bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of age, live-weight gain and feed intake on the blood composition of young calves
Authors: Little W. , Kay R. M. , Manston R. , Rowlands G. J. , Stark A. [J.]
Published: March 2009

Blood samples were taken each week from 30 individually-reared heifer calves between 1 and 13 weeks of age and analysed for packed cell volume, blood glucose and Hb; and serum albumin, urea-nitrogen, total protein, inorganic phosphate, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe and total iron-binding capacity. All calves were weaned by 6 weeks of age, and were fed ad libitum.

There were significant changes (P < 0·001) in blood concentrations with age for most constituents. Concentrations of albumin and Fe increased and of K decreased steadily over the whole of the period. Glucose and total iron-binding capacity concentrations decreased until about the 6th week of life and then increased.

There were significant correlations (P < 0·05) for both the calves' weight gain and their feed intake from 6 to 13 weeks with the mean concentrations of glucose, inorganic phosphate, Na, albumin and total iron-binding capacity over the same period. Weight gain during this period was also correlated with serum Fe concentration. When weight gains were adjusted for the feed intake, the correlations between weight gain and the concentrations of all blood constituents became insignificant.

There was a significant correlation (P < 0·05) between weight gain after 6 weeks of age and Hb concentration before 6 weeks. However, when weight gain was adjusted for birth weight, this correlation became insignificant.
Effects of fasting in non-lactating cows. A correlated biochemical and stereological study of fasting-induced fatty liver
Authors: Reid I. M. , Baird G. D. , Heitzman R. J.
Published: March 2009

Concentrations of serum lipids, concentrations and compositions of liver lipids, and ultrastructural composition of hepatocytes were measured in non-lactating cows following a 6-day fast. There was no change in the concentration of serum lipids due to fasting. The content of total lipid in liver (g/kg of liver wet weight) doubled due to an eightfold increase in triglyceride, a twofold increase in cholesterol ester, a fourfold increase in free fatty acid and a 50% increase in cholesterol. The composition of liver lipids (g lipid/100 g of total lipid) changed with an increase in the proportions of triglyceride and free fatty acid, a decrease in the proportion of phospholipid, and no change in the proportion of cholesterol and cholesterol ester. The ultrastructural composition of the hepatocytes changed in fasted cows with an increase in the volume density of cytoplasm occupied by lipid droplets and lysosomes and a decrease in the volume density of glycogen. The number of mitochondria per cell decreased and volume of individual mitochondria increased. The fatty liver induced by fasting non-lactating cows was chemically and morphologically different from the fatty liver induced by fasting lactating cows.
Fat-tailed Awassi and German Mutton Merino sheep under semi-arid conditions: 3. Body temperatures and panting rate
Authors: Degen A. A.
Published: March 2009

Rectal, external auditory meatus and skin temperatures and panting rates were measured in native fat-tailed Awassi and imported German Mutton Merino (GMM) sheep. The Awassi evolved under desert conditions, have a localized fat deposit, coarse carpet wool, long pendulous ears and long, spiral horns (males). In contrast, the GMM evolved under temperate conditions, have well-distributed fat, medium fine wool, short, straight ears and are polled. The study was carried out during the summer in the northern part of the Negev desert.

The mean daily rectal temperature fluctuation was higher (P < 0·01) in the GMM than in the Awassi (1·78 °C v. 1·08 °C). The external auditory meatus temperature was lower than the rectal temperature by 1·5 °C in the GMM and by 1·7 °C in the Awassi, indicating a cooler brain temperature. The maximum skin temperature was similar to the maximum rectal temperature in both breeds, thus sweating was of little importance. The panting rate of the GMM increased fivefold (40·6–199·4 pants/min) whilst the rate of the Awassi increased fourfold (35·3–135·0 pants/min). There was no between-breed difference in either the rectal temperature or panting rate until 25–30 °C ambient temperature and it is thought that the higher rectal temperature of the GMM at this ambient temperature might have triggered off the higher panting rate. It seems that the GMM use panting to a greater extent than the Awassi whereas the Awassi dissipate heat through the skin more efficiently than the GMM. It is concluded that both breeds are thermostable, much of the between-breed difference in rectal temperature can be attributed to their anatomical differences.
Effect of dietary corn oil on the linoleic acid content of adipose tissue lipids in barley-fed lambs
Authors: Clarke R. T. J. , Bauchop T. , Body D. R.
Published: March 2009

Ruminants have extremely low concentrations of polyunsaturated acids in their adipose tissue as a result of hydrogenation of dietary lipids by microbes in the rumen. The possible association between intake of ruminant products high in ‘saturated’ lipids and the incidence of atherosclerosis in man has stimulated research on procedures for altering the fatty acid composition of ruminant tissue lipids. Vegetable oils, emulsified with a protein, spray-dried, and treated with formaldehyde, have been found to be protected from hydrolysis and hydrogenation in the rumen (Cooket al.1970; Scott, Cook & Mills, 1971). Their subsequent digestion in the small intestine, and absorption of the fatty acids by the animal, results in tissue lipids high in linoleic acid (Faichneyet al.1972; Faichney, Scott & Cook, 1973; Cooket al.1972; Garrettet al.1976).
Genetic control of some quantitative characters in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Dhillon S. S. , Singh T. H.
Published: March 2009

