent, a decrease in the proportion of grain voided from 31.6 to 19.6 per cent, a lengthening of the mean retention time from 31.9 to 52.3 hours and a reduction in the ingestion rate of the ration from 0.24 to 0.21 kg minute-1.
Effects of restricting the feeding time of egg-type pullets at different ages during rearing on body weights and subsequent laying performance
Authors: Abu-Serewa S
Published: March 2005

The effects on body weight and laying performance of restricting the feeding time of medium weight crossbred pullets to 6 or 8 hours in every 48 hours from 6, 9 or 12 to 20 weeks of age were studied in a factorial experiment. Before the start of the restriction programme, half of the pullets were fed ad libitum; the other half were not fed on Wednesday and Sunday of each week from three weeks of age. The control birds were fed ad libitum throughout the rearing phase. The feed intake and the weight of pullets at the end of the restriction programme at 20 weeks were reduced by between 17 and 40 per cent and between 18 and 33 per cent, respectively, compared with the control, depending on the early feeding regime and the duration of restriction. The average age at 50 per cent production of the restricted treatments was delayed by 15 days compared with the controls. No significant difference was found in the laying performance of the restricted birds or between any of these and the controls. The restricted birds however were less efficient in converting their feed to eggs than the control birds. Rearing and adult mortality were not affected by restriction. The results suggested that for maximum economic return the restriction programme should not be delayed beyond 6 weeks and should continue to 20 weeks of age. Delaying the start of the restriction programme beyond 6 to 9 or 12 weeks of age will reduce the saving in feed intake from approximately 35 to about 29 and 17 per cent of feed consumed by full-fed birds at 20 weeks respectively.
The flowering of annual legume pasture species and cultivars in Western Australia
Authors: Devitt AC , Quinlivan BJ , Francis CM
Published: March 2005

A total of 31 separate annual medic species or varieties of subterranean clover was sown at three planting dates April, May and June, at six sites and for two consecutive years; the time to commencement of flowering was recorded. With each species or variety there were major differences according to site and planting date. There were also agronomically significant interactions between species or variety, site, and planting date. The differences are ascribed primarily to temperature variability but there was some evidence also of a latidude effect perhaps due to day length. There were some varieties, e.g. Dinninup, with unusual flowering patterns not explainable on the basis of vernalization requirement alone.
Preliminary experiments on the growth of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) for paper pulp production in the Ord Irrigation Area, Western Australia
Authors: Wood IM
Published: March 2005

The results of agronomic studies with kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) grown for paper pulp production in the Ord Irrigation Area, Western Australia, are described. There were two experiments: one with cv. C2032 in which growth of the crop was studied at four seeding rates, two row spacings and four times of sowing, and a second in which the growth of cv. Guatemala -4 was followed at two times of sowing. It was demonstrated that year-round growth could be sustained with irrigation. A peak dry-matter yield of 25.6 tonnes ha-1 was achieved after 240 days from a July sowing of Guatemala -4. The yields of stem material from cv. C2032 increased as seeding rate was increased from 5 to 20 kg ha-1. Dry matter yields were higher with a narrow row spacing than with a wide row spacing; total dry matter production from crops sown on 1.5 m beds grown with 5 rows spaced 20 cm apart was 17 per cent higher than from single rows sown on 1 m ridges. The effect of row spacing was mainly in the yield of tops and foliage and there was no significant effect on stem yields. Data are given of the uptake of essential nutrients by kenaf crops. which illustrate the large quantities of nutrients removed by the crop. Ratooning of kenaf is shown to be possible provided it is cut at least 10 cm above ground level. The percentage of plants recovering after cutting increased as the height of cut was increased from 10 cm to 30 cm above ground level.
Effect of grazed lucerne on the moisture status of wheat-growing soils
Authors: Holford ICR , Doyle AD
Published: March 2005

