bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of cropping after medic and non-medic pastures on total soil nitrogen, and on the grain yield and nitrogen content of wheat
Authors: Tuohey CL , Robson AD
Published: March 2005

The effect of medic and non-medic pastures on grain yield and nitrogen content of wheat was studied over 15 seasons on a friable grey clay in the Wimmera. The effects of length and type of pasture ley on grain yield and nitrogen content were closely related to the effects of these treatments on total soil nitrogen. Grain yield was not increased in any season by increasing total soil nitrogen beyond 0.1 10%. The grain yield response to increased total soil nitrogen varied markedly with seasons and most of the variation could be accounted for by variation in November rainfall; grain yield response was greater in years of higher November rainfall. Grain nitrogen content increased with increasing total soil nitrogen over the range studied (0.078% to 0.1 28%). Seasonal variation in grain nitrogen response to total soil nitrogen was mainly associated with variation in September and November rainfall. Higher September rainfall increased the response and higher November rainfall decreased it. The decline in total soil nitrogen that occurred with cropping was strongly correlated with the level of total soil nitrogen before cropping.
The potential of Campylomma livida Reuter, and Megacoelum modestum Distant, (Hemiptera: Miridae) to damage cotton in Queensland
Authors: Bishop AL
Published: March 2005

The damage potential of Campylomma livida Reuter, and Megacoelum modestum Distant, (Hemiptera : Miridae) on cotton in Queensland was investigated in the seasons 1976-77 and 1977-78. In field trials, 54% and 35% fewer squares on untreated plants compared with those protected with DDTtoxaphene were related to mirid presence, in the first and second seasons, respectively. In glasshouse experiments M. modestum was the more important of the two species, causing 70% reductions in the number of squares on infested plants compared with uninfested plants. C. livida caused 20% of squares to be shed. Mirid presence may coincide with Heliothis spp, activity, so techniques for the control of mirids would have to complement current Heliothis spp. management.
The comparative productivity of five ewe breeds. 1. Lamb growth and survival
Authors: Atkins KD
Published: March 2005

An experiment was conducted at Temora Agricultural Research Station to compare birth weights, growth rates to weaning, and survival of lambs from five breeds. These data formed part of a larger study comparing the productivity of these breeds as possible dual-purpose ewe breeds. The breeds were a Border Leicester X Merino fixed halfbred (BLM), Corriedale, Polwarth, and a South Australian strong wool (S.A. Merino) and a medium wool Peppin strain of Merino. The descending order of ranking of the breeds on birth weight and growth rate to weaning was BLM, Corriedale, S.A. Merino, Polwarth and Peppin Merino. A significant breed x year interaction in pre-weaning growth rate was recorded, since the absolute differences between breeds increased as the overall mean growth rate increased. Breed means for the survival rate of single-born lambs ranged from 80.7 to 86.4 lambs weaned per 100 lambs born and they were not significantly different from each other. The mean survival rate of multipleborn lambs from the S.A. Merino and Polwarth breeds were 65.0 and 69.5 respectively, and these were significantly lower than the survival rate of multiples from the other breeds (76.8 to 80.4). Within breeds, birth weight was found to be positively related to survival at low birth weights but negatively related to survival at high body weights
The comparative productivity of five ewe breeds. 3. Adult ewe performance
Authors: Atkins KD
Published: March 2005

Reproductive, wool and liveweight data on adult ewes from five breeds at Temora Agricultural Research Station between 1966 and 1972 were analyzed .The breeds were a Border Leicester x Merino fixed halfbred (BLM), Corriedale, Polwarth, a South Australian strong wool (S.A. Merino) and medium wool Peppin strain of Merino. Mean levels of reproductive performance were 1.22,0.96,0.85,0.78 and 0.88 lambs weaned per ewe joined for the BLM, Corriedale, Polwarth, S.A. Merino and Peppin Merino breeds, respectively. The superiority of the BLM breed was primarily due to a higher proportion of ewes bearing multiple lambs, of ewes lambing. Average greasy fleece weights for the breeds were 4.58, 5.67, 4.75, 6.1 5 and 4.95 kg, respectively. Pregnancy and lactation reduced fleece weight by 6.1 % and 3.3%, respectively. There was no additional effect of litter size on fleece weight. The liveweights of adult ewes prior to joining were 59.6, 54.8, 46.3, 49.0 and 42.7 kg for the BLM, Corriedale, Polwarth, S.A. Merino and Peppin Merino, respectively. The implications of this large variation in adult liveweight to the evaluation of the breeds were discussed.
Control of ovine lupinosis: use of a resistant cultivar of Lupinus albus - cv. Ultra
Authors: Wood PM , Allen JG
Published: March 2005

Lupin cultivars at four sites were assessed for their susceptibility to Phomopsis leptostromiformis, the causal fungus of ovine lupinosis. Toxicity levels were also monitored. Lupinus albus cv. Ultra showed marked resistance compared with cultivars of L. angustifolius and L. cosentinii at three sites. Toxicity tests showed low levels of toxicity in Ultra and high levels in the L. angustifolius and L. cosentinii cultivars. At the other site, both P. leptostromiformis infection and toxicity were low, regardless of the lupin cultivar used.
Seedling characteristics of cultivars of Leucaena leucocephala
Authors: Bray RA
Published: March 2005

