bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of genetic parameters in beef cattle from records of performance
Authors: Baharin K , Beilharz RG
Published: March 2005

An analysis of the growth and calving performance from a crossbreeding program involving four breeds of sires (Angus, Hereford, Friesian and Shorthorn) mated to three breeds of purebred dams (Angus, Hereford and Shorthorn) and three types of crossbred heifers (Angus x Hereford, Friesian x Angus and Friesian x Hereford) during the 1971 and 1972 calving seasons is presented. The performance of the individual breeds of dams and sires were evaluated from the size and growth rate of their progeny at birth, to weaning and post-weaning, as well as from the performance of the dams at calving measured in terms of incidence of difficult calving, percentage of calves dead at birth and twinning rate. Heritability estimates calculated from intra-class correlation of paternal half-sibs were compared from records obtained from purebred calves and from crossbred calves. Crossbred calves were heavier than the purebred calves at birth and grew faster between birth and weaning. After weaning, crossbred heifers grew significantly faster than the purebreds but no significant difference was observed among the steers. There was no significant difference in performance of crossbred calves produced by the purebred and crossbred dams. Calves from the Friesian sires and Friesian cross dams were heavier at birth than calves produced by the other three breeds of beef sires or the beef crossbred dams and they grew faster to weaning. Between weaning and yearling age both the crossbred steers and heifers from the Friesian sires continued to surpass the performance of the beef breeds of sires but there were no significant differences in the performance of three-breed-cross calves of the Friesian cross dams and the Angus x Hereford dams. Heritability estimates of growth rates calculated from data on the performance of the crossbred progeny generally were lower than those calculated from data of the purebred progeny. Higher estimates of heritability were obtained from the data of female progeny than from male progeny for birth weight but the trend was reversed for growth rates between birth to weaning and from weaning to yearling age.
Revegetation of mine wastes at Mt. Isa, Queensland. 2. Amendment of nutrient status and physical properties of tailings for plant growth
Authors: Hunter GD , Whiteman PC
Published: March 2005

Pot and field trials were undertaken to examine methods to overcome chemical and physical limitations of metal mine tailings to plant growth. Marked responses to phosphorus and nitrogen were demonstrated in pot trials. Reduction of soluble salt levels by leaching markedly improved plant growth. Fly ash from coal fired power stations was shown to be an extremely efficient amendment for tailings bringing about a reduction in bulk density, surface crust strength, and increasing infiltration rate which improved the leaching of soluble salts. Toxicity problems were not apparent, and plant growth improved with increasing proportions of fly ash in mixtures with tailings. The marked effect of fly ash additions was demonstrated in field trials. No plant growth was evident in plots without fly ash, whereas fly ash treated plots maintained quite high levels of plant growth over a number of years.
Whole wheat grain feeding of Merino ewes. 2. Influence of wheat and vitamin A on reproductive performance
Authors: McManus WR , Reynolds JA , Roberts EM
Published: March 2005

In two experiments Merino breeding ewes were fed wheat in pens (wheat/pen) or small paddocks (wheat/paddock) from joining to weaning. Three levels of wheat were examined in each experiment (L1, M1, H1-experiment 1 ; L2, M2, H2-experiment 2) and at each wheat level a group of ewes received vitamin A. Control groups of ewes were run at pasture. The percentage of ewes pregnant in experiment 1 was higher in groups fed pasture than in groups fed wheat. There were no differences due to wheat level or vitamin A treatments. In experiment 2 there was an interaction between treatments in their effects on pregnancy rate. In experiment 2 wheat level had a linear effect on the proportion of multiple births and wheat/pen ewes gave birth to fewer twins than wheat/paddock ewes. The effects of wheat level on lamb birth weight were linear and quadratic in experiments 1 and 2 respectively. Lamb survival between birth and weaning was not influenced by wheat level or vitamin A in experiment 1. Lamb survival among groups fed wheat and pasture was 46 per cent and 84 per cent respectively. In experiment 2 there was an interaction between the treatments in lamb survival. In experiments 1 and 2, 66 per cent and 53 per cent respectively of lamb deaths among groups fed wheat were attributed to starvation. Goitre was diagnosed in 9 per cent of dead lambs from the wheat/pen groups of experiment 2. In both experiments white muscle disease was found in dead lambs from the wheat/pen groups.
Production and utilization of oats as forage for cattle in the Ord River Valley, Western Australia
Authors: Blunt CG , Fisher MJ
Published: March 2005

Three experiments were carried out to obtain data on the suitability for forage of ten oat (Avena sativa) cultivars; on optimum water and nitrogen regimes for growing oats for forage; and on the liveweight gains of cattle grazing forage oats. The early-flowering cultivars, Swan, Bentland and Benton, grew faster than the late-flowering cultivars, Trispernia and Algerian, but did not tolerate defoliation so well. The most practical treatment for growing oats for forage was watering each two weeks and applying 90 kg ha-1N at planting and another 90 kg ha-1N eight weeks later. Swan oats, Algerian oats and a Swan oats/vetch (Vicia atropurpurea) mixture, all sown in May, gave liveweight gains 373,300 and 370 kg ha-1 when grazed at 4.3 head ha-1, and 477,423 and 329 kg ha-1 at 5.7 head ha-'. Only Swan at both 5.7 and 4.3 head ha-1 and Algerian at 4.3 head ha-1 sustained liveweight gains for the whole 19-week grazing period. The prospects for profitable use of oats as feed for cattle in the Ord River Valley appear to be poor.
The relationship of several plant characters with grain yield in sorghum and their use in estimating grain loss through pest activity
Authors: Vance PN
Published: March 2005