The effects of varying durations of lucerne ley and subsequent wheat cropping on the moisture status of contrasting wheat growing soils are reported from two experiments in northern New South Wales. Lucerne leys of 5 1/2, 3 1/2 and 1 1/2 years on a red brown earth and 3 1/2, 2 1/2, and 1 1/2 years on a black earth were compared with a wheat-cowpea rotation, long fallow and continuous wheat. Lucerne extracted available soil water within eight months of sowing to a depth of 100 cm, with partial extraction of water to 150 cm. Within 18 months available water to a depth of 200 cm had been extracted. Subsequent growth of lucerne was dependent on incident rainfall and water extraction from depths greater than 200 cm. Wheat extracted water from the soil only to a depth of 150 cm, and extracted less water to this depth than did lucerne. Lucerne extracted water beyond the -1 5 bar suction level. On the black earth, soil moisture at 150 cm had not been recharged before time for sowing the third wheat crop, 28 months after lucerne plough-out. On the red brown earth, after a drought enforced long fallow immediately following lucerne plough-out, soil water at 200 cm was recharged within 18 months. Available soil moisture after three to five months fallow following plough-out of the lucerne leys was much less than for a wheat cropping system, with a consequent severe reduction in the grain yield of the following wheat crop. On the black earth grain yield was reduced by 7.7 kg ha-1 for each reduction of 1 mm in available moisture in the first crop after lucerne plough-out. Data indicate that lucerne must be ploughed out before January if a severe reduction in yield of the following wheat crop is to be minimized.
Environmental causes of yield variation in raingrown sunflower in Central Queensland
Authors: Goyne PJ , Woodruff DR , Churchett JD
Published: March 2005

A three year trial series at Biloela Research Station, Central Queensland, was initiated in 1972 to provide information on the environmental causes of sunflower yield variation in this region. The crop daily water use was estimated by running a simple empirical water budget between actual gravimetric soil water determinations. This budget indicated that a better crop water status, at anthesis, could be produced by a slightly quicker cultivar development pattern than that of the current cultivars. The observed yield variation was found to be more highly correlated with an index of the average crop water status in the 30 days surrounding the appearance of the first anther, than by a multiple regression of the individual environmental factors involved. The best explanation of the yield variation (R2 = 96.7 per cent) was given by: Yield = 2034.2 + 241.7 L.A.I. - 309.4 loge Stress Index - 55.4 Rust Index. This paper presents the data on which this relationship was based and looks at its potential merits and defects as a tool for analysing past meteorological records to formulate yield frequency diagrams for this region
An evaluation of grazing oats for grain and wool production in north-eastern Victoria
Authors: Cannon DJ , Sharkey MJ , Stewart PT
Published: March 2005

Oat yields and wool production of Merino wethers were measured at five stocking rates in five systems of land use in each of two years, 1971 and 1972, in north-east Victoria. Nominal stocking rates were 6.8, 8.6, 10.5, 12.4 and 14.2 sheep ha-1. The production at each stocking rate was compared in the following systems: 1, all pasture; 2, and 3. pasture grazed year long with oats grazed in winter and oat stubbles in summer on 15 per cent (system 2) or 30 per cent of the plot area (system 3) ; 4. and 5. pasture grazed throughout with oat stubbles grazed in summer but crops not grazed during the growing season and crops comprised either 15 per cent (system 4) or 30 per cent of the plot area (system 5). In 1971 the rainfall of 540 mm was sufficient to produce a harvestable oat crop and to maintain sheep on all plots without supplements. The mean oat yield of 2.04 � 0.01 t ha-1 for system 3 far exceeded that of the more heavily grazed crops in system 2 (1.44-0.05) or of ungrazed crops in systems 4 and 5 (1.44i-0.07). Clean wool production per head from each system was compared in terms of an 'average' stocking rate S which accounted for variation in grazing intensity throughout the year inherent in systems 2, 3, 4, 5. In 1971 clean wool production kg-1 declined with increase in average stocking rate in all systems but the mean of the four dual land use systems did not differ from the all pasture system (1). 1972 was a drought year with only 330 mm of rain, oat crops failed to produce grain and were grazed from October. The wool production of sheep on systems 2 to 5 was greater than that of sheep at equivalent average stocking rates on the all pasture system. Growing oats for grazing and grain in association with wool production would appear to be more profitable than wool production alone. Light grazing of oats in winter may increase oat yield but more information is needed in relation to seasonal variation and oat variety.
Effects of partial replacement of wheat by oats and tallow, or tallow residue in the diets of growing pigs
Authors: Campbell RG
Published: March 2005

Fifty-six female pigs were used to evaluate a tallow derived by-product of soap manufacture as an energy source for pigs and to study the effect of replacing increasing proportions (0, 33, 66 and 100 per cent) of the energy supplied by wheat in pig diets with a combination of oats and tallow or oats and the tallow by-product. All diets were fed in restrictive amounts and pig performance and carcase quality were compared between 20 and 45 kg and 20 and 70 kg liveweight. The tallow by-product and the feed grade 'gut' tallow used in the experiment were found to contain 31 and 38 MJ of digestible energy for pigs respectively. Substitution of 33 or 66 per cent wheat in the diet with an equal amount of energy from oats and tallow or oats and the tallow by-product had no significant effect on pig performance or carcase quality but reduced the cost of the diet by up to $6 tonne-1. The complete replacement of wheat in the diet with either oats and tallow or the tallow by-product significantly depressed growth rate, food conversion and the apparent digestibility of dietary protein by the pig. Linear fat measurements and the proportion of lean in the ham at 70 kg liveweight did not differ . . significantly between treatments.
A comparison of three methods of tissue analysis for assessing the nutrient status of plantings of Vitis vinifera in an irrigated area in South Australia
Authors: Robinson JB , Nicholas PR , McCarthy JR
Published: March 2005

