bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GRASSLAND RECORDING. II
Authors: Baker R. D.
Published: April 2006

Two systems of recording the output of grass fields—by cow‐days (CD.) and by utilized starch equivalent (U.S.E.)—were compared with field measurements of the dry matter and digestible matter consumed over a period of two years.

On one farm, each recording system was positively correlated with both the amount of dry matter and the amount of digestible matter consumed from individual fields by grazing cows. Consequently, the two systems reflected equally well the total quantity of utilized herbage and its quality. This was explained by a highly significant correlation between the two recording systems. The same correlation between the two recording systems existed on 20 other farms.

It was concluded that the C.D. and the U.S.E. systems gave equally reliable results when assessing field output within dairy farms. Because C.D. can be determined with greater ease they should be used instead of the U.S.E. system. However, the U.S.E. system is still advocated for assessing grass utilization for animal production on a farm basis, since it indicates the level of efficiency which farmers achieve in using their grass.
GRASSLAND RECORDING. IV
Authors: Baker R. D.
Published: April 2006

The traditional method of calculating field output by the utilized‐starch‐equivalent (U.S.E.) system is compared with a recommended simpler and quicker method. The concept of calculating a U.S.E. factor is introduced and forms the basis for the new method. A monthly U.S.E. factor is used, in conjunction with monthly cow‐day (CD.) records to calculate U.S.E. Savings of at least 50% may be expected. Agreement between the two methods is very close and the more seasonal nature of the calculation for sheep and non‐milking cattle under the new method may be preferable.
STUDIES IN CALF MANAGEMENT
Authors: Chambers D. T. , Alder F. E.
Published: April 2006

Twin steer calves were used to compare the effects of early weaning indoors with those of rearing on the bucket at pasture. Calves born in the autumn and reared indoors joined their twins at pasture when about 6 months old; those born in the spring were approximately 12 months old when turned out.

There was little difference between the performance of indoor‐ and outdoor‐ reared calves born in the autumn. Usually, the spring‐born calves indoors were about 150 lb heavier than their twins at 12 months of age. This difference normally disappeared by the end of the grazing season and twins became fit for slaughter at the same time. No difference could be found in carcass conformation.
SEED FORMATION IN PERENNIAL RYEGRASS
Authors: Anslow R. C.
Published: April 2006

During the interval from seed set to advanced shedding in a crop of S24 perennial rye‐grass, a study was made of: seed drying, the increase in germinating capacity and weight of seed, and the shedding of florets. The seed in early‐emerged heads dried more rapidly than that in later heads, and the seed in the upper parts of each spike was drier than in the lower parts. Seeds in early heads attained maximum germination values about 18 days after anthesis. The maximum value was lower in later heads and was not reached until approximately 26 days. Seed in early heads was 67% heavier than that in late heads and the basal florets in each spikelet contained heavier seed than more distal ones. The maximum weight of individual seeds was reached at about the same time in early‐emerged and intermediate heads, at about 22 to 26 days after anthesis. Seed in late heads continued to inerease during the whole interval studied. Shedding began before seed reached maximum dry weight and continued at a constant rate. The combination of these processes led to the maximum yield of seed, of 100% germination, being obtainable over a period between 20 and 26 days after anthesis. Criteria are given which would permit this stage to be recognized.
THE FEEDING OF SUPPLEMENTARY CONCENTRATES TO DAIRY COWS GRAZING GOOD PASTURE
Authors: Castle M. E. , Drysdale A. D. , Watson J. N.
Published: April 2006

In an experiment on the effect of feeding concentrates to spring‐calved Ayrshire cows grazing leafy pasture 2 treatments were compared. On the control treatment the sole feed of the cows from May to October was grazed herbage. On the supplement treatment the cows grazed the same pasture as the control animals, but in addition were fed concentrates at an average rate oi 21 lb per 10 lb milk. Milk yields on the two treatments were not significantly ditferent, either during the summer feeding period or for the complete lactation. The lengths of the lactations and the fat and S.N.F. contents of the milk were not significantly affected by the treatments. The margin between the value of the milk and the cost of the concentrates was reduced significantly by £13 per cow for the complete lactation as a result of feeding the supplements. It is concluded that at the present price of concentrates and value of milk there are no economic advantages to be gained by feeding supplementary concentrates to spring‐calved cows if ample herbage of leafy quality is available.
A STUDY OF SOME FACTORS CAUSING MAT FORMATION OF RESEEDED HILL PASTURE SWARDS
Authors: Kirkwood R. C.
Published: April 2006

A comparison of non‐mat and mat ecotypes of three reseeded hill swards showed that mat pasture soil was characterized by relatively high C/N ratios, low available nutrient status, low burrowing earthworm biomass, and low soil microbial activity (determined as CO2 evolution).