The relationship between grain yield and five plant characters in grain sorghum hybrid Pioneer 846 was studied. Grain yield was closely correlated with head weight, weight of a standard length of peduncle (WSP), peduncle perimeter (PP), head length and breadth. The close correlation of grain yield on WSP was shown to exist at a number of sites and for a number of varieties. However, regression equations differed for different sites, sowing dates and varieties. Of the two components of grain yield per head, single grain weight and grain number; only grain number was closely correlated with WSP. In one instance where moisture stress affected grain development, grain number but not yield was closely correlated with WSP. WSP was shown not to be affected by damage to the head and could therefore be used to estimate potential yield in agronomic trials where yield loss due to pest activity has occurred.
Ripening responses of bananas to temperature
Authors: Rippon LE , Trochoulias T
Published: March 2005

Experiments with summer grown autumn maturing fruit of Cavendish bananas (cv. Williams) studied skin colour and pulp firmness responses to different ripening and post-ripening temperatures. In 1972 fruit was ripened at 15, 17 and 19�C and subsequently held at 15, 21 and 27�C. Times were determined for this fruit to reach colour stages 4, 6 and 8, and the relationships between pulp firmness at colour 6 and times taken to reach this colour were established. This procedure was repeated in another trial in 1973 but the 19�C ripening temperature was omitted, and times were determined to reach colours 4 to 7 inclusive. The life of fruit after ripening was mainly determined by the temperature at which ripening was commenced. Holding temperatures after ripening had little influence on shelf life. Fruit was adversely affected when ripened at 15 or 17�C and subsequently removed to temperatures 10�C or greater above the ripening temperature. Ripening at 17�C combined relatively fast outturn of fruit with moderate shelf life and pulp firmness.
Early weaning of grazing sheep. 1. Growth of lambs
Authors: Furnival EP , Corbett JL
Published: March 2005

In six experiments during 1968-1972, Corriedale and Merino breeding ewes were grazed on phalaris (Phalaris tuberosa) pastures at densities of from eight to 33 ewes ha-1. In the first experiment the lambs were weaned at six or 12 weeks of age, or were left unweaned until liveweight was, or approached, 32 kg. The weaned lambs were grazed on a phalaris or a lucerne (Medicago sativa) pasture with abundant herbage, and growth rates were significantly greater on the lucerne. Lambs from ewes grazed at a density of 8.6 ha-1 grew to 32 kg more slowly if weaned at six rather than 12 weeks, and grew most rapidly if left unweaned; with ewes grazed at 17.3 ha-1 these weaning treatments had the reverse effect. The positive relationship between growth rate to six weeks and subsequent growth to 12 weeks differed between lambs weaned at six weeks and those unweaned. This effect was examined in the other five experiments on lambs weaned within fixed pasture areas at six weeks by confinement to half the original area. Growth was compared with that of lambs that remained with their ewes on similar total areas not subdivided. The slower the growth rate from birth to six weeks, the less was the adverse effect of weaning on growth during the subsequent six weeks, Regression analysis indicated the difference between weaned and unweaned lambs would be zero if liveweight at the end of the first period was 10.6 kg (95 per cent confidence limits � 1.8 kg) representing a growth rate from birth of about 150 g d-1. Practical implications are discussed.
The effect of stocking rate and deferred Autumn grazing of pasture on liveweight and wool production of Merino wethers in a Mediterranean-type climate
Authors: Brown TH
Published: March 2005

Liveweight, seasonal wool growth rates, annual wool production, wool quality and hand feeding requirements were recorded for Merino wethers when autumn deferred or continuously grazed. The two management systems were compared at a series of eight stocking rates from 12.4 to 29.7 sheep per hectare for five years from 1967 to 1971 at the Kybybolite Research Centre, South Australia. Autumn deferment resulted in increased liveweight and wool growth rate during the months of June to September. However, liveweights and wool production under either management were similar for the remainder of the year. Because deferred grazing did not increase liveweights during the critical autumn period, and since hand feeding requirements were similar under either management system at the higher stocking rates, it is suggested that yearly stocking rates can not be increased by autumn deferment. Apart from the drought year of 1967, the continuously grazed sheep required little or no hand feeding up to 22.2 wethers per hectare. It is unlikely that the cost of hand feeding deferred sheep up to this stocking rate would be covered by the small increase in wool production. However, this would depend on the cost of conserved fodder and price received for the wool.
Seed production of Stylosanthes guyanensis. 1. Growth and development
Authors: Loch DS , Hopkinson JM , English BH
Published: March 2005