Six lines of Leucaena leucocephala including the three Australian cultivars Peru, Cunningham and El Salvador were compared at 42 days of age in two controlled environments. Although differences existed between lines for all characters measured, the only reliable means of distinguishing between the cultivars was the mean number of the first bipinnate leaf to have more than one pair of pinnae. This number tends to be lower in more vigorous, non-branched types than in the bushy Hawaiian strain. It is suggested that cv. El Salvador is not typical of the newer 'Giant Hawaiian' El Salvador types.
Residual effectiveness of copper fertilizer for wheat in Western Australia
Authors: Gartell JW
Published: March 2005

In five field experiments the effect on wheat grain yield of a current application of fertilizer copper mixed with the superphosphate drilled with the seed was compared with the residual effect of fertilizer copper applied the same way 4 to 12 years earlier. In all cases the earlier application was superior, or equal, to the current application. Vegetative copper concentration, measured in two experiments, was increased much more by the original application than by the current application. All applied copper remained in the top 10 cm of soil 4 years after application in a form which could be extracted by 0.2 M ammonium oxalate at pH 3 when measured in one experiment. Reasons for the relative inefficiency of the current application are suggested. The residual effectiveness of fertilizer Cu in the field determined by this method measures the nett effects on Cu availability of processes acting in opposite directions. The processes enhancing Cu availability dominate or counter those processes such as soil 'fixing' reactions which, if present, are obscured.
Various sources of supplemental phosphorus for grower/finisher pig diets based on plant protein
Authors: King RH
Published: March 2005

Three phosphate sources were evaluated for grower finisher pigs in a factorial experiment involving two levels of feeding (restricted and ad libitum), and six diets based on barley and soybean meal. Three diets were supplemented with either 1.0% dicalcium phosphate, 1.2% rock phosphate or 1.3% bone char. Two diets contained combinations of these three phosphate sources, and the sixth diet was unsupplemented and contained only 0.36% total phosphorus. The performance of five pigs, three males and two females, on each treatment was observed between 24 and 75 kg liveweight. There was no significant difference in feed-conversion efficiency or carcase quality of pigs given the six diets. However, the ash content of the fibula bone from pigs receiving the diet without supplemental phosphorus was significantly less than that of pigs receiving supplemental phosphorus. Pigs receiving no phosphate supplement also tended to eat less than pigs given a phosphate supplement when feeding was ad libitum. The apparent digestibility of phosphorus in the unsupplemented diet (29.6%) was similar to that in diets containing either 1.0% dicalcium phosphate or 1.2% rock phosphate, but was significantly less than that in the diet containing 1.3% bone char (47.8%).
Preliminary agronomic evaluation of some perennial Urochloa species over a range of environments
Authors: Burt RL , Sinclair DF , Harrison P , Pengelly BC , Williams WT
Published: March 2005

Twenty Urochloa accessions, representing four species, were grown as small swards for a 2 to 4 year period at five sites. The sites cover a wide range of tropical environments. Dry matter production and 'secondary attributes' were observed at strategically important times at the various sites. Various forms of analysis were applied to the resulting information and species, or species forms, of particular agronomic interest were delineated. Two accessions appear to have outstanding potential. The implications of the methods used and results obtained are discussed in relation to plant introduction and plant evaluation programs, and the high potential value of the genus noted.
Rate of decrease of the residual concentration of diazinon in cabbage
Authors: Hargreaves JR , Melksham KJ
Published: March 2005

Analysis of diazinon residues in cabbages up to 14 days after the final spray application, showed an initial period of rapid decay followed by a period of slower decay, which approximates to first order kinetics. The Australian maximum residue level of 0.7 mg kg-1 diazinon for the whole cabbage was reached in 2-3 days in summer and 7-8 days in winter. The recommended Australia 14-day withholding period, combined with marketing of hearts alone, conformed to Japanese marketing requirements of 0.1 mg kg-1.
Provision of zinc to sheep by means of an intraruminal pellet
Authors: Masters DG , Moir RJ
Published: March 2005

A group of young wethers consuming a zinc-deficient diet (3.8 pg Zn g-1) had a 10 g zinc pellet inserted in their rumens. The pellet maintained plasma and wool zinc concentrations and plasma alkaline phosphatase activities for 7, 8.5 and > 10 weeks respectively, at levels equal to those of another group on a similar diet supplemented with 16 pg Zn g-1. The amount of zinc in faeces indicated that the pellets initially released 15 mg Zn day-1 and that after 7 weeks, when only 3 mg Zn day-1 was being released, the effective life of the pellet was finished. The pellet offers a simple method for testing the existence of zinc-responsive conditions in the field and would be adequate to overcome short-term deficiency caused by seasonal conditions or pregnancy. A third group of wethers on the deficient diet alone, showed a decline in plasma zinc from 0.7 �g Zn ml-1 to 0.25 �g ml-1 in 3 weeks, and both plasma alkaline phosphatase activities and wool zinc concentrations were lower than in the other groups after 7 weeks.
Effects of nitrogen fertilizer and white clover on dry matter and nitrogen yields of Digitaria decumbens and Setaria sphacelata var. sericea in south-eastern Queensland
Authors: Ebersohn JP , Mulder JC
Published: March 2005