A replicated trial was laid out on a uniform mat area of one of these swards (Ciderhouse Hill) and lime and fertilizer treatments were applied in two successive seasons. Lime treatment reduced mat weight, increased the proportion of ‘sown’ grasses in the sward and stimulated soil microbial activity, Initially, burrowing earthworm biomass was inhibited by lime; but, after an interval of four years, a positive response was noted at the lower treatment level. Sodium nitrate interacted with lime to increase soil microbial activity. Soil cellulolytic activity was increased by nitrate and phosphate treatments. The level of soil moisture in the field at the time of soil sampling appeared to influence soil microbial activity measured under standard conditions in the laboratory: high rainfall tended to reduce microbial activity. The significance of these findings and the infiuence of nutritional and climatic factors on sward reversion and mat formation are discussed.
THE DIGESTIBILITY AND PALATAB1LITY OF HIGH‐MOISTURE LEGUME SILAGES WITH DIFFERENT CHEMICAL ADDITIVES
Authors: Hidiroglou M. , Tessier J. L. , Dermine P.
Published: April 2006

The effects of wilting and of various chemical additives on the digestibility and palatability of wet legume silages are reported. These silages showed most of the characteristics associated with the ensiling of wet herbage with a low content of soluble carbohydrate. Digestibility of all silages by wether lambs was low and exhibited little difference that might be attributed to the treatments. The untreated silage or the one sprayed with valeric/isovaleric acid, just before feeding, were more palatable to dairy heifers. Silage consumption was sharply reduced when urea was added during ensiling.
THE INFLUENCE OF SUPPLEMENTS OF FLAKED MAIZE ON THE DIGESTIBILITY BY STEERS OF SILAGE, FRESH LUCERNE AND LUCERNE HAY
Authors: Head M. J. , Murdoch J. C.
Published: April 2006

Three experiments examine the effects of giving small supplements of flaked maize to steers on the digestibility and retention of nutrients from rations of grass silage, lucerne hay and fresh lucerne. The digestibility of the dry matter, crude fibre and crude protein of the silage ration was depressed by the successive additions of 1, 2 or 3 Ib flaked maize per day. There was a tendency for the steers to retain more nitrogen as the level of starch supplementation increased, in spite of a lowered crude‐protein digestibility. The digestibilities of the constituents of lucerne hay and fresh lucerne were slightly increased by the addition of 2 and 4 Ib flaked maize per day. The reasons are discussed for the different effect of the supplemental starch on the digestibility of the crude fibre from grass silage and from fresh or cured lucerne. Attention is drawn to the increase in the retention of N following the supplementation of silage with starch.
GÜLLE AS A GRASSLAND FERTILIZER (PART III)
Authors: Herriott J. B. D. , Wells D. A. , Crooks P.
Published: April 2006

Results from current trials indicate that soil type, time of application and weather influence responses to applications of gulle. Over 3 sites gulle N had an efficiency of about 60% of that of fertilizer N. Best results were obtained from heavy clay soils or those containing much organic matter. Winter applications of dilute gulle to light soils under wet conditions may result in large losses of N through leaching. Generally, winter gulle applications may lead to severe losses of plants in short‐term ryegrasses with associated heavy uptakes of K in spring. It is concluded that much of the gulle produced should be broadcast in winter on to swards destined for mowing in early summer. Optimum utilization of gulle calls for supplementation with fertilizer N, when the full potential of the K derived from the sludge can be exploited.
A COMPARISON OF RYEGRASS VARIETIES FOR EARLY–BITE PRODUCTION
Authors: Baker H. K. , Chard J. R. A. , Davies J. , Aldrich D. T.
Published: April 2006

The value of varieties of Italian, hybrid and Westerwold ryegrass for early‐bite production was compared at 32 centres in different environments. The relative performance of Italian ryegrass varieties was fairly consistent from centre to centre over a period of 3 years. Danish and Leda Daehnfeldt Italians produced the most, and S22 the least, early spring production. Good early‐bite and total annual yields were obtained from hybrid ryegrasses. Swards sown in the previous autumn were more winter‐hardy than spring‐sown swards and appeared to be as early in the following year.
LOSSES IN THE CONSERVATION OF HEAVILY‐WILTED HERBAGE SEALED IN POLYTHENE FILM IN LINED TRENCH SILOS
Authors: Brown W. O. , Kerr J. A. M.
Published: April 2006

A conservation experiment is described in which the losses in ensiling heavily‐wilted herbage, of approximately 50% dry matter, in lined trench silos, with and without a polyethylene film seal, are compared. The composition and digestibility of the silages produced in the sealed silos were comparable with those of the original herbage. The content of organic acids in the sealed silos was low, suggesting that fermentation was suppressed by the partially gas‐tight seal. In the unsealed silos there was considerable spoilage, 70% of the material being inedible. In the 2 sealed silos losses of dry matter were 8·2 and 5·2% and losses of SE 11·5 and 7·8%, respectively. The losses recorded are compared with those usually encountered in lined trench silos.
THE DRYING OF TIMOTHY SEED
Authors: Nellist M. E. , Rees D. V. H. , Higgs D. M. J.
Published: April 2006

On 6 dates during a period of 14 days, S48 timothy seed was combine harvested directly and then dried in layers 6 in. deep at air temperatures of 77, 95, 104 and 122° F and airflows of 20 and 35 ft/min. The effect of these drying conditions upon subsequent laboratory germination was measured. An experimental drier of 8 units developed for this work is described. Results showed that the depression of germination by increasing temperatures depended on the stage of ripeness when the initial moisture content was greater than 30% wet basis.* Below this moisture level, no significant depression was found at temperatures up to 1223F. Seed of acceptable commercial standard was obtained when harvested at 41·3% m. c.w. b., but only under the gentlest drying treatment, 77°GF and 20 ft/min.
THE INTAKE OF HAY AND SILAGE BY COWS
Authors: Campling R. C.
Published: April 2006

Three comparisons were made, with non‐lactating fistulated cows, of the voluntary intake of silage and hay prepared from similar herbage. On average 28% more dry matter was eaten as hay than as silage. Silage and hay had similar digestibilities, but silage residues tended to remain in the gut longer than those of hay. The amount of digesta in the reticulo‐rumen immediately after a meal ad lib. was greater with hay than with silage. The cows spent longer eating and ruminating per kg dry matter of silage than of hay. The results are discussed in relation to possible factors determining the voluntary intake of silage.
THE USE OF LIVEWEIGHT‐GAIN TRIALS FOR PASTURE EVALUATION IN THE TROPICS
Authors: Stobbs T. H. , Joblin A. D. H.
Published: April 2006

An experiment is described in which the liveweight gains of cattle, grazing different pasture species, were measured when grazing sequences were arranged in the form of a Latin Square. The average coefficient of variation for the 6 “animal” Latin squares used was 28·5%, with a range of 15·1 to 42·6%. Significant improvements in liveweight gain were demonstrated arising from the inclusion of Stylosanthes gracilis in swards of Chloris gayana and Panicum maximum.