The pattern of growth and development of seed crops of stylo (Stylosanthes guyanensis) was derived from measurements made on experimental and commercial crops in north Queensland. The three cultivars Cook, Endeavour, and Schofield differed appreciably only in the timetable of their development. Each had distinct successive phases of vegetative and reproductive development culminating in total annual seed production of 700-800 kg ha-1 from a healthy closed canopy, the main recorded cause of reduced production being the disease Botrytis sp. In a healthy crop of Cook, the peak quantity of standing seed represented almost 90 per cent of the total accountable seed, and the rise to and decline from this peak proceeded at rates of the order of 3-4 per cent per day. It is deduced that, although there appears to be little potential for either increase in overall production or improvement in synchronization or retention characteristics beyond that currently attained by a closed canopy of healthy plants, there is scope for an increase in the efficiency of recovery of standing seed. Maximum recovery will be achieved through attention to choice of time of harvest, presentation of a minimum amount of extraneous vegetation to the harvester, and improvement in harvester separation.
Effect of sod-seeding oats or barley, renovation, herbicide and broadcast nitrogen fertilizer on forage production of dryland lucerne
Authors: Spurway RA , Gleeson AC
Published: March 2005

In four experiments at Tamworth, New South Wales in 1973 and 1974, forage production from dryland lucerne pastures (Medicago sativa cv. Hunter River) was evaluated following sod-seeding with oats (Avena sativa cv. Cooba and Coolabah) or barley (Hordeum vulgare cv. Beecher) in autumn, treatment with diquat and topdressing with 50 or 100 kg nitrogen (N) ha-1. Comparisons were also made with production from lucerne alone and with crops of oats and barley sown on conventional seedbeds. Total forage production from lucerne was approximately doubled (P < 0.05) in winter by sod-seeding with oats or barley. Differences between the cereal species were small and both responded significantly to N fertilizer. Herbicide did not significantly affect forage production. The sod-sown cereal reduced (P < 0.05) lucerne growth in winter, but in early summer when cereal growth had ceased neither the growth of lucerne nor its basal area differed significantly from that of unseeded lucerne pastures. In most experiments renovation or broadcasting N fertilizer gave small, but significant increases in lucerne production. Forage yields from conventionally sown oats and barley were 2 to 3 times larger (P < 0.05) than the total production of sod-sown plots. Per cent N in sod-sown oats or barley was almost always less (P < 0.05) than in conventional sowings. Per cent N in both cereals declined significantly between winter and spring
The effect of planting date on the yield and some fibre properties of cotton in the Namoi Valley
Authors: Constable GA , Harris NV , Paull RE
Published: March 2005

The effect of planting dates between September 30 and November 30 on the yield and some fibre properties of two cotton cultivars has been studied over three seasons. The yield of the commercial cultivar (Deltapine Smoothleaf) fell by an average of 20 kg ha-1 day-1 delay in planting after October 20, earlier planting dates having equal yields, producing a plateau effect. The yield of an early maturing cultivar (Short Sympodial) fell linearly by 11 kg ha-1 day-1 delay in planting. Planting dates after mid-October had an adverse effect on micronaire in the commercial cultivar, but lint length and strength were not affected. Thus maximum yield and micronaire for plantings after mid-October came from the early cultivar. Tolerance to low temperature is an important factor in cultivar earliness, and accounts for the performance of Short Sympodial in these experiments. The number of days from first flower to first frost was as reliable as growing degree days in explaining yield variation within a cultivar
Disinfestation of Western Australian Granny Smith apples by cold treatment against the egg and larval stages of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata (Wied.))
Authors: Sproul AN
Published: March 2005

In a series of tests during 1974 export grade Granny Smith apples artificially infested with eggs, young and old larvae of Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata (Wied.)) were cold stored at 0.5�C � 0.5�C for 14 days and at 1.5�C � 0.5�C for 16 days in simulated commercial conditions. No survivors were recorded from tests in which an estimated total of 340,200 eggs and larvae were treated. No injury to the fruit was caused by the treatments. Apples are held in cool stores after harvest at these temperatures as normal commercial practice. The experimental programme demonstrated that such commercial treatments can be applied to meet export requirements to obtain entry to quarantine areas.
Increasing the crotch angle of young apple trees by using growth hormones or plastic discs
Authors: Filipovich SD
Published: March 2005

In two experiments carried out at the Scoresby Horticultural Research Station, with two growth regulators and plastic discs on maiden apple trees, branch angles were significantly increased. The growth regulators IBA and TIBA, and co-polymer plastic discs were applied at bud burst viz. when laterals were not longer than 5 cm in apple cvv. Jonathan, Granny Smith and Delicious (Hi-Early Sport). The application of growth regulators significantly increased branch angles, irrespective of apple variety or the branch position in the canopy. The plastic discs were more effective than either of the growth regulators.
Efficiency of growth and wool production of young Merino ewes from a flock selected for fertility
Authors: Atkins KD , Robards GE
Published: March 2005

A handfeeding experiment was conducted with weaner ewe lambs from two Merino flocks. One flock had been selected for high net reproductive rate, growth rate and wool production (fertility flock) ; the other flock was a randomly selected control flock (random flock). Single and twin born lambs from each flock were used in the experiment. Lambs were randomized into four treatment groups and offered the diet either ad libitum or at one of three levels estimated to restrict growth rate to 50, 100 and 150 g day-1. At each level of feeding, fertility flock lambs grew faster and were more efficient in converting feed to liveweight gain. Over the whole experiment the feed conversion efficiencies in g gain per kg digestible organic matter intake per day were 218 and 185 (P < 0.05) for the fertility and random flocks respectively. There were no significant differences in growth rate or efficiency of conversion of feed to liveweight gain between single-born and twin-born lambs. Random flock lambs had a significantly higher wool growth rate and were more efficient converters of feed to wool than fertility flock lambs. Gross efficiencies were 10.8 and 9.1 g clean wool per kg digestible organic matter intake per day (P < 0.05) for random and fertility flock lambs respectively. Single-born lambs grew significantly more wool than twin-born lambs but there was no significant difference between birth types in the efficiency of conversion of feed to wool.
Assessment of reproductive wastage in sheep. 2. Interpretation of data concerning embryonic mortality
Authors: Restall BJ , Griffiths DA
Published: March 2005