An experiment was conducted to evaluate yield dynamics of three candidate grasses that could replace Pangola (Digitaria decumbens CPI 18578). The grasses were Digitaria pentzii cn. Nelspruit and Setaria sphacelata var. sericea cvv. Nandi and Kazungula, grown in association with white clover (Trifolium repens), or at three levels of fertilizer nitrogen. Cumulative dry matter yields in t ha-1 taken from nine cuts between August 1965 and January 1967, differed (P< 0.05) as follows. For grasses, Pangola (26) > Kazungula (24) > Nelspruit (22) > Nandi (20); and for associated clover, Pangola (10.5) and Nelspruit (10.5) > Kazungula (6.8) and Nandi (6.7). Pangola and Nelspruit reached peak yields in December, Nandi and Kazungula in April. Clover yields peaked in September and again in December. Clover in Kazungula-clover plots became severely depressed after 14 months. When grown in association with grasses, clover smoothed out peaks and troughs characteristic of infrequent applications of nitrogen fertilizer. Periodicity of nitrogen yields was similar to that of DM yields. Clover produced more DM than either Pangola or Nelspruit. Conversely, clover was severely suppressed by Kazungula, less by Nandi. Except for reservations about Kazungula where grown with clover, any one of the three candidate grasses would be a suitable replacement for Pangola.
The effect of time of sowing on yield of mungbean (Vigna radiata) varieties in coastal New South Wales
Authors: Searle PGE , Thirathon A , Norman MJT
Published: March 2005

The effect of time of sowing on the growth and yield of mungbean varieties (Vigna radiata var. aureus) was examined during summer in a warm humid coastal climate at Camden, New South Wales (latitude 34�s). Four varieties, Pusa Baisakhi, Berken, S8, and M4 were grown in a split-plot randomized complete block experiment with six replicates. Main plot treatments were three times of sowing (October 28, December 8 and January 19); varieties were on sub-plots. Berken, a current commercial cultivar, attained the highest grain yield, at the October sowing, of 1.5 t ha-1 in 97 days from sowing. S8 attained a yield of 1.4 t ha-1 at the October sowing in 103 days, but was susceptible to lodging, disease and pest attack. Pusa reached its highest grain yield (1.1 t ha-1) at the December sowing in 91 days. Although the grain yield of M4 was the lowest, its top dry matter yield of 5.1 t ha-1 at the December sowing indicates its promise as a forage crop.
Beef production from lucerne and subterranean clover pastures. 2. Bloat occurrence and effect of anti-bloat capsules
Authors: FitzGerald RD , Wolfe EC , Laby RH , Hall DG
Published: March 2005

Over 3 years (1975-77), the occurrence of bloat was recorded in steers grazing two legumedominant pastures, one (LC) containing lucerne (Medicago sativa) and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) and the other (C) subterranean clover. The effect of intraruminal capsules on both the occurrence of sub-lethal bloat and liveweight gain was assessed in spring 1976 (anti-bloat capsules), and in spring 1977 (anti-bloat and monensin capsules, singly and together). In unprotected steers, bloat occurred only during winter or early spring on both pastures. Over the 3 years, seven steers died from bloat on LC, and three on C. Sub-lethal bloat (rumen distention) was more frequent and severe on LC than on C in 1975 and 1976. However, in 1977 it was more frequent on LC in June-July, but more frequent on C in August-September; there was no difference in severity between pastures. The anti-bloat capsules halved the rumen distention index and improved liveweight gain by an average of 0.2-0.3 kg/head day-1 for short periods in October 1976 and August 1977. The results with monensin capsules were inconclusive. Bloat occurrence is discussed in relation to pasture and environmental conditions, and to beef production on lucerne-clover and clover pastures.
Responses to cobalt therapy in weaner cattle in south-east Queensland
Authors: Nicol DC , Smith LD
Published: March 2005

The response to cobalt therapy of weaned calves grazing green panic-siratro-Townsville stylo pastures, on a siliceous sand in the coastal foothills of south-east Queensland was measured. Overall liveweight gains for weaners given a 30 g cobalt bullet following weaning (May), or a cobalt bullet in the following spring (November), or the untreated (control group), were 0.24, 0.18 and 0.08 kg day-' respectively. Twenty-five percent of the calves in the control group died. These deaths were associated with anaemia in the presence of low to moderate levels of helminths. Twelve percent of animals in the cobalt-treated groups died due to an anaemia associated with helminth infections, comprising mainly Haemonchus placei. Faecal worm egg counts in cobalt-treated groups were higher than in controls on two collection dates in December and March, but differences were significant (P < 0.05) at the second date only, when larval differentiation showed 82% H. placei. Cobalt levels in samples of siratro and green panic were in the range 0.01-0.07 ppm. It is concluded that cobalt therapy will eliminate weaner ill-thrift on these siliceous sands but may lead to increased infections of H. placei.
Early assessment of sweet sorghum as an agro-industrial crop. 2. Maturity factors
Authors: Ferraris R
Published: March 2005

Two experiments were carried out at Ayr, north Queensland, to examine maturity factors on sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) juice characteristics and yields. In experiment 1, four commercially available forage cultivars were harvested at anthesis, milk dough and mature grain stage, and 10 days after maturity. Sucrose and soluble solids concentration and yields in stems were highest at or near grain maturity. In experiment 2, harvests of the cv. Rio were taken at milk dough or mature grain stages on plants that had been left intact, had the panicle removed at anthesis, or had the panicle and subsequent shoots removed. Induced barrenness resulted in a higher concentration of soluble solids and sucrose in the stem over that in intact plants. The sucrose yield of stems of barren plants (up to 3.2 t ha-1) equalled the carbohydrate yield as stem sucrose and grain starch in intact plants. In barren plants, leaves remained greener for longer and stems were less prone to lodging.
Hay supplements to overcome underfeeding of dairy cows. 1. Early lactation
Authors: Stockdale CR , King KR , Patterson IF , Ryan DT
Published: March 2005