Three tissue sampling methods used elsewhere to assess the nutrient status of vinifera grape vines were compared in irrigated vineyards in the Loxton area of South Australia. The sampling units used were: a. whole leaf samples taken at bloom and berry colour-change (the French system), 6. leaf blades collected in January (the South African system) and c. petioles collected at flowering time (the Californian system). In each case leaves were sampled from nodes near the base of the shoot opposite a bunch. Fortyfour vineyards including plantings of the cultivars Grenache, Sultana, Shiraz and Gordo were sampled in the 1972-73, 1973-74 and 1974-75 seasons. Tissue was analysed for nitrogen (or nitrate), phosphorus and potassium and an assessment of the nutritional status of each vineyard was made by reference to published standards. The Californian system based on the petiole sampled at bloom-time gave the best assessment of vineyard nutrient status.
Attempts to control alternate cropping of Valencia orange by inhibiting flower formation with gibberellic acid
Authors: Gallasch PT
Published: March 2005

Gibberellic acid (GA) was sprayed on whole Valencia orange trees in 1971 at Loxton in South Australia with the aim of reducing the size of the heavy crop and the alternate cropping cycle. Sprays were applied in June or July at 25 p.p.m. but there was no reduction in mature fruit weights in 1972. In 1973, sprays of GA at 25 p.p.m, were applied twice, about two weeks apart, commencing on either May 7 or 22. In the following November treated trees had 75 per cent fewer fruitlets, but by the time fruit were mature, trees had fully compensated for this early reduction in fruit numbers by increased set and reduced December drop. Again the weight of mature fruit was not reduced at the timings and concentrations used and hence GA cannot be recommended for the control of alternate cropping.
The incidence of bacterial blights of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in East Gippsland, Victoria
Authors: Wimalajeewa DLS , Nancarrow RJ
Published: March 2005

The incidence of common blight, halo blight and brown spot on French beans was surveyed in the Bairnsdale-Lindenow and Orbost areas in East Gippsland during the 1975-76 and 1976-77 growing seasons. Common blight and halo blight were severe only during late January to March, and occurred largely on mature crops. Common blight was the more severe disease in the Orbost area whereas halo blight was more severe in the Bairnsdale-Lindenow area. Brown spot occurred throughout the season on crops of all ages in both areas but was more severe in the Bairnsdale-Lindenow area. The relationship of weather to the incidence of bacterial blights in the two areas is discussed. It is inferred that losses due to common blight and halo blight could be considerably minimized by timing the planting of crops to harvest them by mid-February.
Feeding maize to maintain milk yields during a short period of low pasture availability
Authors: Cowan RT , Dainson TM
Published: March 2005

Twenty-four Friesian and Friesian cross cows in mid-lactation were used in a 2 X 2 factorial experiment to study the immediate and residual effects on milk yield of feeding concentrate during a 4 week period of low pasture availability. Cows grazing pastures of 1800 kg DM ha-1 averaged 6.5 and 9.3 kg milk cow-1 day-1 when fed 0 and 3 kg maize cow-1 day-1 respectively (P < 0.01). Cows on pastures of 3300 kg DM ha-1 averaged 13.0 kg milk cow-1 day-1 at both levels of maize feeding. After 4 weeks cows returned to a common pasture and residual effects of treatments on milk yields were nil after 3 weeks. Four to 8 weeks after treatments were removed, changes in liveweight and fatty acid composition of milk fat suggested cows previously on pastures of low availability had higher pasture intakes than cows from pastures of high availability.
Effect of triticale, lucerne pellets, furazolidone, ethoxyquin and oxycarotenoids on egg yolk colour and performance of crossbred layers
Authors: Karunajeewa H
Published: March 2005