Five theoretical models of embryonic loss based on certain biological concepts concerning the ewe or the embryo are developed. It is shown that these models lead to only three distinguishable distributions of embryonic survivals in single and twin ovulating ewes, emphasizing the difficulties in interpreting such data. Two published sets of data concerning experiments involving embryonic mortality are used to illustrate the use of distribution data in interpreting the results of such experiments. The importance of isolating fertilization failure from embryonic mortality is demonstrated and the difficulties of determining causal relationships are discussed.
Assessment of reproductive wastage in sheep. 3. An investigation of a commercial sheep flock
Authors: Restall BJ , Wilkins J , Kilgour R , Tyrrell RN , Hearnshaw H
Published: March 2005

Infertility in a sheep flock in the Moree district of New South Wales was investigated during 1973. Detailed observations were made in two sub flocks and data were obtained in both maiden and adult ewes for proportion of ewes mating, ovulation rate, fertilization rate, and number of foetuses at 60 days of pregnancy. These estimates were used to apportion prenatal wastage to mating failure, fertilization failure or early embryonic mortality. Ovulation rate in the flock was high (1.27 maiden ewes, 1.73 adult ewes) and fertility low with 83 per cent of maiden ewes and 27 per cent of adult ewes not pregnant when examined by laparotomy 60 days after mating. In the adult ewes this infertility was accounted for by failure to mate (30 per cent of dry ewes) and early embryonic mortality (70 per cent of dry ewes). In the maiden ewes, failure to mate accounted for 34 per cent, embryonic mortality 52 per cent and failure of fertilization 14 per cent of the dry ewes. The problems of estimation and interpretation involved in this type of investigation are discussed.
Skin folds and Merino breeding. 9. Efficiency of conversion of food to wool
Authors: Robards GE , Davis CH , Saville DG
Published: March 2005

This paper reports a study of the efficiency of wool production, liveweight change and ad libitum intake of 60 hogget ewes from flocks selected for 15 years for skin wrinkle (Folds Plus), against skin wrinkle (Folds Minus) and randomly selected as a control (Random). Initially, under restricted feeding ewes from each genetic flock consumed 594, 750, 951 or 1097 g DM day-1 of a lucerne pellet ration. The mean efficiency of clean wool production of Folds Minus ewes (8.47 g CW/kg D.M.I.) was less (P < 0.05) than that of either Random (9.38) or Folds Plus (10.18) ewes, which did not differ significantly. During the following ad libitum feeding period, the Folds Minus ewes again produced less wool than either of the other groups and their wool production was less efficient even though they consumed significantly less feed than either Random or Folds Plus ewes. The significant difference in intake between Random and Folds Minus ewes remained when the n takes were corrected for liveweight (kg), metabolic body size (kg0.73) or surface area based on liveweight alone (kg0.67). However, when fold score (FS) was included in the surface area estimate as LW0.67 + FS0.2 the intake difference between flocks became very small. The experimental results and components analyses of the pre- and post-shearing data showed that selection for skin fold had not changed wool growth rate or efficiency of wool production, but had reduced staple length. On the other hand, the lower wool production of Folds Minus ewes was due to both reduced surface area and lower wool production per unit area.
Iron pyrites as a sulphur fertilizer in an alkaline soil
Authors: Banath CL , Holland JF
Published: March 2005

Iron pyrites at two levels of grinding (14 and 50 per cent < 9 pm) each at three rates of application (190, 380 and 760 kg ha-l) was applied to maize (Zea mays) in an alkaline soil, in a glasshouse experiment. Every iron pyrites treatment significantly increased the dry weights of whole tops and of cobs over the no sulphur control. The two highest rates of the finer material produced yields of whole tops and of cobs, and total sulphur concentrations and quantities in the tops, similar to those in treatments receiving 45 kg sulphur ha-1 (sulphur sufficiency) either as sodium sulphate or sublimed sulphur. The highest rate of the coarser material produced highly significant positive responses in each of these four measures. The critical sulphur concentration in standard indicator leaves (0.13 per cent) was surpassed in treatments receiving the highest rate of the coarser material and the two highest rates of the finer material. In an incubation experiment, iron pyrites was mixed with the alkaline clay soil and kept at 25�C for 20 days. After allowance for oxidation of the iron pyrites incubated dry without soil, the net oxidation of the sulphide sulphur to sulphate in this soil was 0.98 and 2.39 per cent (both figures highly significant) for the coarser and finer material respectively.
The influence of cutting frequency and nitrogen fertilizer on the growth of kikuyu grass
Authors: Kemp DR
Published: March 2005