Seventy-seven cows of mixed breeds were allocated a range of pasture only or pasture/hay diets for the first 60 days of lactation. The variation in level of pasture intake was achieved by stripgrazing. The average in vitro dry matter digestibility and nitrogen content of the pasture offered was 72.0 and 3.11 % respectively, while those of the hay were 63.3 and 2.24%. The pasture alone treatments examined the effects of underfeeding on dairy cow productivity and the pasture/hay treatments established the extent to which these effects could be overcome by the use of hay as a supplement to limited pasture. After 60 days, all cows were grazed as one group at a stocking rate of 6.0 cows ha-1. Underfeeding in the first 60 days of lactation resulted in a loss of 68.3 kg milk/cow for each kg reduction in daily pasture intake, together with a decline in liveweight and body condition. When hay was offered as a supplement, it overcame the effects of underfeeding to a large extent although milk production still declined by 31.3 kg/cow for each kg reduction in daily pasture intake. There was a residual loss in milk production of 0.6 times the immediate loss for 60 days of underfeeding. The residual benefit gained from feeding hay at any level of underfeeding averaged 0.5 times the immediate benefit. Hay was unable to counteract completely the effects of underfeeding because its nutritive value for production was only half that of pasture, and the cows could not eat enough of it to overcome this. Some possible variations to these results are considered, taking into account the quality of the pasture and hay used. The economic use of hay as a supplement to limited pasture is discussed. Providing hay is used as a genuine supplement, the use of it will be economic as long as the cost of a kg of hay is less than the price paid for 0.049 kg butterfat. The limitations to this calculation are discussed.
The effect of two systems of cattle tick (Boophilus microplus) control on tick populations, transmission of Babesia spp. and Anaplasma spp. and production of Brahman crossbred cattle in the dry tropics
Authors: Johnston LAY , Haydock KP , Leatch G
Published: March 2005

Strategic dipping and pasture spelling plus dipping were compared with no treatment on Droughtmaster cows and their progeny over 5 years. Average monthly tick counts on the young cattle and their dams were 10 and 18, < 1 and 2, and 56 and 112, for the three treatments respectively. There was stable transmission of Babesia bovis, B. bigemina and Anaplasma marginale to the progeny from the untreated cows. Strategic dipping, and pasture spelling plus dipping seriously disrupted the transmission of B. bovis, and vaccination against this parasite is recommended. Pasture spelling plus dipping also interfered with the transmission of A. marginale and B. bigemina but vaccination against A. marginale only is warranted. At 27- 29 months of age the young cattle in the strategic dipping group had gained on average 43 kg/ head more (P < 0.001) than the pasture spelling plus dipping group, and 45 kg/head more (P < 0.001) than the untreated group. Cows in the strategic dipping group gained 35 kg/head more than the untreated group (P < 0.05) and 32 kg/head more than the pasture spelling plus dipping group (P < 0.05). Tick control did not improve the fertility of the cows.
Wool production of Merino sheep fed daily or twice weekly on oats or lupins
Authors: Hodge RW , Bogdanovic B , Sweatman D
Published: March 2005

Fine wool Merino wethers 2 years old, were penned indoors in groups of ten and offered one of three rations: oat grain, lupin grain, or a mixture of oats (70%) and lupins (30%). The rations were fed at maintenance level and were offered either daily or twice a week for 21 5 d. Frequency of feeding did not significantly effect the digestibility, liveweight, wool production or fibre diameter. Liveweight, wool yield and fibre diameter did not differ with diet but sheep fed the oats and lupin ration grew more wool (P < 0.05) than those fed oats or lupins alone.
Response of strawberry fruit yield to plant population density
Authors: Freeman B
Published: March 2005

The yield and profitability of the strawberry cultivars Torrey and Naratoga were compared for two seasons at planting densities ranging from single row beds at 35 000 plants ha-1 to three row beds at 172 000 plants ha-1 Production per plant at the highest density was reduced by approximately 50% and the percentage of culled fruit was greater. Production per hectare of marketable fruit at high density was up to 56% greater than traditional commercial densities of 57 000 plants ha-1. Naratoga out-yielded Torrey in most cases and had fewer culled fruit. In both cultivars leaf area was markedly reduced at high densities but the effect on average berry size was minimal. Profitability was maximized at 172 000 plants ha-1 followed by 87 000 plants ha-1. Naratoga was more profitable than Torrey and all single row treatments showed a net loss.
Seedling resistance to pea aphid of lucerne, annual medic and clover species in Victoria
Authors: Ridland PM , Berg GN
Published: March 2005