In the first of two factorial experiments, 26-week-old crossbred pullets were fed for a period of 24 weeks diets with lucerne either in the form of meal or crumbled pellets, with or without 25 p.p.m. furazolidone and with 1 p.p.m. of either G-apo-8'-carotenoic acid ethyl ester or canthaxanthin. In the second experiment, crossbred hens aged 58 weeks were fed for a period of 16 weeks either triticale or wheat, or triticale plus wheat or wheat plus oats on a free choice basis with a concentrate mixture containing either 0 or 333 p.p.m. of ethoxyquin. Lucerne pellets reduced rate of egg production, hen-housed production, efficiency of feed conversion and the income per bird. It increased feed intake by 3.2 per cent and egg yolk colour by 2 per cent. Furazolidone increased hen-housed production and efficiency of feed conversion but had no effect on egg yolk colour. Pullets given diets with canthaxanthin laid eggs with higher yolk colour scores and specific gravity and converted feed more efficiently than those given the diets with G-apo-8'-carotenoic acid ethyl ester. The depressive effect of lucerne pellets on egg production and feed conversion was overcome by both furazolidone and canthaxanthin. Triticale reduced the concentration of oxycarotenoids in egg yolks, Hens given triticale tended to eat more, convert feed less efficiently and gained less liveweight than those given wheat, but rate of egg production and egg weight were unaffected. The performance of hens given triticale plus wheat fell between that of those given either triticale or wheat as the sole cereal. Hens given wheat plus oats tended to lay fewer but heavier eggs with lower yolk colour and gained less liveweight than those given wheat. Ethoxyquin increased the concentration of oxycarotenoids in egg yolks but had no effect on other production traits.
Effect of resident vegetation on establishment of surface sown pasture species at Glen Innes, New South Wales
Authors: Dowling PM
Published: March 2005

The influence of resident vegetative cover on the establishment of surface sown seed was determined in a field experiment at Glen Innes, New South Wales. Seed was sown on 25 occasions over a period of 2 years spanning the period November 1969 to January 1972. Species sown were Phalaris aquatica, Festuca arundinacea, Medicago sativa and Trifolium subterraneum. The relationship between mean per cent establishment and vegetative cover was significant and was described by the quadratic equation y = 0.8064 � 9.8342x - 0.8829x2. Presence of vegetative cover significantly increased mean establishment on 22 occasions. Presence of Sorghum leiocladum plants as a component of the resident vegetation had a larger influence on establishment of surface sown species than Bothriochloa ambigua and Poa sieberana. It was concluded that the best means of obtaining maximum establishment of surface sown pasture species in native grassland areas on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales was by sowing into vegetative cover (approximately 5000 kg ha-1) and sowing during the period May-July.
A comparison of slow-release and conventional nitrogenous fertilizers for an established pangola grass pasture in a sub-tropical environment
Authors: Lowe KF , Cudmore JF
Published: March 2005

Three slow-release nitrogen fertilizers, urea formaldehyde, nitrogen-enriched coal (NEC) and corea (a coal-urea formulation) were compared with conventional nitrogenous fertilizers (urea, ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulphate) in a small-plot cutting experiment. The slow-release fertilizers were applied in one 672 kg N ha-1 dressing to an established Digitaria decumbens (pangola grass) pasture on wallum heath in south-east Queensland. Conventional fertilizers were applied in one, two or four applications in one, two or three years respectively, all treatments receiving a total of 672 kg N ha-1. Dry matter production, nitrogen yield and nitrogen recovery were compared over four summer periods. Over four years, pangola grass produced highest dry matter yields when fertilized with urea formaldehyde, the residual effect disappearing in the fourth summer. Annual yield distribution was equivalent to that from regular applications of conventional fertilizers. NEC released little nitrogen for grass growth in four years while corea had little effect on yield after the first summer. Nitrogen recovery from urea formaldehyde was equivalent to that from ammonium nitrate and urea (applied in four dressings of 168 kg N ha-1). Where 672 kg ha-1 of nitrogen was applied in one dressing, nitrogen recovery was in the order urea formaldehyde >> ammonium nitrate > urea >> ammonium sulphate.
The recovery of leaf water potential following burning of two droughted tropical pasture species
Authors: Fisher MJ
Published: March 2005

Following burning (day 0) of a water-stressed sward of green panic and siratro, measurements were made both on unburned plants and on regrowth of burned plants of leaf water potential (�s) and stomatal conductance (gs) at 1.00 p.m. and of leaf extension. In the unburned plants �s, remained low (-23 to -45 bar for green panic, and -14 to -18 bar for siratro), the stomata were closed and no growth occurred. In the burned plants of both species, however, �s on day 12 was -9 to -11 bars, the stomata were open and growth occurred, presumably because the complete defoliation allowed the plants to make use of a limited store of soil water at higher water potential. In green panic �s fell rapidly, and growth stopped after day 19, but �s and g, in siratro were still high on day 28. Burning of droughted native pastures is a common management practice in the semi-arid tropics of Australia. The data may explain how the pastures are able to make the new growth that frequently occurs.
Reduction of insecticide residues in grain dust by treatment with alkali
Authors: Desmarchelier JM , Hogan JP
Published: March 2005