The influence of cutting frequency (3, 6 and 9 weeks) and high nitrogen rates (0, 950 and 2860 kg N ha-1 yr-1) on the growth of an established kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) sward were studied over three years, in an irrigated field experiment at Taree (lat. 32�s) on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. Forage yield was increased largely by nitrogen and to a lesser extent by increasing the harvest interval. Significant (P < 0.05) yield increases were obtained between 0 N and 950 N but not between 950 N and 2860 N. Yields ranged from 8900 kg DM ha-1 yr-1 (3 weeks, 0 N) to 25,200 kg DM ha-1 yr-1 (9 weeks, 2860). At 0 N, cutting every nine weeks increased yields over three and six weeks for most of the experimental period. There were no differences between three and six weeks at 0 N. With nitrogen there were significant yield differences between all cutting frequencies during periods of active growth. Longer cutting intervals increased the mean sward growth rates during most of the growing season but did not change the seasonal pattern of growth.Nitrogen yield increased with nitrogen rate and as cutting interval increased. Yields varied from 239 kg N ha-1 yr-1 (6 weeks, 0 N) to 932 kg N ha-1 yr-1 (9 weeks 2860 N). Nitrogen content was reduced as cutting interval increased.
Fruit development and associated changes in the distribution of dry weight and nitrogen in Lupinus angustifolius cv. Uniharvest and L. consentinii selection CB12
Authors: Farrington P
Published: March 2005

Reproductive development, and the distribution of dry matter and nitrogen were followed in field plantings of Lupinus angustifolius cv. Uniharvest and L. cosentinii selection CB12 from the start of flowering until maturity. L. cosentinii (CBI 2) commenced flowering one week earlier, but developed one less order of inflorescences and fewer flowers than L. angustfiolius (Uniharvest) ; yet it set more pods and produced more seed. In both species seeds did not commence to fill until the leaves began to fall shortly after flowering ended. Seeds in pods on all orders of inflorescence filled concurrently. The increase in seed weight coincided with a rapid fall in the nitrogen content of other fractions of the tops.
Chemical weed control in lupins
Authors: Cuthbertson EG
Published: March 2005

The response of weeds and narrow-leaved lupins (Lupinus angustifolius) to a number of pre-planting, pre-emergence and post-emergence applied herbicides was evaluated in six field trials between 1970 and 1973. Applied six weeks post-emergence, fluometuron and propazine at 0.75, 1.5 and 3.0 kg, carbetamide at 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0 kg, simazine at 1.5 and 3.0 kg, and chlortoluron at 3.0 kg a.i. ha-1 gave good control of annual weeds present. Only carbetamide 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0 kg, propazine 0.75 and 1.5 kg and simazine 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1 increased grain yield. Decreasing yield with increasing dose rate in the case of fluometuron and propazine in this situation suggested some crop toxicity. Applied pre-planting and incorporated, alachlor 1.0 and 2.0 kg, di-allate 0.84 kg, nitralin 0.6 and 1.2 kg and trifluralin 0.56 kg a.i. ha-1 gave good grass control and, in general, increased yield. They had no effect on the majority of broadleaf species present. Applied pre-emergence, alachlor, propazine and simazine at 1.0 and 2.0 kg, fluometuron at 1.0 to 4.0 kg and pronamide at 0.8 and 1.6 kg a.i. ha-1 in general gave good weed control and increased grain yield. All except alachlor affected both grasses and broadleaf species. The results, however, were seriously affected by rainfall incidence. The results are discussed in terms of the response to incorporation, rainfall incidence and temperature on the activity of specific herbicides.
Time of planting effects on development, yield and oil quality of irrigated sunflower
Authors: Keefer GD , McAllister JE , Uridge ES , Simpson BW
Published: March 2005

The effects of time of planting on irrigated sunflower were tested at Emerald during the 1969-70 and 1970-71 summer seasons. Plantings ranged from September to March. A growing degree day summation from a base of 0�C (GDDo) was the most reliable index of commencement of flowering (cv. 5.7 per cent). Sunfola commenced flowering at 1331 � 76 GDDo. In both seasons significantly higher seed and oil yields were obtained from a December planting (Seed yields 2628 kg ha-1 1969-70, 1808 kg ha-1 1970-71, oil yields 1025 kg ha-1 1969-70, 61 5 kg ha-1 1970-71). Lower yields at all times of planting in the second season were attributed to rust infection (Puccinia helianthi Schw) . A good correlation was obtained between oil quality (proportions of oleic and linoleic acids) and temperatures during the post flowering period. Oleic acid levels ranged from 12 to 48 per cent. Linoleic acid levels ranged from 39 to 73 per cent. Oil quality (per cent linoleic acid) improved with late sowing in association with lowered temperatures
Correction - Time of planting effects on development, yield and oil quality of irrigated sunflower
Authors: Keefer GD , McAllister JE , Uridge ES , Simpson BW
Published: March 2005

The effects of time of planting on irrigated sunflower were tested at Emerald during the 1969-70 and 1970-71 summer seasons. Plantings ranged from September to March. A growing degree day summation from a base of 0�C (GDDo) was the most reliable index of commencement of flowering (cv. 5.7 per cent). Sunfola commenced flowering at 1331 � 76 GDDo. In both seasons significantly higher seed and oil yields were obtained from a December planting (Seed yields 2628 kg ha-1 1969-70, 1808 kg ha-1 1970-71, oil yields 1025 kg ha-1 1969-70, 61 5 kg ha-1 1970-71). Lower yields at all times of planting in the second season were attributed to rust infection (Puccinia helianthi Schw) . A good correlation was obtained between oil quality (proportions of oleic and linoleic acids) and temperatures during the post flowering period. Oleic acid levels ranged from 12 to 48 per cent. Linoleic acid levels ranged from 39 to 73 per cent. Oil quality (per cent linoleic acid) improved with late sowing in association with lowered temperatures
Some effects of pregnancy in eight-month-old Merino ewes
Authors: Tyrrell RN
Published: March 2005