Twenty-two lines of lucerne, six of annual Medicago spp., seven of Trifolium subterraneum, six of T. repens and six of several other Trifolium spp. were tested for seedling resistance to pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), in glasshouse tests at Burnley, Victoria. In general, lucerne cultivars selected for resistance to North American biotypes of the aphid were resistant to the Victorian aphid population. However, in our tests, two cultivars (Matador and Pioneer Brand 545) that were classed as susceptible to pea aphid in the USA. were as resistant as WL 31 8, a cultivar selected in the U.SA. for resistance to pea aphid. Medicago truncatula cvv. Borung and Cyprus were highly susceptible to pea aphid. They were more severely damaged than M. sativa cv. Hunter River, which was the most susceptible of the lucerne cultivars tested. M. rugosa cv. Paragosa had a high level of resistance while M. truncatula cvv. Hannaford and Jemalong, and M. littoralis cv. Harbinger were stunted but had only a low level of seedling mortality. Of the seven cultivars of T. subterraneum tested, only cv. Clare had a high level of aphid resistance, and all lines of T. repens were susceptible. The lines of T. fragiferum, T. incarnatum and T. pratense were more resistant than the susceptible check, T. subterraneum cv. Daliak, and should at least be tolerant in the field.
Establishment and development of surface sown pasture species in a nitrophilous weed association: effect of herbicide rate
Authors: Campbell MH , Gilmour AR , Vere DT
Published: March 2005

In an experiment carried out between 1976 and 1979 near Orange, New South Wales, the effects of four rates of glyphosate (0.1 25, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 kg/ha active ingredient (a.i.)) and three rates of amitrole (0.5, 0.75, 1.0 kg/ha a.i. in association with 2.5 kg/ha a.i. 2,2-DPA) on the suppression of a nitrophilous weed association (broadleafed plants, annual grasses, native perennial grasses, annual legumes) and the resultant establishment and development of surface sown pastures species (Medicago sativa, Phalaris aquatica, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca arundinacea) were measured. The length of weed suppression in the year of spraying (1976) was the most important factor in the eventual development of the sown species. Glyphosate at 1.0 kg/ha a.i. gave better weed suppression for longer (up to and beyond 23 weeks after spraying) than any other herbicide treatment and allowed sown species to establish and survive the first summer better and thus produce a better pasture three years later. Weed suppression between 8 and 19 weeks after spraying affected the initial establishment of sown species; in general, establishment was better on herbicide treatments that reduced ground cover of the weed association to less than 30% in this period. Rate of weed suppression had no effect because no sown species germinated in the eight weeks after spraying. Three years after treatment the ground cover of the nitrophilous weed association was 31% on the best herbicide treatment (glyphosate, 1.0 kg/ha a.i.) and 83% on the unsprayed control; the respective ground cover of sown species was 60% and 7%. The increase in ground cover of sown species during the three years was on most treatments almost entirely due to the increase in basal area of P. aquatica.
Effect of various feed and water regimens at saleyards on the liveweight of store cattle
Authors: Wythes JR , Tyler R , Daly JJ , Burns MA , Llewelyn D
Published: March 2005

In two experiments in Queensland, various feed and water regimens were imposed on steers to simulate the effects of different curfew and sale procedures on liveweight. 1 After 148 Hereford steers (256 kg mean initial liveweight) were deprived of feed and water for 12, 36 or 60 h (partly during a 70 km journey), they were held with or without water during the 'curfew' and 'sale'. At the end of the transportation + fasting period, the 12 h group was 20 kg heavier (P<0.01) than the 60 h group. By the start of the 'sale', this difference was reduced to 11 kg for groups on water, but to only 17 kg for groups without water. During the 'sale', groups on water maintained weight whereas those without water continued to lose weight (P<0.01). 2 After a journey of 1380 km, 148 Brahman crossbred steers (349 kg initial mean liveweight) were given access to water (i) during the 'pre-curfew', 'curfew' and 'sale' periods, (ii) as for (i) but also feed during the 'pre-curfew', (iii)1 during the 'pre-curfew' period only or (iv) were denied water throughout. At the start of the 'sale', their respective liveweights were 309, 31 5, 310 and 290 kg (P<0.01). Trends in liveweight during the 'sale' were the same as in the first experiment. Providing water for cattle during the 'curfew' and 'sale' periods reduced substantially the variation in liveweight caused by different pre-curfew fasting times between groups of similar animals, stabilized liveweight, and ensured animals were not dehydrated.
Persistence of creeping-rooted lucerne under grazing in subtropical Queensland
Authors: Bray RA , Leach GJ
Published: March 2005

The persistence of four synthetic lines of creeping-rooted lucerne was compared with that of Hunter River over three years on a fertile brigalow clay soil in south-eastern Queensland. The lucerne was sown either as pure stands that were grazed by cattle continuously or intermittently, or as lucerne and grass pastures that were grazed, according to two different intermittent systems. The persistence of the creeping-rooted lines was worse than that of Hunter River, and the stands had virtually disappeared after two years. The creeping-rooted lines seem more vulnerable to drought and show poorer recovery from drought. A grazing lucerne for the semi-arid tropics will probably need to, at least, incorporate the vigour and tap-root characteristics of Hunter River to ensure survival.
Response of Inga rice to nitrogen fertilizer rate and timing in New South Wales
Authors: Heenan DP , Lewin LG
Published: March 2005