The problems of conducting and interpreting trials of this type are discussed in relation to the need for data on the economic value of pasture species in the tropics. Latin square grazing designs offer a useful means of measuring animal production from pasture, with the advantage of requiring relatively small numbers of animals in each trial, but trials should be repeated at different sites.
GÜLLE AS A GRASSLAND FERTILIZER (PART IV)
Authors: Herriott J. B. D. , Wells D. A. , Crooks P.
Published: April 2006

Further investigation into the value of gillie as a fertilizer for grassland indicates that weather affects responses. Dry weather permits good recovery of gillie N. On the other hand, on dry soil, losses of gillie N by volatilization may be increased if the quantity of sludge applied is insufficient to penetrate the soil. Cow‐and‐pig gillie may be more efficient than the pure‐cow type as a fertilizer, the former being well balanced in N and K, whereas cow gillie requires N supplementation.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF VIRUS DISEASES FOR THE PRODUCTIVITY OF GRASSLAND
Authors: Catherall P. L.
Published: April 2006

The effect of cocksfoot streak virus (CSV) on Dactylis glomerata L. and barley yellowdwarf virus (BYDV) on Lolium perenne L. was investigated under both single‐plant and simulated‐sward conditions. The effect of cocksfoot mottle (CFMV) was examined on single plants. CFMV was lethal, and in conditions of inter‐plant competition CSV was semi‐lethal and BYDV was non‐lethal. When the virus was lethal, a considerable lag‐phase was observed between mortality and complete compensation in yield. When the virus was non‐lethal, plant growth was restricted, either horizontally (CSV) or vertically (BYDV). In mixed, healthy and infected plant populations healthy individuals compensated only for reductions in lateral growth.

CSV infection transformed plants of a pasture variety into ‘hay’ types and BYDV infection transformed plants of a hay variety into ‘pasture’ types. CSV increased the plant's aggressiveness in hay conditions, but reduced its ability to withstand frequent defoliation. Conversely, BYDV increased the plant's aggressiveness in pasture conditions, but reduced it in hay conditions. Compensation from healthy plants occurred only in CSV‐infected swards subjected to frequent defoliation. Some possible reasons for the absence of compensation in other treatments are discussed.
FERTILIZERS AND SEED RATIOS FOR CONTROLLING LUCERNE DOMINATION IN MIXTURES
Authors: Kilcher M. R.
Published: April 2006

Irrigated lucerne/grass mixtures were treated with annual applications of N‐P fertilizers to determine the extent of control of lucerne domination. Eighty pounds of N with or without associated P sustained the grass components at an acceptable level and increased yields, which were constituted of 2 parts grass for each 3 parts of legume. Where no fertilizer, or P fertilizer only, was used the hay harvested was composed of only 1 part grass for each 8 or 9 parts of lucerne. Lucerne to grass seed‐ratio manipulation did not influence botanical composition nor did it affect fertilizer influence.
EFFECTS OF NITROGEN FERTILIZATION OF MIXED SWARDS ON HERBAGE YIELD, DRY MATTER DIGESTIBILITY AND VOLUNTARY FOOD INTAKE OF THE CONSERVED HERBAGES
Authors: McCarrick R. B. , Wilson R. K.
Published: April 2006

In 2 experiments nitrogenous fertilizer was applied at 3 levels (0, 46 and 92 lb N/ac) to a permanent pasture and a ryegrass/clover ley and the swards were harvested before ear emergence and conserved as either artificially dried grass or tetrapod hay. Apparent dry matter digestibility and voluntary food intake of the conserved herbages were measured with sheep.

N caused a small but significant depression in apparent DM digestibility but did not affect voluntary food intake. It increased yields of DM and digestible DM significantly.

The DM digestibility and voluntary food intake of hay were always significantly lower than those of the corresponding dried grass. Voluntary food intake of all fodders was directly related to herbage digestibility and inversely related to herbage crude fibre content.
THE USE OF LIGHT INTERCEPTION, GROSS MORPHOLOGY AND TIME AS CRITERIA FOR THE HARVESTING OF TIMOTHY, SMOOTH BROME AND COCKSFOOT
Authors: Sheard R. W. , Winch J. E.
Published: April 2006

An experiment was designed to compare morphological development, light interception and time interval as possible criteria for the defoliation of timothy, brome‐grass and cocksfoot. The morphological criterion included: (a) a first harvest before stem elongation and a second harvest after initiation of axillary bud development at the base of each tiller (b) a harvest immediately after stem elongation. Light was compared on the basis of 95 % and 80 % interception of the incident radiation by the foliage. Two‐, 4‐ and 6‐week intervals were used in the time series. Increased yields of up to 2600 lb DM/ac were obtained in timothy and bromegrass fertilized at 275 lb N/ac/yr when morphological treatment (a) was used in preference to (b); cocksfoot yields were not influenced. The greater the time interval between harvests or the greater the light interception before harvest, the greater was the yield. Advantages and disadvantages of the 3 criteria are discussed.
PROBLEMS IN ESTABLISHING DRY–LAND PASTURES IN RHODESIA
Authors: Smith C. J.
Published: April 2006