The effect of pregnancy in Merino ewes joined at eight months of age was assessed by comparing their subsequent liveweight, wool production and fertility with similar ewes first joined at 18 months. Of 305 ewes joined at eight months (30 kg average liveweight) only 19 per cent lambed. Pregnancy in these ewes was associated with a short term check to growth which was overcome by the time their second lamb crop was weaned. It was also associated with a 7 per cent reduction in hogget fleece weight, but had no effect on the next year's production. The proportions of ewes pregnant and giving birth to twins following the 18 month joining were independent of whether or not the ewes had lambed previously.
Comparative effects of foliar- and root-applied phosphorus on one-year-old trees
Authors: Taylor BK , Issell LG
Published: March 2005

The response of one-year-old peach trees growing in sand culture to foliar applications of 1 per cent potassium dihydrogen phosphate given in summer, autumn, or summer � autumn after initial pH adjustment to 2.5, 4.5 or 6.5 was compared with that of controls fed � phosphate via roots. After one season, it was clear that foliar-applied phosphate had been less effective than root-applied phosphate as a means of increasing tree growth and phosphorus content. This result allied with other published information suggests that foliar applications are an inefficient means of supplying phosphate to fruit trees.
Post-harvest control of mango anthracnose with benomyl and hot water
Authors: Muirhead IF
Published: March 2005

Post-harvest treatment with hot water at 55�C controlled mango (Mangifera indica) anthracnose during storage for 11 days at 25�C. The addition of benomyl at 500 and 1000 �g ml-1 allowed the treatment temperature to be reduced to 51.5�C and 48.5�C respectively without reducing efficacy. The rate of change in background skin colour from green to yellow increased as the dipping temperature increased. Mineral oil and hydrochloric acid added to benomyl at room temperature failed to improve anthracnose control significantly. A treatment at 51.5�C with 500 �g ml-1 benomyl has been selected for semi-commercial testing.
Effect of time of planting on fruit yield and runner production of cold stored and freshly lifted strawberry plants
Authors: Cox JE
Published: March 2005

Cold stored and freshly lifted runner plants of the strawberry cultivar Torrey were planted on several dates in two successive years. Records of crop yield and runner production were maintained for (up to approximately) two years after planting. None of the plantings produced an economically satisfactory autumn crop. With cold stored plants, optimum yield in the spring after planting was obtained from January or February plantings. Plants established in December yielded reasonably well, but March plantings gave variable results. Freshly-lifted runners planted in April produced approximately 40 per cent less crop than those planted in March. Considerable numbers of runners were produced in the autumn after planting by the cold-stored plants, but not by the freshly-lifted runners.
Charolais, Friesian and British beef sires for beef production in a Mediterranean environment
Authors: Gifford DR , Stephens PC , Pullman AL
Published: March 2005

British beef breed cow herds, located in the Adelaide Hills and upper south-east areas of South Australia, were mated to Charolais, Friesian and British beef breed sires in two consecutive years. Calving performance of 477 cows and growth and carcase characteristics of the progeny were examined. Assistance at calving was given in 2.7 per cent of the total number of Charolais calvings, 0.7 per cent of purebred calvings and none of the Friesian calvings. The percentage of stillborn calves, and calves dead within twenty-four hours of parturition, sired by Charolais, Friesian and British breed sires was 5.3, 4.6 and 3.7 per cent respectively. Charolais - and Friesian-cross progeny had similar growth rates in both the pre- and post-weaning periods but both crossbreds grew significantly faster than the purebred British breed progeny. When slaughtered at 8 to 10 months of age, Charolais-cross steers yielded significantly more meat than the purebred steers, but at that age, both the Charolais- and Friesian-cross carcases were often too lean (range in depth of backfat of 0.10 to 0.54 cm) to be suitable for the Adelaide market. We concluded that Charolais and Friesian crossbred progeny grow faster and mature later than British breed progeny in the environment studied here, and that both breeds may prove valuable as terminal sires in systematic crossbreeding programmes.
Factors affecting reproduction rates in a commercial Brahman crossbred herd
Authors: Rudder TH , Seifert GW , Maynard PJ
Published: March 2005

Data were collected from a commercial herd in central Queensland to compare the effect of genotype on reproductive performance. Brahman back cross (B6H2), and Santa Gertrudis cross (SG4B2H2) cows had lower pregnancy rates and conceived later in the mating season than first cross (H5B3) COWS. The age of cow by breed of cow interaction on pregnancy rates indicated that phenotypically fertile cows can be selected from subfertile genotypes. Age of cow had a significant effect on reproductive performance. There was an increase in pregnancy rates and tendency for earlier conception in the mating season as age and selection intensity increased. Two-year-old cows had lower foetal survival rates than older cows. Year effects were consistently significant for time of conception within the mating season, but this effect was variable on pregnancy rates. The regression on cow weight was significant for pregnancy rates and usually significant for month of conception. The slope of the line was positive indicating that higher cow weight increased the probability of conception earlier in the mating season.
Factors affecting the performance of steers grown under commercial conditions in a sub-tropical environment
Authors: Lapworth JW , Bean KG , Seifert GW , Rudder TH
Published: March 2005