The nature of genetic variation in an intervarietal cross (J 34 × SS 167) of upland cotton was determined for seed cotton yield, number of bolls, weight of 100 seeds, ginning outturn and halo length. The materials consisted of six generations (P1, P2, F1, B1, B2 and F2) which were raised at two locations. In those cases where the additivedominance model was inadequate, models with different numbers of parameters were applied along with the six-parameter model. A consistent and high negative correlation was observed between [h] and [l], and [i] and [l] in all the models at two locations. Correlation between [d] and [i] was also consistent and negative, but its magnitude was low. Dominance and dominance × dominance, and additive × additive and dominance × dominance components were found to be antagonistic in effects to each other and the interactions observed were of duplicate type, i.e. [h] and [l] had opposite signs.

The dominance component fluctuated greatly over models for a particular character at a particular location. Contrary to this the additive component was observed to be important and consistent over models at a particular location for a particular character. Also this was the only significant component involved in the inheritance of all the characters at both the locations. The expression of different components of variation was highly influenced by the environmental effects.
Studies on the preparation and in vitro breakdown of urea-hemicellulose complex
Authors: Punj M. L. , Kakkar V. K. , Saini K. S.
Published: March 2009

Urea is not efficiently utilized by ruminants mainly because of its more rapid (about 4 times) rate of hydrolysis than the corresponding uptake of ammonia by the rumen microbes (Bloomfield, Garner & Muhrer, 1960). A number of attempts have been made to slow down the release of ammonia either through the production of urease immunity (Sidhu, Jones & Tillman, 1968) or by complexing urea with starch (Deyoe et al. 1968) or with molasses (Chopra et al. 1974). The present communication reports the method of preparation and in vitro breakdown of urea-hemicellulose complex.
Development of body components in Kenana cattle. 1. Development of carcass and non-carcass components of the body
Authors: Gaili E. S. E. , Nour A. F. Y. M.
Published: March 2009

Thirty-two weaned Kenana bull calves were adequately fed to maximize growth and serially slaughtered at predetermined live weights of approximately 100, 200, 300 and 400 kg. Eight animals were slaughtered at each slaughter point and slaughter data collected. Dressing-out percentage increased with the increase in slaughter weight but the increase was more marked between the first and the second slaughter points than between subsequent slaughter points. Kenana cattle compare favourably with Hereford, Hereford × Friesian, Friesian and Shorthorn × Ayrshire steers in dressing-out percentage; and are, apparently, superior to Jersey steers in that trait.

The model, y = axb, in the logarithmic form, was used to describe patterns of proportional weight increase of body components throughout the experimental period and in three arbitrary phases. The patterns of development which were demonstrated by some body components throughout the test period were not necessarily re-exhibited, in all stages, when development was considered in phases. These body components changed their patterns of proportional increase in weight as development proceeded.
An assesment of the performance of sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.) as an oil-seed in Ghana
Authors: Amable R. A.
Published: March 2009

Seven high-oil sunflower eultivars were grown in 1976 and 1977 at selected locations in Ghana, to evaluate the potential of sunflowers as an oil-seed crop for the lowland tropics. All eultivars flowered and matured earlier than observed under temperate conditions. Yields were between 75 and 1600 kg/ha at 9% moisture content. Oil contents ranged from 41 to 47% with a higher proportion of oleic acid (about 54%) than linoleic (about 38%). It is concluded that sunflower production is feasible and could become as important as that of existing annual oil seeds.
The susceptibility of potato varieties to internal rust spot
Authors: Collier G. F. , Wurr D. C. E. , Huntington Valerie C.
Published: March 2009

In tubers of ten potato varieties the incidence of internal rust spot lesions increased and the calcium concentration decreased when the concentration of calcium chloride supplied to the plants fell from 9 to 1 mM. A simple linear model relating the probit transformation of internal rust spot incidence to tuber calcium concentration for each variety showed that there were substantial differences in varietal susceptibility to internal rust spot which were not related to tuber calcium concentration.
The effects of rates of potassium application on the production arid quality of herbage from a perennial ryegrass sward receiving a wide range of nitrogen rates
Authors: Reid D.
Published: March 2009