Among the many problems of pasture establishment in Rhodesia, those which appear the most serious are: (a) poor seed germination, leading to patchy and weak seedling growth; (b) erratic rainfall, in which heavy storms are followed by hot, dry periods; (c) soil crusting, which forms a surface layer impenetrable from below by the seedling, and from above by rainwater; (d) weed competition, where rank and copious weed growth suppresses establishment of pasture seedlings. Suggestions are made as to how these problems might be overcome.
REMOVAL OF THE EFFECTS OF UNEVEN GRAZING IN PASTURE EXPERIMENTS
Authors: Gardner Andrew L. , Centeno Gilberto A.
Published: April 2006

An experiment is described in which uneven grazing by sheep introduced a bias in a white clover variety trial. The data were adjusted by covariance, using as the independent variable the position of the plots within the paddocks.

Attention is drawn to the errors that may result from uneven grazing and a comparison is made with errors due to transference of fertility. Means of avoiding similar occurrences are suggested.
THE INFLUENCE OF LIME, LIME PELLETING, AND METHOD OF SOWING ON THE NODULATION AND GROWTH OF SUBTERRANEAN CLOVER
Authors: Morrison J.
Published: April 2006

Lime pelleting of subterranean clover improved nodulation and growth during the establishment period. Lime improved nodulation slightly and increased herbage production. Drilling reduced nodulation slightly compared with broadcast sowing, unless the seed was pelleted or sown with lime.
THE EFFECT OF CUTTING AND NITROGEN TREATMENTS ON YIELD, PROTEIN CONTENT AND CERTAIN MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TIMOTHY AND SMOOTH BROMEGRASS
Authors: Knutti H. J. , Hidiroglou M.
Published: April 2006

Timothy and bromegrass were studied in pure sowings in a glasshouse, and each in a mixture with lucerne, dominated by the grass–fraction in the first crop year, in the field. In the glasshouse both species were cut 3, 5, or 6 times at a 2–in. and 6 times at a 3/4–in. stubble height. In timothy, cutting 6 times gave lower DM but higher protein yields than less frequent cutting. In bromegrass close cutting gave higher DM yields than lax cutting. The following results applied to both species: root weight decreased with increasing severity of defoliation, final tiller density was very low under close cutting, and a complete application of N at the time of sowing was superior to a split application.

In the field, the first cut was taken on 5 dates at intervals of 1 week, the second cut 6 or 8 weeks after the first cut, and the third cut 7 weeks after the second cut (for bromegrass mixture only). DM yield was generally the higher the later the first cut was taken and the longer the subsequent rest period. However, the opposite applied for best sustainment of yield. The 1 1/2–in. stubble treatments outyielded the 3 1/2–in. treatments. Generally, production of CP was influenced more by DM yield than by % content. Reduced removal of tiller primordia in the second cut led to higher third–cut yields, but at the cost of total yield. Difficulties in the control of shoot apex removal encountered in both glasshouse and field are discussed.
RELATIONSHIP OF NEMATODE INFECTION TO EFFICIENCY OF WOOL PRODUCTION
Authors: Southcott W. H. , Heath D. D. , Langlands J. P.
Published: April 2006

Estimates were made of the intake and production of 3 flocks of dry Merino ewes stocked at 4, 8 and 12 sheep/ac which received no anthelmintic treatment. Similar estimates were made on ewes stocked at 4.5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 sharp/ac and maintained virtually free of worms by fortnightly drenching with thiabendazole. Parasite infection depressed wool production and appeared to increase intake. As a result, gross efficiency of wool production was depressed from 14.1 to 10.8 g of wool per kg of organic matter ingested.
SPRING AND SUMMER ROOT GROWTH OF SOME TEMPERATE–REGION GRASSES AND SUMMER ROOT GROWTH OF TROPICAL GRASSES
Authors: Ueno M. , Yoshihara K.
Published: April 2006

The root growth of 3 temperate–region grasses (perennial ryegrass, Italian ryegrass, and cocksfoot) and of 3 tropical grasses (Dallis grass, Bahia grass, and Rhodes grass) was investigated in large glass–sided root–boxes. The trend of root numbers and the rate of elongation of roots were ascertained to discover how the Japanese climate affected the root growth of these species.

All the temperate–region grasses produced new roots vigorously during spring, but root growth ceased in August, whereas the roots of tropical grasses grew rapidly in this month. The alternate use of these two types of grasses during the growing season may therefore be worthwhile in Japan
INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE OF HERBAGE SEEDS AND THE O.E.C.D. HERBAGE SEED SCHEME
Authors: Horne F. R. , Kelly A. F.
Published: April 2006

The use of the correct variety has an important influence on the economic use of sown grassland. The production of seed must be done in such a way that the essential characters of varieties are preserved. The O.E.C.D. Herbage Seed Scheme provides a sound basis for seed production, and has made possible the wider exploitation of good seed growing areas. The technical basis for some of the rules is discussed. It is concluded that in the 8 years in which the Scheme has been operating there has been a significant change in the pattern of seed use with a greater emphasis on the better varieties.
THE UTILIZATION OF GRASS FED INDOORS TO YOUNG BEEF CATTLE, WITH OR WITHOUT SUPPLEMENTARY BARLEY
Authors: Forbes T. J. , Raven A. M. , Irwin J. H. D. , Robinson K. L.
Published: April 2006