Liveweights of steers born during four consecutive calving seasons were analysed to evaluate the effect of year of birth, breed of sire, age of dam, weight of dam, date of birth, and the year of birth by breed of sire interaction. Weight per day of age at 207 days (weaning), 698 days, and at 890 days was used as the basis for evaluation. Year effect was significant but tended to decrease with age. Constants for breed of sire effect were significant at each age but the magnitude of the differences decreased as age increased. Over all years steers sired by Santa Gertrudis bulls had higher weight per day of age than those sired by Brahman and Hereford bulls; but the significant year of birth by breed of sire interaction showed that breed of sire differences were inconsistent from year to year. Age of dam effect was significant at 207 days and 890 days. The magnitude of these differences decreased with age, and the ranking of dam age groups varied according to age of steers. The regression of weight per day of age on cow weight was significant at 698 days, and at 890 days. This regression indicated that heavier cows tended to produce steers with a higher weight per day of age. The regression on day of birth was significant at 207 days, and at 890 days, but the magnitude of this effect decreased markedly as age increased.
Response to supplementary sorghum grain by cattle grazing oats
Authors: Gulbransen B
Published: March 2005

Seven groups each of five 18-month-old steers grazed oats (Avena sativa) at allowances ranging from 0.40 to 0.08 ha head-l. A further group in a concrete yard was fed ad libitum a diet consisting solely of sorghum grain. Six of the grazing groups were supplemented with ad libitum sorghum grain. The steers were slaughtered after an average of 100 days on trial. The mean daily grain dry matter consumption of grazing steers ranged from 2.90 to 6.52 kg head-1. Carcase gain ha-1 was linearly related to grain consumption ha-l and increased by 0.097 kg for each kg of grain dry matter consumed. Fasted liveweight gain and growth rate were shown to be unsatisfactory measures of animal performance in pasture/grain feeding systems.
Effect of the liveweight of caged sheep and the amount of feed on offer on estimates of digestibility and ad libitum intake
Authors: Jeffery H
Published: March 2005

Three experiments were conducted in which the amount of feed offered to caged sheep was varied. Fresh kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) was fed in one experiment and hays in the other two. Within each experiment a significant correlation between dry matter digestibility and liveweight occurred; no differences were detected between the slopes found with the various diets (slope = 0.34 per cent increase in digestibility per kg liveweight). Up to 60 per cent more kikuyu grass was offered to sheep than they could consume. Over this range a significant positive correlation was found between the ratio of the unconsumed to consumed feed and digestibility. This result indicates that great care should be exercised if the results of sheep digestibility experiments are used to interpret field data.
Metabolizable energy values of fats and protein concentrates for poultry: effect of sex and inclusion level of feedstuffs
Authors: Guirguis N
Published: March 2005

The ME values of tallow, sunflower oil, soyabean, rapeseed and fish meals were determined by chick assay at various levels of dietary inclusion with both sexes. Female chicks metabolized significantly (P < 0.01) more energy from tallow and fish meal than did male chicks. Energy utilized from other feedstuffs tested did not differ between sexes. Less energy was available from tallow as its level of dietary inclusion increased; this could partly be due to altering the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids in the diet, leading to reduced absorption of palmitic and stearic acids present in tallow. There were significant interactions between sex of chicks and the levels at which tallow and fish meal were included in the diet. A possible interrelationship between the two feedstuffs in relation to the sex differences in absorption of dietary fat is discussed.
The influence of sex on the absorption of fats in chick diets containing fish meal
Authors: Guirguis N
Published: March 2005

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of fish meal on the absorption of dietary fat and utilization of energy in both sexes of chickens. The presence of fish meal in diets containing tallow resulted in significant depression in the absorption of dietary fat. The depression was more pronounced with male chicks than with the females which in turn was reflected in higher ME values for females than male chicks. When fish meal, tallow and sunflower oil were assayed for their ME content in the absence of each other in assay diets, both sexes derived similar amounts of energy from the three feedstuffs. Higher ME values for tallow and fish meal were obtained when they were included singly in the diets.
Effect of age of cattle on digestion of whole wheat or oats fed with clover hay
Authors: Kimberley CJ
Published: March 2005

The digestibility of diets containing two-thirds oat or wheat grain and one-third hay was determined with steers either 6 or 24 months of age. The six steers of each age group were offered their daily diet in amounts equal to 1.5 per cent of liveweight; the weight of whole grain in the faeces and the digestibility of grain were measured. There was no significant difference in grain digestibility between calves and adult steers. For both age groups oats was more digestible than wheat (72 vs. 58, P < 0.05), due largely to the lower proportion of whole grain in the faeces (13 vs. 31, P < 0.05). The chemical composition of the voided grain was similar to that of the grain as fed. It was concluded that processing to improve digestibility of grains is of equal importance whether the grain is fed to calves or steers.
Field losses of nitrogen from cattle faeces
Authors: Falvey L
Published: March 2005