Two experiments were done at the Yanco Agricultural Research Centre, New South Wales, in 1978-79 and 1979-80 to measure the response of long grain rice, cv. Inga, to rates of nitrogen applied at two different times. The highest yields were recorded when the nitrogen was applied at panicle initiation. Increasing the rate from 100 to 200 kg N/ha at panicle initiation had no effect on grain yield. When the nitrogen was applied earlier, just before permanent water, yields were highest at 50 kg N/ha and declined at the highest rates (150 and 200 kg N/ha). This negative yield response was mainly due to a drop in the percentage of filled florets, and occurred despite an increase in panicle number.
The effect of gypsum and irrigation frequency on irrigated wite clover pastures grown on three soils of the Riverine Plain of south-eastern Australia
Authors: Bridge BJ , Tunny J
Published: March 2005

Gypsum was applied at 10-1 5 t/ha to white clover (Trifolium repens L.) pastures grown on three Riverine Plain soils, viz Billabong clay, Conargo sandy loam and Purdanima sandy loam that had coarse textured surface horizons of < 2.5,15 and 30 cm depth, respectively, underlain by clay subsoils. Gypsum treatment doubled growth rates where the depth of the coarse textured horizon was 15 cm or less. This was attributed to increased water entry during irrigation and higher subsoil moisture contents resulting from increased hydraulic conductivity after gypsum treatment, which were only effective where the subsoils occurred at less than 30 cm, the effective depth of water extraction by the plants. Optimum irrigation intervals for the white clover pastures were unaffected by gypsum treatment on Billabong clay and Purdanima sandy loam, where the corresponding evaporation intervals from a United States water basin class A pan were 38 mm and 51 mm, respectively. On Conargo sandy loam with 15 cm surface horizon, gypsum treatment increased the optimum irrigation interval from 37 mm to 73 mm. Gypsum treatment also halved the amount of water used to produce a unit of dry matter on Billabong clay. A critical exchangeable sodium percentage value of around 6 for the clay subsoils is indicated; above this gypsum response can be expected. For irrigated white clover pastures, subsoils need to be < 30 cm below the surface and have clay contents < 25% before significant yield increases to gypsum can be expected.
Response of ewes to lupin supplementation at different times of the breeding season
Authors: Gherardi PB , Lindsay DR
Published: March 2005

Groups of 100 ewes grazing natural pasture in southern Western Australia were fed supplements of 750 g lupin grain for nine consecutive days every six weeks from October 1975-March 1976 to test whether the consistently low ovulation rate in West Australian sheep would vary with season if nutrition were better than normal. The ovulation rate of unsupplemented control ewes was from 1.05- 1.13 and did not vary significantly with season. Ewes responded significantly to supplementation and this response was unrelated to changes in body weight and varied in magnitude with season. It was about 20% in October, January and March but not significant in December. It is concluded that ovulation rates in pasture-fed sheep in the Mediterranean environment of southern Western Australia can vary with season, but only when the sheep are supplemented.
The performance of introduced grasses in seasonally dry tropical environments in northern Australia
Authors: McIvor JG , Williams WT , Anning P , Clem RL , Finlay MC
Published: March 2005

Fifty-two introduced grass accessions from forty species were grown at up to 14 sites in northern Australia for five years to assess their degree of adaptation. To establish the plots small grass plants were transplanted into replicated rows in cultivated strips and the area was oversown with legume seed. The plots were fertilized annually with 100 kg/ha superphosphate and grazed by cattle. Measurements of plant persistence, growth during the wet season, and spread were combined to develop an adaptation index. This varied in value from 0-100 and a value of 50 or more was taken to indicate an adapted grass. According to this criterion Andropogon gayanus CPI 57497, Bothriochloa insculpta cv. Hatch, Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk, B. humidicola cv. Tully, Cenchrus ciliaris cv. Biloela and cv. Gayndah, Chloris gayana CPI 4608 1, Chrysopogon sp. CPI 522 13, Dichanthium annulatum CPI 508 19, Digitaria milanjiana CPI 7920, D. smutsii CPI 14368 and CPI 38869, Paspalum plicatulum cv. Rodd's Bay, Urochloa bolbodes CPI 45607 and 47 122, and U. mosambicensis cv. Nixon and CPI 46876 were found to be adapted to at least one site. The accessions have been placed in performance groups on the basis of their growth at the different sites.
Studies on some neutral red duplex soils (Dr 2.12) in north-eastern Queensland. 4. Field studies of nutrient responses with Caribbean stylo
Authors: Probert ME , Jones RK
Published: March 2005

The fertilizer requirements of Caribbean stylo (Stylosanthes hamata cv. Verano) grown on a neutral red duplex soil (Dr 2.12) have been examined in the field. The only nutrient limiting growth was sulfur. The severity of the deficiency increased through the four years of the experiment but good residual effects were obtained from an initial dressing of 40 kg sulfur/ha. It is shown that much of the applied sulfur was retained in a form extractable by calcium phosphate, and its distribution in the field corresponded closely with laboratory estimates of the sulfate sorption characteristics of this soil. In the final year, the growth of legume was closely related to the extractable sulfur in the soil. The absence of a response to phosphorus is unusual in virgin northern Queensland soils and was unexpected. The phosphate sorption characteristics of the surface soil implies that the external phosphate requirement of Caribbean stylo is below 0.015 pg phosphorus/ml.
Effect of sulfur application on selenium content of subterranean clover plants grown at different levels of selenium supply
Authors: Spencer K
Published: March 2005