An experiment was carried out in which grass was cut and fed indoors, with or without supplementary barley. Seven animals were allocated to each of the following treatments: (1) grass ad lib. without supplementary barley; (2) grass ad lib. with supplementary barley at the rate of 0.5 lb/100 lb bodyweight; (3) grass ad lib. with supplementary barley at the rate of 1 lb/100 lb bodyweight. Supplementary barley increased total dry‐matter intake and improved daily liveweight gain and food conversion rate. The mean daily liveweight gains for the 17‐week experimental period were 1.60, 1.91 and 2.20 lb and the corresponding feed dry‐matter conversion ratios were 6.18, 5.67 and 5.55 for Treatments 1, 2 and 3, respectively.

The dry‐matter digestibility of the diets was slightly higher when the grass was supplemented with barley than when grass alone was given. Although barley depressed the digestibility of protein, the absolute and the proportionate retention of nitrogen was increased. This was particularly marked on Treatment 3, presumably because of the higher net energy value of the diet containing the greater amount of barley. The N‐retention data corresponded to the rates of liveweight gain obtained.
SOME EFFECTS OF GRAZING MANAGEMENT ON THE YIELD AND ITS COMPONENTS OF SOME PASTURE GRASSES
Authors: Agyare J. A. , Watkin B. R.
Published: April 2006

A study was made to determine the effects of grazing to a height of 1 in. when the swards reached heights of 3 and 9 in. on the dry matter production, LAI, tillering and rate of leaf production of new and old tillers in the spring–summer and autumn–winter seasons of 3 pasture species growing in association with white and red clovers. In both seasons the herbage yield under 9–1 management was higher than that under 3–1 and was significantly greater in the spring‐summer season. Differences in DM production between cocksfoot, tall fescue and Ariki ryegrass failed to reach significance.

Light utilization under the 2 management systems was considered to be inefficient. In the autumn‐winter period there was a linear relationship between the LAI and DM production in all treatments.

The rate of leaf production per tiller was significantly higher in cocksfoot than in ryegrass and tall fescue in both seasons.

New tillers had a significantly higher rate of leaf production than old tillers in the spring‐summer period, but not in autumn‐winter. The numbers of grass tillers and rooted nodes of clover were significantly higher under 3–1 than under 9–1 and were influenced by season.
NOTES ON THE USE OF POLYTHENE BELOW GROUND TO SEPARATE THE ROOTS OF HERBAGE SPECIES
Authors: Bland B. F.
Published: April 2006

A method is described by which the root systems of herbage species may be separated under field conditions, using a double layer of 500‐gauge black polythene. The effect of such a treatment was examined in field trials; tests on the permeability of this material in laboratory and field were also made. Visual, manual and mechanical examinations of the polythene after 2, 3 and 4 years in the soil are reported. From the results obtained it is concluded that polythene used in this manner is not detrimental to either herbage yield or quality, and that it can be expected to remain a satisfactory barrier below ground for at least 4 years. However, the introduction of polythene placed parallel to drilled perennial ryegrass and white clover did reduce total root weight by 20%, with a concomitant loss in yield; this loss was mainly associated with the grass component.
DRYING AND CONDITIONING OF DIRECT‐HARVESTED TIMOTHY SEED
Authors: Nellist M. E. , Rees D. V. H.
Published: April 2006

Germination results are presented for S48 timothy seed dried at air temperatures of from 75 to 135° after direct harvesting at 3 moisture levels, followed by cold‐air conditioning for periods of from 1 to 3 days. The effect of conditioning was to increase the resistance of the seed to high drying‐air temperatures, without producing any real improvement at low temperatures.

The results for non‐conditioned seed, published earlier, are converted to simple chart form giving the limits of initial moisture content and drying‐air temperature for 90% germination. These charts can be used during the final drying of conditioned seed, provided that the original moisture content at harvest is within the “safe” range.
SOME SELECTIVE EFFECTS OPERATING ON WHITE‐ AND RED‐CLOVER IN SWARDS
Authors: Charles A. H.
Published: April 2006

Populations of white‐ and red‐clover were examined after they had been grown for several years in grass/clover swards. The method of sowing, nitrogen application, management and season affected the ratio of very similar clover cultivars differing specifically in the leaf mark when sown in the same mixture. The companion grass also infiuenced the proportion of legume cultivars in the sward. In addition, the mean date of emergence of a single cultivar of broad‐red clover was affected by management.
VARIATION IN YIELD, MATURITY TYPE, WINTER GREENNESS AND SENSITIVITY TO CUTTING OF HILL GRASS SPECIES
Authors: Grant Sheila A. , Hunter R. F.
Published: April 2006

Two experiments are described in which data were collected on yield, floral characteristics and winter greenness of a number of indigenous hill grass species. Differential cutting treatments, besides affecting total yield, affected yield and floral vigour in the subsequent year. Differences in sensitivity to cutting were present among the species. The date at which the grasses were last cut in autumn affected their winter greenness though responses differed among species. The significance of these results in relation to performance and management of hill pastures is discussed.
THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOME GRASS SPECIES UNDER COMPETITIVE STRESS
Authors: Rhodes I.
Published: April 2006

Two pot experiments were carried out in a semi‐controlled environment to examine the response of individual plants to competitive stress in simple systems incorporating varying cutting frequencies and soil–nitrogen levels. A third experiment was set up outdoors to examine the effect of competition on individuals in an association, on the association as a whole, and to extend the controlled environment studies to a more complex model involving micro‐plots.