A series of laboratory and pilot scale experiments was performed to reduce residues of dichlorvos and malathion in grain dust to levels below the maximum permitted for stock feed. Processing such as steaming or pelleting did not reduce pesticide residues sufficiently, but mixing grain dust with three alkaline materials, sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate or ammonia, reduced residues considerably and this reduction was increased by subsequent processing. Reduction of residues was greater from use of liquid rather than solid alkalis, from use of the stronger (sodium hydroxide) rather than from the weaker (sodium carbonate) base and was proportional to the amount of liquid sodium hydroxide or ammonia that was used. Alkaline materials reduced pesticide residues in possible stock feed combinations of grain dust plus straw and grain dust plus lucerne meal. As these results are consistent with general base-catalyzed hydrolysis of organophosphorus esters, there is probably scope for considerable variations in procedure by use of different alkalis and different exposure times to alkali. In commercial applications amounts of base required (2 per cent w/w) were less than those used to increase the food value of low-grade animal feed.
Factors affecting birth weight and performance to weaning of beef calves in the dry tropics of north Queensland
Authors: Winks L , O'Rourke PK , Venamore PC , Tyler R
Published: March 2005

Data from 533 calves from 321 Shorthorn cows at 'Swan's Lagoon', north Queensland, were analysed by the least-squares method. Calves were sired by either Sahiwal or Brahman bulls. Birth weights, growth rates and corrected 180-day weights were comparable in Brahman and Sahiwal cross calves. Age of dam had a significant effect on performance with cows 5-8 years and 9+ years producing heavier calves than cows 3-4 years of age. Calves born early in the season were significantly superior to calves born later and males outperformed females throughout, being 8-9 per cent heavier at 180 days. Pre-calving weight of the cow was positively correlated with calf growth rate and 180 day weight. Calf gains were inversely related to cow gains from birth to weaning. Calf birth weight was significantly correlated with calf growth rate and 180-day weight.
Composition and acceptability to sheep of twelve summer forage crops
Authors: Hedges DA , Wheeler JL , Mulcahy C , Vincent MS
Published: March 2005

The composition and relative acceptability to sheep of eight forage sorghum and three forage millet cultivars were assessed in two experiments at Tamworth and Armidale, New South Wales. Millets were consistently superior to sorghums in chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and acceptability. Japanese millet (Echinochloa utilis) which had the highest mean sulphur (0.45 per cent) and sodium (0.03 per cent) contents and a very narrow nitrogen : sulphur ratio (5.7 : 1 ) , was easily the most acceptable. Its disadvantage was its very early maturity with subsequent poor regrowth. In the second experiment, two pearl millets were similar to eight sorghums in terms of dry matter production (means 2.1 vs. 2.0 t ha-1 per cut respectively) but tended to be more acceptable to the sheep and produced forage of superior quality. The eight sorghum cultivars and one maize had very low sodium (0.008-0.01 7 per cent) and sulphur (0.09-0.20 per cent) contents and nitrogen : sulphur ratios (mean 15.9 : 1 ) wider than those of the two pearl millets (13 : 1). Despite quite low cyanide potentials (mean 0.015 per cent HCN) there was a consistent negative association between the cyanide potential and acceptability in the sorghums. The low cyanide cultivar Piper was generally the most acceptable sorghum and compared favourably with the pearl millets in acceptability. The application of 20 kg S ha-1 as gypsum failed to increase significantly the sulphur content of any of the forages, but significantly reduced the nitrogen : sulphur ratio from 14.1 : 1 to 13.3 : 1 in the second year.The solution to the problem of unsatisfactory animal production on summer forages appears to lie in increasing the dry matter production per unit area of millets or the quality of sorghums.
The effect of cutting interval and associate grass species on the growth of Stylosanthes species near Ingham, north Queensland
Authors: McIvor JG
Published: March 2005