To assess the feasibility of adding selenium to pastures likely to be associated with White Muscle Disease and related disorders in stock, plants of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) were raised in pots and supplied with rates of selenium (as selenate) and sulfur (as sulfate) in factorial combinations. On the soil used, increasing rates of selenium progressively depressed growth of clover and increased its selenium concentration; sulfur stimulated growth up to an addition of about 16 yg S/g and depressed the selenium concentration only when selenium was added. More sulfur was required to depress the selenium concentration to a threshold level, which was characteristic of a particular selenium application rate, at high initial selenium levels than at low. Clover growth was reduced when the sulfur to selenium ratio in the tops was less than 50: 1. Application rates greater than 0.025 �g Se/g soil (= 40 g/ha) produced young clover plants with excessive levels of selenium for consumption by stock. The safe rate for application to a mixed pasture is likely to be considerably less than that value. Field experiments confirmed that appreciable diminution of the selenium concentration in pasture as a result of sulfur addition occurred only when selenium was in plentiful supply. Grasses were much more affected than clovers. It is concluded that the negative interaction demonstrated between selenium and sulfur is of no practical significance when each is added at rates appropriate to the treatment of low sulfur-low selenium pastures.
Daminozide residues in cherries and peaches resulting from daminozide spray to enhance fruit maturity
Authors: Ahmad N , Hutton RJ , Menzies AR , Gilbert WS
Published: March 2005

Cherries sprayed with 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg/l daminozide solution were analysed for daminozide residues 7, 14, 21 and 28 d after the spray. The residues decreased with time and the difference between the first and fourth week residues was significant (P< 0.05) for each treatment. The residues in peaches were measured 18 weeks after the spray and were not significantly different for each treatment. There was a strong correlation (r=0.98) between the residues in cherries and the daminozide concentration in spray. The recommended concentration of darninozide spray (1000 mg/l) for cherries and peaches resulted in residues below the National Health and Medical Research Council limit of 30 mg/kg for pome fruit.
Relation between plant size and severity of root rot in subterranean clover
Authors: Barbetti MJ
Published: March 2005

Investigations were carried out in south-western Western Australia in 1977-78 to assess the relationship between dry weights of subterranean clover tops and roots and the severity of root rot. An inverse relationship was established between the severity of rotting of the tap root system and the plant top and the root dry weights. There was no relationship between the severity of root rot of the lateral root system and the plant top and root dry weights.
The winter production of some strains of subterranean clover grown in defoliated swards
Authors: Collins WJ , Rossiter RC , Wolfe EC
Published: March 2005

The results of two experiments are reported, one at Perth, Western Australia, in an open-sided glass shelter, and the other at Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, in the open. Clover swards were grown in boxes and after about one month were subjected to weekly, close defoliation. Two strains that differ in growth habit, Woogenellup (relatively erect) and Esperance (compact, lowgrowing), were used in both experiments. In addition, strain 209.8.19.1 (a crossbred similar to Esperance) was included at Perth, and Nungarin, Yarloop and Larisa at Wagga Wagga. The main finding was that winter production differed little, if at all, between the strains. The relevance of the results to the field evaluation of clover strains is emphasized, and we suggest that under good conditions of moisture supply, nutrition, plant density, etc., substantial differences between strains in winter production are unlikely
Influence of grazing and herbicide before sowing on establishment and survival of surface sown pasture species on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales
Authors: Dowling PM , Gilmour AR
Published: March 2005

The effect of surface sowing into different levels of native and naturalized vegetation, both herbicide treated and untreated, was evaluated in terms of seedling numbers and development at three sites on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales during 1970-71. The herbicide mixture (2,2-DPA + Amitrole: 11.0 + 1.1 kg a.i./ha, respectively) was applied eight weeks before sowing with Trifolium subterraneum, Medicago sativa, Festuca arundinacea, Dactylis glomerata and Phalaris aquatics. Seedlings were counted 2, 6 and 11 months after sowing, and seedling development was assessed at the two initial samplings. Relative humidity and temperature 0.5 cm above ground level were measured with thermocouples for two months after sowing. Mean seedling numbers over all sites increased from 18.8 to 47.3; 5.2 to 30.2; and 5.5 to 12.1 /m2 for samplings 1,2 and 3, respectively, as level of vegetation increased. In particular, seedling numbers responded to height of vegetation rather than weight. Relative humidity increased and temperature decreased as vegetation height increased, but regressions of seedling numbers against relative humidity and temperature were not significant and indicated that vegetation height influenced seedling numbers by some means other than relative humidity and temperature. Application of herbicide to control the resident vegetation increased mean seedling numbers over sites for sampling times 1,2 and 3, from 30.8 to 36.4; 8.8 to 26.6; and 3.9 to 14.1 seedlings/m2, respectively, and also accelerated seedling development.
Effect of method of sale and various water regimens at saleyards on the liveweight, carcass traits and muscle properties of cattle
Authors: Wythes JR , Brown MJ , Shorthose WR , Clarke MR
Published: March 2005