Phalaris coerulescens, although its seedlings possessed a high competitive ability, showed a dramatic decline in competitive ability in later stages of the association, this decline being associated with extensive floral development. In micro–plots the effect of competition was so severe as to prevent the expression of seasonal growth characteristics by P. coerulescens.

Considerable inter‐specific differences existed in the response to competition of leaf‐area production per tiller during periods of regrowth.

Whilst P. coerulescens remained highly productive and maintained a dense tiller population in monocultures, its tiller regeneration following flowering was severely suppressed in competition with vegetative plants of HI ryegrass or Festuca arundinacea.

The number of heads produced per plant, head length and time of head emergence were all affected by competitive stress, the former response being a reflection of the relative competitive abilities at the time of floral initiation. The response of the latter two characters reflected the decline in competitive ability which occurred during later stages of the growth and development of P. coerulescens.
COMPETITION BETWEEN PLANTS OF COCKSFOOT (DACTYLIS GLOMERATA) GROWN FOR SEED
Authors: Lambert D. A.
Published: April 2006

In each of a series of sub‐divided containers, two plants of cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) were planted in one of four arrangements to study the effects of: (a) no competition; (b) aerial competition, considered to be competition for light; (c) edaphic competition, considered to be competition for nitrogen; (d) full (aerial plus edaphic) competition, for light and N.

The weight of seed produced per plant was reduced by aerial compeition, but not by edaphic competition, except where aerial competition also existed. With the exception of the seed, the weights of the components of the plants at harvest were reduced substantially by edaphic competition.

The concentration of N in the various parts of the plant varied considerably, but only in the culms was it significantly affected by treatment so that the uptake of N was approximately proportional to the weight of the plant. Edaphic competiton gave most tillers per plant and full competition least. Aerial competition decreased the number of ears per plant.
INTERACTIONS OF GRAZING AND BURNING ON HEATHER MOORS AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS IN HEATHER MANAGEMENT
Authors: Grant Sheila A. , Hunter R. F.
Published: April 2006

In order to study the interaction between burning and grazing on heather areas, an experiment was set up in which six paddocks were subjected to different systems of controlled grazing. One quarter of each paddock was burned at two‐yearly intervals. The effects of burning and grazing on the regeneration of the vegetation are described. The chemical composition of heather is known to change with age and season; in this experiment grazing was shown to have an effect also. The amount and earliness of the growth of the current season's shoots of heather were affected by both age of plants and grazing intensity. This result was thought to be related to temperature gradients near the ground. Sheep did not graze the sub‐plots of different age within each paddock evenly; more recently burned sub‐plots were preferred, the preference being most marked with the grazing regimes of lower intensity. At the highest grazing intensity the older and younger sub‐plots were grazed to a similar extent. It is concluded that, in addition to controlled burning, effective management of heather moors must include some measure of grazing control.
COMPARISON OF DIPLOID AND TETRAPLOID RYEGRASSES IN ANIMAL‐PRODUCTION EXPERIMENTS
Authors: Alder F. E.
Published: April 2006

A number of experiments are reported in which comparisons were made, using calves, or ewes and lambs, between Tetila Tetrone and S22 or Danish Italian rye‐grasses or between Reveille and S24 perennial ryegrasses.

In general, the differences over the whole growing season were not large, but grazing experiments with calves during 1963‐5 all showed that a substantial advantage in live‐weight gain, can be obtained in the later part of the grazing season (July to September) by using T. Tetrone rather than S22 or Danish Italian ryegrasses.
THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOME GRASS SPECIES UNDER COMPETITIVE STRESS
Authors: Rhodfis I.
Published: April 2006

Two experiments were set up in a semi‐controlled glasshouse environment to determine the nature of the competitive stress, and the characters associated with competitive ability, during the seedling growth of some grass species. Over a period from sowing until the attainment of a relatively stable tiller population root competition was almost entirely responsible for the suppression of Festuca arundinacea in association with H1 ryegrass at two densities. In contrast, root and shoot competition were of equal importance in bringing about the suppression of Phalaris coerulescens in association with H1 ryegrass, an effect which only occurred at the high density.

Differences in the patterns of root growth of the species and populations are discussed in relation to differences in their competitive abilities.

It is suggested that the rate and extent of nodal root production are closely associated with seedling competitive ability.
HARVESTING S352 TIMOTHY FOR SEED
Authors: Roberts H. M.
Published: April 2006

On the basis of the most commonly used criteria for determining ripeness in grass seeds (involving a continuous examination of certain physical properties) the rip‐o‐cut stage was reached in S352 timothy 31–35 days after peak anthesis. The attainment of a moisture level just below 40% wet basis (excluding precipitation), which corresponded with the same stage of seed maturation, appears to be a further practical ripeness indicator in this variety.