Five Stylosanthes guianensis accessions (cvv. Schofield, Cook and Endeavour, CPI 33706 and 40294), four S. scabra accessions (cv. Seca, CPI 34925,40205 and 40289), two S. viscosa accessions (CPI 33941 and 40264 B) and Centrosema pubescens (Common centro) were grown in small, fertilized swards with either Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk or Panicummaximum near lngham in northern Queensland. The swards were cut every 4,8,12 or 16 weeks to 10 cm above the ground for three years and herbage yield and botanical composition measured. Herbage yields of all Stylosanthes accessions declined over the three years while those of C. pubescens and the sown grasses increased after the first year. In the final year S, viscosa accessions yielded 200 kg ha-1 of dry matter or less, S. scabra accessions less than 2000 kg ha-1 and S. guianensis accessions and C. pubescens more than 2000 kg ha-1. The yields and proportions of legume and miscellaneous species were lower in B, decumbens plots than P. maximum plots. After the first year, cutting interval had no effect on legume yield. Grass yields were similar with cutting intervals of 12 or 16 weeks, but when plots were cut every 4 or 8 weeks B. decumbens outyielded P. maximum. The legume content of the S, guianensis plots cut every 12 or 16 weeks was higher than that of those cut every 4 or 8 weeks. The proportion of C, pubescens in the swards increased linearly as cutting interval increased. S. guianensis cvv. Schofield and Cook, and CPI 40294 had high growth rates early in the growing season while S. guianensis cvv. Schofield, Cook and CPI 33706 had high growth rates late in the season. B, decumbens had a higher growth rate than P. maximum during both the early and late growing season periods. S. guianensis cv. Cook was the best legume accession but S. guianensis CPI 40294 and S. scabra require further testing. None of the new accessions was more compatible with B. decumbens than existing cultivars.
Effect of rate of application of superphosphate on populations of vesicular arbuscular endophytes
Authors: Porter WM , Abbott LK , Robson AD
Published: March 2005

The effect of altering the rate of superphosphate application on the population of vesicular arbuscular endophytes in a pasture soil was studied during 1976. Between 1950 and 1965 the pasture near Bakers Hill, Western Australia, had received an average of 150 kg superphosphate ha-1 year-1. For the ten years prior to 1976, five rates of superphosphate were applied to plots within the pasture. Varying the rate of superphosphate affected the number of VA endophyte spores. Adding 56 kg superphosphate ha-1 year-1 increased spore numbers by 40 per cent compared with the unfertilized plots. Spore numbers in plots receiving higher rates of superphosphate than 56 kg ha-1 were similar to those in unfertilized plots. The relative abundance of spores of the four endophyte species found (Glomus monosporus, Acaulospora laevis, Gigaspora sp. and 'White reticulate') was unaffected by superphosphate applications. In a glasshouse experiment vesicular arbuscular endophytes from plots that had received the highest rate of superphosphate (224 kg ha-1 year-1) did not differ from those which had received no superphosphate in their ability to infect and increase the phosphorus uptake and growth of clover. It was concluded that altering the rate of superphosphate application on an old, adequately fertilized pasture does not affect the infectivity or effectiveness of the vesicular arbuscular endophyte population.
Varietal and rootstock effects on mandarin quality
Authors: El-Zeftawi BM , Thornton IR
Published: March 2005

The quality of Early Imperial, Emperor, Dancy and Ellendale mandarins on six different rootstocks (Symons sweet orange, Cleopatra and Emperor mandarin, trifoliate orange and Carrizo and Troyer citrange) were studied at the middle of their commercial seasons in early May, June, July and August respectively. These cultivars differed significantly in their qualities, which were also affected by rootstocks and seasonal variation. The citrange rootstocks gave the largest juice volume, but the lowest acidity, ascorbic acid and carotenoid content, while Emperor mandarin rootstocks had opposite effects. Differences due to cultivar and rootstock alone were greater than those attributable to their interactions, which were significant only for 'Brix, Brix : acid ratio, ascorbic acid and carotenoids. Seasonal differences, particularly in Brix: acid and pigment levels might be attributed to the cooler weather in the second season. On a quality, yield and productivity basis it seems that Symons sweet orange and Emperor mandarins are the most suitable rootstocks for mandarins under Mildura conditions.
An evaluation of whole lupin grain, hammer-milled barley, and mixtures of the two as concentrates in a ration for yearling steers fed in pens
Authors: Hawthorne WA , Fromm GM
Published: March 2005