In two experiments, we examined the effects on liveweight, carcass traits and muscle properties of (a) sending cattle to the abattoir either direct from a farm or via a saleyard, and (b) different curfew and sale procedures at a saleyard. During the 12 h curfew and 10 h sale periods, cattle were held with or without water, but always denied feed. In experiment 1, after a journey of 1320 km, 252 bullocks (mean liveweight 558 kg) were subjected to one of seven treatments. The groups transported direct to the abattoir were (1) denied water between arrival and slaughter (26 h), (2) offered water for 26 h, or (3) offered water and feed for 50 h and then water alone for 24 h. Those sent to the saleyard were given access to water (4) at all times, (5) only during the curfew and sale periods, (6) only before the curfew began, or (7) were denied water until after the sale, when all groups were offered water for 36 h until slaughter. Among the bullocks sent direct to the abattoir, the group with water for 26 h until slaughter had heavier (P< 0.0 1 ) carcasses than those denied water (331 kg vs 312 kg) and also a greater (P < 0.0 1) muscle water content, while the carcasses of the group slaughtered 2 d later were intermediate for both. Whether dressing percentages were calculated on liveweights at the start or end of the simulated sale for the four saleyard groups, the differences in mean dressing percentages between groups offered water (0.7 and 0.3 percentage units) were less than the differences between the means of the groups denied water (3.7 and 3.5 units). The increases in dressing percentage during the sale for groups with water (0.7 and 0.3 units) were less than those for the groups denied water (1.5 and 1.7 units). Differences in mean liveweights and mean muscle water contents between groups followed the same trends. Mean carcass weights did not differ significantly between saleyard groups (318-323 kg). In experiment 2, after a journey of 90 km, 152 cows (mean liveweight 323 kg) were subjected to one of four treatments. The group going direct to the abattoir was offered water for 4.5 h, fasted for 16 h and then slaughtered. For the other three groups, the saleyard treatments 4,6, or 7 of experiment 1were imposed, followed by 21 h on water and a 16 h pre-slaughter fast. Trends in dressing percentage and liveweight were similar to those recorded in experiment 1. Mean carcass weight varied (P<0. 05) between groups and tended to increase with muscle water content. Method of sale was important because it affected the time from mustering to slaughter, and thus, carcass weight. At saleyards, the practice of giving cattle continuous access to water reduced significantly the variation in liveweight, dressing percentage and muscle water content between groups with similar initial liveweights. This practice at abattoirs avoided dehydration of carcass tissues at slaughter
Productivity of lactating Merino and crossbred ewes given oats supplemented with urea or lucerne chaff
Authors: Hodge RW , Bogdanovic B , Kat C
Published: March 2005

Lactating Merino ewes with single lambs were offered iso-nitrogenous diets of oats + 1 5% urea, or oats + 30% lucerne chaff (W/W air dry) at intakes ranging from 12 to 20 g digestible dry matter/kg liveweight. day (g DDM/kg. d). Crossbred ewes with twin lambs were given similar rations at two levels of intake (two or three x maintenance). Multiple regression equations indicated that the Merino ewes given oats + lucerne chaff at 14 g DDM/kg. d maintained the growth of their lambs at the same rate (171 g/d) as ewes given oats + urea at 18 g DDM/kg.d (1 69 g/d). Similarly, crossbred ewes given 1.0 kg DDM/d of oats +lucerne chaff maintained the growth rate of their lambs at only 17 g/d less (P>0. 05) than lambs raised by ewes given 1 .4 kg DDM/d of oats + urea. These differences were associated with the Merino and crossbred ewes given oats + lucerne chaff losing more liveweight than ewes given oats + urea at the same level of digestible dry matter intake/d.
Survival, growth and wool production of South Australian strong-wool Merino and first-cross Merino lambs from birth to 16 months of age
Authors: Kleemann DO , South MLH , Dolling CHS , Ponzoni RW
Published: March 2005

South Australian strong-wool Merino, Poll Dorset and Border Leicester rams were joined to 766 South Australian strong-wool Merino ewes at Minnipa Research Centre, South Australia. The survival, body growth and carcasses of the wether progeny were assessed at 3-4 1/2 months of age. The survival, body growth and wool growth of the ewe progeny were measured from birth to 16 months of age. There were no significant differences between breeds in lamb survival at birth or from 3 to 16 months of age. Merino lambs had the lowest lamb survival between birth and three months of age, the difference being significant (Pt0.05) with Border Leicester x Merino (BL x M) lambs and close to significance (P-0.07) with Poll Dorset x Merino (PD x M) lambs. At three months of age PD x M and BL x M lambs were 19 and 11% heavier respectively than Merino lambs (all differences P < 0.05). Corresponding differences at 16 months of age were 31 and 28% respectively (PD x M and BL x M did not differ significantly from each other; other differences P < 0.05). A greater percentage of BL x M (92 .5) and PD x M (89 .5) lambs grew to a marketable weight (27 kg or greater) than did Merino (63.8) lambs (P < 0.001). Dressing percentage and carcass weights were higher and mean grade scores lower for both PD x M and BL x M breeds compared with the Merino (P < 0.05). PD x M lambs had higher dressing percentages and lower grade scores than BL x M lambs (P < 0.05). Carcass weight, adjusted for differences in fasted liveweight, and carcass grade score, adjusted for differences in carcass weight, were higher in the PD x M breed than either the Merino or BL x M (P< 0.05). BL x M and strong-wool Merino ewe hoggets grew similar amounts of clean wool, and 26-31% more clean wool than the PD x M. There were differences (P< 005) between all breeds for both staple length and fibre diameter, the BL x M having the longest staples and greatest fibre diameter. We concluded that PD x M lambs were superior to the South Australian strong-wool Merinos for meat production, but BL x M and Merinos grew more wool to hogget age. The relative economic merit of the breeds may vary with the prices of the products measured in this study and with the value of the ewes for sale at hogget age.