In view of initial dormancy and the susceptibility of the seeds to mechanical injury, the indirect‐ rather than the direct‐combining method of harvest is recommended.
A COMPARISON OF SEVEN ADDITIVES USED IN ENSILING HIGH‐MOISTURE GRASS/CLOVER PASTURES
Authors: McCarrick R. B.
Published: April 2006

Four experiments compared seven additives for ensiling high‐moisture, leafy grass/clover awards in small tower‐silos. The additives were ammonium bisulphate, ammonium monohydrogen phosphate, silotracin, molasses, molassine meal, kylage and protosil 3. In all experiments, silages made with additives were compared with control silages. Apart from molasses, additives had little effect on silage quality: DM and N losses were only slightly reduced by additives. In terms of weight of DM recovered for animal feeding, the additives ranked as follows: molasses and molassine meal > silotracin > ammonium bisulphate, ammonium monohydrogen phosphate, and controls; molasses kylage, protosil 3 and controls.
RESPONSE OF CREEPING RED FESCUE SEED FIELDS TO AFTERMATH GRAZING BY BEEF CATTLE
Authors: Pringle W. L. , Elliott C. R. , Dobb J. L.
Published: April 2006

Autumn grazing of creeping red fescue seed fields at moderate stocking rates produced excellent animal gains, while only slightly reducing the subsequent seed yields. Under autumn grazing of moderate intensity (3.7 animal units/ha) steers made gains of over 1 kg/day while seed yields were reduced by 8%. Under grazing of heavy intensity (6.2 animal units/ha) animal gains were almost 1 kg/day, but seed yields were reduced by 16%.

A spring‐grazing period reduced seed yields by 35% and was too short to provide animal gains. Removal of the aftermath as hay improved seed yields slightly, particularly in the second and third harvest years.

A conversion of TDN to body gain of 5.5:1 indicated that the nutritive quality of the aftermath was adequate.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TOTAL N INPUT AND YIELD OF CUT GRASS SWARDS
Authors: Brockman J. S.
Published: April 2006

The response of clover‐free grass swards to fertilizer N when cut repeatedly at grazing and silage stages of growth was measured in four experiments at North Wyke. There was variation between years in the yield obtained at a given fertilizer N rate (Fn) and this was attributable to differences in soil‐N supply. By estimating soil‐N supply from the N‐yield of the non‐fertilized plots (Zn), total N inputs (Tn) were assessed. Over a number of reported experiments it was found that grass‐N yield (Gn) was related to Tn by the equation Gn=0.57 Tn, where Tn=Fn+l.7 Zn. The level of grass‐DM yield depended on stage of growth at cutting, as well as on total N supply. These results, and others examined from the literature, suggest that while total N input is the main determinant of grass‐DM yield, account must be taken of the time available, before defoliation, for the N taken up to be utilized in DM production. The use of Tn values has allowed the collating of N responses obtained over a range of sites, seasons and workers.
THE HERBAGE CONSUMPTION AND MILK PRODUCTION OF COWS GRAZING S24 RYEGRASS AND S37 COCKSFOOT
Authors: Greenhalgh J. F. D. , Reid G. W.
Published: April 2006

Pure stands of S24 ryegrass and S37 cocksfoot were grazed by groups of 6–8 cows for 5 periods spread over 3 years. Three periods were in the spring and two in the summer. The ryegrass was 4–5 percentage units more digestible than the cocksfoot and generally contained more soluble carbohydrate. In the spring periods, the organic‐matter intakes and milk yields of the cows were much the same for the two herbage species, but in the summer they were both higher for the ryegrass. There were no important differences in milk composition due to herbage species, or in the liveweight changes of the cows.
A COMPARISON OF THE HERBAGE YIELD OF ITALIAN RYEGRASS AND TALL FESCUE MIXTURES IN THE SECOND AND THIRD YEAR AFTER SOWING
Authors: Charles A. H.
Published: April 2006

The annual yield of tall fescue was higher than that of Italian ryegrass in the third year after sowing, but the total yield of herbage from grass plus clover swards was similar.

In both the second and third year after sowing, the yield of herbage in the spring grazing was higher when fescue was used as the sown grass. The method of establishment of both tall fescue and Italian ryegrass affected the total and seasonal yield in the second and third year after sowing, but the magnitude of these effects was not nearly as marked as it was earlier in the life of the leys. In the second year after sowing, swards of both Italian ryegrass and tall fescue had a higher yield of total herbage and of white clover, and a lower ingress of unsown species, when established without a cover crop and grazed frequently in the year of sowing.

The inclusion of red clover did not increase total yield of DM in the second and third year after sowing, and it slightly decreased the yield of the tall fescue mixture in the third year following sowing when N was applied. S170 tall fescue was readily grazed by sheep in spring and autumn.

The apparent recovery of applied N varied with the mixture sown, and the management given during establishment.
THE EFFECTS OF WINTER GRAZING ON SUBSEQUENT PRODUCTION FROM PASTURE
Authors: Lockhart D. A. S. , Herriott J. B. D. , Cunningham J. M. M. , Heddle R. G.
Published: April 2006

The eflFects of various systems of winter‐grazing management on pasture production in the following spring and summer were studied in four trials in the Pentland Hills, Scotland. Winter grazing reduced the yield of herbage in spring, but growth in May and June was primarily influenced by the level of nitrogen application in spring, irrespective of winter‐grazing treatments.
AN EVALUATION OF AN ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENT FOR PASTURE YIELD ESTIMATION
Authors: Back H. L. , Alder F. E. , Gibbs B. G.
Published: April 2006

In situations where yield is variable but in which it is not desirable to take too large a cut sample, e.g. on grazed plots, the pasture‐yield estimator can be used to improve the accuracy of yield estimation. An outline of the theory and examples of the use of the method are given.
THE EFFECT OF LEVEL OF PROTEIN IN SILAGE ON THE INTAKE AND PRODUCTION OF DAIRY COWS
Authors: Castle M. E. , Watson J. N. , Hughes A. D.
Published: April 2006