Forty yearling Hereford x Friesian steers (237 kg initial liveweight) were paired in pens and fed for 77 days a ration of pasture hay ad libitum, plus either whole lupins, hammer-milled barley or mixtures of the two. Included also was a change-over ration where the concentrate commenced as whole lupins, but was changed progressively to hammer-milled barley. In each of the five treatments the concentrate was fed at 1.6 per cent of liveweight, and represented a mean of 45 per cent of the rations. Steers fed rations with whole lupins and hammer-milled barley in the proportions 100 : 0, 50 : 50 and 25 : 75 did not differ significantly in their liveweight gain, carcase weight, feed intake or feed conversion ratio. Depth of subcutaneous fat was, however, significantly (P < 0.05) greater where lupins were alone in the concentrate (4.8 mm vs, a mean of 2.7). There were no significant effects of the changeover ration. Feeding the concentrate as hammer-milled barley alone produced significantly (P < 0.01 ) lower liveweight gains and carcase weight than all other treatments (0.78 kg head-1 day-1 vs. a mean of 1.05; and 145.6 kg vs. a mean of 160.4 respectively). The reduced performance may have been related to the incidence of mild D-lactic acidosis, or to the lower than recommended protein level in the diet.
Nutrient composition of Queensland molasses
Authors: Wythes JR , Wainwright DH , Blight GW
Published: March 2005

Molasses samples were obtained from all (30) sugar mills in Queensland on three occasions during the 1975 crushing season. Queensland molasses, on a dry matter basis, contained an average of 65.3 per cent total sugars, 0.90 per cent N, 0.07 per cent P, 1.15 per cent Ca, 0.61 per cent Mg, 0.10 per cent Na, 5.19 per cent K, 2.98 per cent Cl, 0.73 per cent S, 10.7 p.p.m. Cu, 11.6 p.p.m. Zn, 247 p.p.m. Fe, 82 p.p.m. Mn and 2.7 p.p.m. Co. It had 13.6 per cent ash and 76.4 per cent dry matter. As a major dietary component for cattle this molasses is grossly deficient in N, P and Zn. Copper is adequate to marginal, and Na marginal to deficient. Concentrations of other minerals exceeded nutritional requirements for growth and lactation. With the exception of dry matter, sucrose, Ca and Cu concentrations, there were significant (P < 0.05) differences between the four major sugar producing regions in all other components. Noteworthy were the significantly (P < 0.05) lower concentrations of Na in northern molasses and significantly (P < 0.05) higher concentrations of S in Burdekin and southern molasses,
Influence of season and of reproductive status on the wool growth of Merino ewes in arid environment
Authors: Hawker H , Kennedy JP
Published: March 2005

At Fowlers Gap, an arid saltbush environment in far western New South Wales, the wool growth of South Australian Merino ewes was measured at intervals of about ten weeks for three years. Highest rates of wool growth on dry ewes were recorded each year in late winter (1 0.8, 14.9, 15.7 g day-1) and lowest in late summer (6.0, 7.7, 10.7 g day-1). Changes in the rate of wool growth were associated with changes in pastoral conditions in two of the three years. Relative to dry ewes, the rate of wool growth of wet ewes was reduced by 9 to 24 per cent in late pregnancy, 21 to 43 per cent in early lactation and 3 to 26 per cent in late lactation. The reduction was inversely related to current pasture growth.
Effects of dietary fat, age and sex of broilers on their requirements for essential and non-essential amino acids
Authors: Guirguis N
Published: March 2005

An experiment was conducted to study the variation between sexes of broilers in the requirements for essential (EAA) and non-essential (non-EAA) amino acids and the effect of tallow on these requirements. The practical diets contained a balanced proportion of ten EAA which were expressed collectively as per cent of diet. The difference between dietary percentages of protein and EAA was expressed as per cent non-EAA. In the first three weeks, both sexes performed optimally with 7.6 per cent EAA, 11.5 per cent non-EAA and 11.3 MJ kg-1 energy. However, female chicks responded more to the increase in non-EAA than to EAA (significant interaction P < 0.05). Between three and five weeks of age, maximum growth and best utilization of feed were obtained with diets containing 6.8 and 6.1 per cent EAA, 10.5 per cent non-EAA and 13.4 and 11.3 MJ kg-1 energy for males and females respectively. Beyond five weeks of age, both sexes required 5.8 per cent EAA, but males appeared to require higher levels of non-EAA than females. Both sexes utilized the feed more efficiently when fed higher energy diets (13.4 MJ kg-1). Addition of tallow to diets adequate in amino acids without excess, depressed growth rate of both sexes with the males being more affected than females. The growth depression was absent on diets having higher levels of amino acids. It is postulated that tallow may contain a factor that reduces the availability of amino acids. The study has shown the potential benefits to the broiler industry that could result if diets for each sex of birds of particular ages were formulated on the basis of amino acid content and composition rather than crude protein. The study has also demonstrated that tallow may depress growth unless additional amino acids are also supplied. Avenues for further work are discussed.
Selection for resistance to Phytophthora megasperma var. sojae in Hunter River lucerne
Authors: Bray RA , Irwin JAG
Published: March 2005