Nitrogen analysis of cattle faeces collected after various periods of exposure to the sun and air in the field showed a decrease in nitrogen content followed by an increase. The relationship between the change in nitrogen content and time of exposure was found to be quadratic with a correlation coefficient of 0.41 3. The collection of faeces from the paddock for analysis is much less precise than collection direct from the animal and is not recommended.
Efficiency of utilization of nitrogen fertilizers on representative soils from southern New South Wales
Authors: Osborne GJ , Storrier RR
Published: March 2005

The effects were examined in a glasshouse study of three forms of nitrogen fertilizer (urea, ammonium sulphate and sodium nitrate) on the yield, and nitrogen and phosphorus uptake of ryegrass (Lolium perenne) in six representative farming soils from the southern slopes and plains of New South Wales. The results indicated an average recovery of 82 per cent of applied nitrogen across the three forms of fertilizer and the six soils. Ammonium sulphate led to decreases in soil reaction of the order of 0.8-1.5 pH units and lower recoveries; sodium nitrate increased pH. Ammonium sulphate as a source of nitrogen is considered undesirable as it gave lower dry matter yields and nitrogen recovery values compared with the other fertilizer forms. In addition, because of its effect on soil reaction, it could lead to the loss of nutrients by leaching or fixation processes.
Mineral content of herbage and grain of Halberd wheat in South Australia
Authors: Schultz JE , French RJ
Published: March 2005

Samples of wheat from 42 experiments over five seasons in South Australia were collected at tillering, swollen boot, flowering, soft dough and harvest and analysed for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, calcium, magnesium, sodium, chlorine, silicon, copper, zinc and manganese. The results are compared with the limited amount of data published for Australian wheat and with other data for North American wheat.
The distribution of Xiphinema index and other parasitic nematodes associated with grapevines in north-eastern Victoria
Authors: Meagher JW , Brown RH , Taylor RH , Harris AR
Published: March 2005

Twenty-four vineyards in north-eastern Victoria were surveyed in 1969 for the presence of plant parasitic nematodes; in particular for Xiphinema index the vector of grape fanleaf virus (GFV). Eight genera were recorded, the most prevalent being Paratylenchus and Xiphinema (37 per cent and 32 per cent respectively, of all samples). X. index was present in nine vineyards, and 10 per cent of all samples. A more detailed survey was made in 1970 of those vineyards in which X. index was known to be present. X. index was found in 50 per cent of samples, and 74 per cent of all samples contained Xiphinema species. Ninety vines from X. index-positive samples on two vineyards were tested for presence of virus. Although no symptoms of virus infection were evident in the field, 52 per cent of vines were shown to be infected with latent strains of GFV. All X. index-infested vineyards are within a radius of 10 km of Rutherglen. It is not known how long X. index has been present, but its introduction was probably from southern France in the 1890s together with Phylloxera resistant rootstocks.
Abscission chemicals for Valencia oranges in New South Wales
Authors: Freeman B , Sarooshi RA
Published: March 2005

Three abscission chemicals inducing production of ethylene, have been evaluated as aids for mechanical harvesting of Valencia oranges at Horticultural Research Stations at Gosford (coastal) and Dareton (inland) in New South Wales during 1971-75. Ethephon (CEPA) promoted abscission without visible injury to the fruit but leaf drop at concentrations required to give adequate loosening (500 p.p.m.) was excessive. Cycloheximide (CHI) at 20 p.p.m. reduced fruit removal force (FRF) to 3.2 kg at Gosford and to 4.6 kg at Dareton in 1971, and again to 3.7 kg at Gosford in 1972. There was no reduction in FRF at Dareton in 1972. The addition of Polycote (R) (polyethylene emulsion) to CHI at Gosford enhanced theabscission response by reducing FRF an additional 20 per cent. Spraying before or after irrigation at Dareton; or during December, January or February at Gosford had no effect on FRF. Leaf and fruitelt drop caused by CHI were too high for commercial practice. Release (R) (CMNP) was selective for mature fruit only, and at concentrations up to 300 p.p.m. no fruitlet or leaf drop occurred while FRF was reduced to between 2 kg and 4 kg. This chemical was the most promising for incorporation into a mechanical harvesting system, but because of damage to the rind is limited to fruit for processing only.
Cobalt deficiency of cattle grazing improved pastures in northern Cape York Peninsula
Authors: Winter WH , Siebert BD , Kuchel RE
Published: March 2005

Trace element deficiencies were suspected in cattle in an area of Cape York Peninsula that receives a predominantly summer rainfall of more than 1500 mm and has soils low in nutrient concentration. Consequently cattle were treated with cobalt and copper while grazing Panicum maximum-Stylosanthes guyanensis pastures. After 11 months the fiveweight gains for the four treatment groups were : nil -21 kg ; +Cu -2 kg; +Co +142 kg and +Cu + Co + 121 kg. Many of the animals not given cobalt were emaciated and near death at that time. A group of these animals gained 79 kg in 50 days after receiving supplementary cobalt. Blood copper levels were not affected by treatment but treatment with cobalt decreased blood urea-nitrogen values in the dry season. Cobalt treatment also increased serum vitamin BIZ levels 3-4 fold, increased the liver vitamin B12 levels 10-20 fold and enhanced the storage of copper in the liver. Apart from a short period early in the wet season, the pastures contained less than 0.025 �g Co g-1 dry matter. These levels are discussed in relation to the dietary requirements of grazing cattle.