Two silages of contrasting protein content were compared in a 16‐week winter‐feeding experiment with 12 Ayrshire cows. One silage contained 8.2% DCP in its DM and the other 15.9% DCP. The silages were fed ad lib. with a supplement of either barley or barley plus groundnut cake. The DM digestibilities of the low and high protein silages were 74 and 67%, respectively, and the calculated S.E.s 56 and 47. Silage and total DM intakes were highest in the treatments containing low protein silage and in those containing groundnut. The mean daily milk yields for the treatments with and without groundnut were 35.4 and 32.s5 Ib (16.1 and 14.8 kg), respectively, with the high‐protein silage, and 38.1 and 35.0 Ib (17.3 and 15.9 kg) with the low‐protein silage. The S.N.F. contents of the milk were low and averaged 8.26 and 8.34% on the high‐ and low‐protein silage treatments, respectively, and were not affected significantly by the supplements. It is concluded that the low‐protein silage was superior to the high‐protein silage as a feed for cows, and that the digestibility of the silage DM was a truer indication of quality than protein content.
THE ASSESSMENT OF THE NUTRITIVE VALUE OF SILAGE BY DETERMINATION OF IN VITRO DIGESTIBILITY ON HOMOGENATES PREPARED FROM FRESH UNDRIED SILAGE
Authors: Alexander R. H. , McGowan Mary
Published: April 2006

A report is presented on studies on the relationship between in vitro digestibility of 18 silage samples and their in vivo digestibilities. Various analytical techniques are compared and the method adopted, on grounds of suitability for routine operation and accuracy of prediction of in vivo data, is based on analysis of homogenates of fresh silage. The homogenates, sufficiently uniform to permit of volumetric subsampling at acceptable error levels, are prepared in a new design of homogenizer. The impact of the % dry matter of the silage, as fed, on the accuracy of in vitrol in vivo relationships is considered and a bivariate regression plane is proposed.
THE DIGESTIBILITY OF STRUCTURAL CARBOHYDRATES OF GRASSES BY RUMEN MICRO‐ORGANISMS IN VITRO
Authors: Tilley J. M. A. , Terry R. A. , Deriaz R. E. , Outen G. E.
Published: April 2006

In vitro digestion of grass samples has shown that the amount of digestible cellulose, hexosan or pentosan is not greatly affected by species or by stage of maturity. A survey of published data on crude fibre and cellulose digestibility has confirmed these findings. Marked differences between grasses and legumes were observed. The rate of digestion has also been shown to be independent of the total amount of structural material present. The relevance of these observations to the selection of herbage varieties with greater intake by ruminants is discussed.
NUTRITIONAL PROBLEMS OF LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION FROM SEMI‐ARID GRASSLANDS IN THE TROPICS*
Authors: Topps J. H.
Published: April 2006

Herbage of very low quality forms the main diet of ruminants on the semi‐arid grasslands in the tropics for several months of the year. The grasses available have a high content of dry matter and crude fibre, a low digestibility and a very low crudeprotein content. Ruminants are unable to eat enough herbage to supply the nutrients required for their body functions and it is this inadequacy which is the major factor limiting animal production from semi‐arid grasslands in the tropics.
THE INFLUENCE OF PLANTING DATE ON THE SEED‐BEARING CAPACITY OF TILLERS OF PERENNIAL RYEGRASS SPACED PLANTS GROWN FOR SEED
Authors: Foster C. A.
Published: April 2006

A study was made of the fate of tillers arising at different times in the autumn and the contribution which these tillers made to the final seed yield of single spaced plants of perennial ryegrass planted at different dates for seed production. The flexibility in tiller function and in seed‐bearing capacity exhibited within these plants resulted in October‐planted material producing as much seed in the following harvest‐year as August‐planted material, although the latter had twice as many living tillers per plant at harvest. This reproductive versatility has economic importance and may have biological significance in certain ecological conditions.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE SOLUBLE CONSTITUENTS OF HERBAGE AND THEIR DRY‐MATTER DIGESTIBILITY
Authors: Tilley J. M. A. , Terry R. A.
Published: April 2006

The use of acid‐pepsin or of water to extract herbage samples is described. The relationship between the amount extracted by each and the crude‐or true‐protein and soluble carbohydrate contents is discussed, especially in relation to herbage digestibility. It is suggested that these simple extractants may be more useful than conventional chemical techniques for assessments of comparative nutritive value of herbages.
SEASONAL TILLER POPULATIONS OF GRASS AND GRASSJCLOVER SWARDS WITH AND WITHOUT IRRIGATION
Authors: Garwood E. A.
Published: April 2006

The number of tillers per unit area of pure swards of S23 and S24 perennial ryegrass, S37 cocksfoot, S48 timothy and of a S23 perennial ryegrass/white clover sward, were examined at intervals of 4 weeks during a period of two years. The monthly appearance of new tillers and the death of tillers of S23 and S24 ryegrass and S48 timothy were followed for 15 months. The studies were made with and without irrigation.

The number of tillers varied with season through the year. Tiller numbers increased rapidly in late winter or early spring, and then declined until midsummer. Numbers rose again between June and August. This seasonal pattern of tiller numbers was most marked in ryegrass and timothy and least in cocksfoot. The effect of irrigation on tiller numbers was variable, and usually small in relation to the overall seasonal fluctuations in tiller numbers, but dry soil conditions could delay an increase in tiller numbers between June and August. The relationship between seasonal fluctuations in tiller number and root growth of swards is discussed.