Seedlings of lucerne (Medicago sativa) resistant to Phytophthora root rot were isolated from cv. Hunter River by two generations of selection under laboratory conditions. Screening of three-month-old seedlings confirmed the resistance of the selected populations. In the field, when compared with cv. Hunter River, the best population had greater survival, more resistant plants, and twice the dry matter yield.
Effects of superphosphate application and cutting interval on native pastures in the Clarence Valley, New South Wales
Authors: Garden DL , Brooks DR , Bradley J
Published: March 2005

The effects of superphosphate rate (nil; 250 kg ha-l initial with 125 kg ha-1 maintenance; and 500 kg ha-1 initial with 250 kg ha-1 maintenance) and cutting interval (2, 4, 6 or 8 weeks) on dry matter yield, growth rate, botanical composition and chemical composition of native pastures on a sandstone soil in the Clarence Valley, New South Wales were studied over a period of three years. Mean annual dry matter yield of unfertilized native pasture was 990 kg ha-l and this was increased to 1322 kg ha-1 at the higher rate of superphosphate. Dry matter yield was depressed from 1587 to 647 kg ha-1 by decreasing cutting interval from 8 weeks to 2 weeks. Pasture growth was limited to the September to May period and 87 per cent of the total annual production occurred in summer and autumn. Maximum growth occurred in the February/March period, with 16.2 kg ha-1 day-1 being the maximum recorded for the unfertilized pasture and 19.9 kg ha-1 day-1 for pasture at the higher rate of superphosphate. Changes in botanical composition were neither large nor consistent. Phosphorus content of the native pasture averaged 0.12 per cent. Crude protein content averaged 7.4 per cent, with levels in standing herbage in winter-spring falling to 3 per cent. Phosphorus yield was 1.1 kg ha-1 year-1 and crude protein yield was 65.8 kg ha-1 year-1. Superphosphate increased phosphorus content and yield, and crude protein yield. Increasing cutting interval decreased phosphorus and crude protein contents but increased phosphorus and crude protein yields by its effect on dry matter yield. Maximum yields obtained were 3.3 kg ha-1 year-1 phosphorus and 100 kg ha-1 year-1 crude protein. It was concluded that the increases obtained would be insufficient to produce worthwhile improvements in animal production, and that an increase in the legume content of these pastures is required before this could occur.
Hybrid vigour and lamb production. 2. Effects on survival and growth of first-cross lambs, and on wool and body measurements of hogget ewes
Authors: McGuirk BJ , Bourke ME , Manwaring JM
Published: March 2005

In an experiment at Cowra Agricultural Research Station, New South Wales, five drops of Border Leicester (BB), Merino (MM), Border Leicester x Merino (BM) and Merino x Border Leicester (MB) lambs have been compared to estimate hybrid vigour effects on lamb survival and growth, and on the wool and body measurements of ewe hoggets. Hybrid vigour has been estimated as the percentage superiority of the crossbreds 1/2(MB + BM) over the average of the purebred 1/2(BB + MM) flocks. Hybrid vigour was observed for lamb survival, with the crossbreds superior by 10 per cent in lambs weaned per lamb born (P < 0.05). The crossbred lambs were also heavier at birth (4 per cent) and weaning (6 per cent) and crossbred wether lambs were 11 per cent heavier at slaughter (all P < 0.05). The crossbred ewes were significantly superior to the average of the purebred flocks in both greasy (8 per cent) and clean fleece weight (12 per cent), liveweight (12 per cent) and chest depth (5 per cent) (all P < 0.05). There was no evidence that the crossbreds were superior in any component of wool production per unit area of the skin ; fibre length, fibre diameter or follicle density. Other evidence from this experiment indicates that the breeds and crosses differ in their susceptibility to pneumonia and that there may be heterosis for resistance. This situation could give rise to heterosis for production characters and the heterosis estimates obtained may only be applicable to first-cross flocks derived from Border Leicester studs which are susceptible to pneumonia. Lamb survival to weaning was higher for purebred Merinos (88 per cent) than for purebred Border Leicesters (73 per cent, P < 0.05). The Border Leicester lambs were heavier at all ages and in all years, although the magnitude of their superiority varied significantly between years (P < 0.05). This breed x year interaction was also significant for clean fleeca weight, but the average production of the two groups was similar over the five years. Variation, measured as the coefficient of variation, was generally lower within the crossbred flocks for those characters for which hybrid vigour effects were observed, but these differences were not statistically significant.