The results are reported for an experiment in which nitrogen rates from 0 to 672 kg/ ha and potassium rates from 0 to 558 kg/ha were applied annually on an S. 24 perennial ryegrass sward. At each of the five crops cut annually the yields of herbage dry matter and crude protein, and the potassium content of the herbage dry matter were determined. The potassium content of the soil was also measured annually. Models relating each of these variates to the nitrogen and potassium rates were derived, and their validity is demonstrated with reference to the results from earlier experiments. The problems associated with determining the correct rate of potassium fertilizer to apply on swards receiving given rates of nitrogen fertilizer are discussed using the models to predict the effects of different nitrogen-potassium combinations. In order to relate the implications of this discussion more closely to practical grassland management, economic as well as biological criteria are taken into account by incorporating cost factors in the models.
Effect of confinement in a respiration chamber and changes in temperature and plane of nutrition on heat production of 25 kg pigs
Authors: Gray R. , McCracken K. J.
Published: March 2009

A closed-circuit respiration chamber was used to study (a) the effect of confinement in a chamber on the heat production of pigs already accustomed to restraint in a metabolism cage; (b) changes in daily heat production of pigs following a reduction in the energy intake; and (c) the effect of increasing or decreasing the environmental temperature.

An automatically recharged version of the oxygen burette used by Waring & Brown (1965) is described. During tests of the chamber and burette system the mean recoveries of carbon dioxide and oxygen were, respectively, 0·994 and 0·995.

It is concluded that measurements of heat production on the first day of confinement were within the normal range of variation and provided valid estimates of energy expenditure.

The minimum value for the respiratory quotient (RQ) occurred on the third day following a reduction in energy intake, and it is concluded that the direct effect of previously ingested nutrients was eliminated by the third day. However, there appeared to be a further decline in heat production until 6–7 days following the reduction in energy intake.

The heat production of singly caged pigs fed almost to appetite was similar at 22 and 29 °C. Heat production increased at 15 °C, indicating that this was below the lower critical temperature of fed 25 kg pigs. The response of heat production to the low temperature continued for at least 18 days. Variations in heat production between animals and litters were as high as 15% in three experiments.
Observations onrumen ammonia metabolism in lactating dairy cows
Authors: Oldham J. D. , Bruckental I. , Nissenbaum A.
Published: March 2009

A number of attempts have been made, notably by workers in Australia (Nolan, 1975; Pilgrim et al. 1970) and Canada (Mathison & Milligan, 1971; Kennedy & Milligan, 1978a, b) to trace the metabolism of rumen ammonia-N in sheep.
The development of the digestive system of the young animal II. Carbohydrase enzyme development in the young pig
Authors: Walker D. M.
Published: March 2009

1. Forty Large White pigs varying in age from birth to 5 weeks were slaughtered and their carbohydrate digesting enzymes studied for any change in activity with increase in age.

2. Pancreatic amylase, sucrase and maltase increased from low levels at birth to high levels at 5 weeks of age.

3. The total amount of lactase present at birth and of small intestine amylase at 1-week-old was maintained at a constant level up to 5 weeks of age. The increased weight of the intestine with the growth of the pig made the quantity of these enzymes appear to decrease with age when the values were expressed per kg. body weight or per g. dry tissue.

4. Anaemia had no marked effect on the activity of the enzymes though the rate of enzyme development appeared to be retarded in the case of maltase.

5. The quantity of pancreatic amylase present in the pancreas was sufficient at all ages to digest the amounts of starch likely to be included in a synthetic diet. Maltase, on the other hand, appeared to be limiting in early life.
Gibberellic acid and the growth of crop plants
Authors: Morgan D. G. , Mees G. C.
Published: March 2009

1. Field trials with gibberellic acid on grass, wheat, potatoes, turnips, carrots, peas, runner beans, lettuce, celery, blackcurrants, kale and maize are described. The effects on plant growth and crop yield were determined.

2. The experiments on grassland were carried out between July 1953 and June 1956, and included trials at four different centres. They all gave essentially similar results.

3. 2 oz. per acre of gibberellic acid sprayed at 100 gal. per acre stimulated the growth of all components of the swards. The stimulation was most clearly seen in spring and autumn when the natural growth rate was slow. At these times gibberellic acid was able to produce a grazeable growth of grass more rapidly than nitrogenous fertilizers. The stimulation of growth was accompanied by yellowing of the grass, but recovery to a normal green colour was speeded up by applying a nitrogenous fertilizer at the same time as the gibberellic acid spray.

4. The dry-matter yields at the first cut following a treatment with gibberellic acid were increased by 0·6–10·8 cwt. per acre. The crude protein yields were also increased by the treatment, but to a relatively smaller degree, and the protein content of the grass was reduced by between ½ and 2%. The contents of phosphorus, potassium, sodium, calcium, barium, magnesium, manganese, copper, aluminium and tin were not altered.
Estimates of genetic and phenotypic parameters of some weight and fleece traits in a coarse-wool breed of sheep
Authors: Guirgis R. A. , Afifi E. A. , Galal E. S. E.
Published: March 2009

A study using 1150 lambs to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters of some weight and fleece traits was carried out on coarse-wool Barki sheep. The weight traits were birth, weaning, yearling weights and daily gains whereas fleece traits included kemp score, staple length and greasy-fleece weight.

Heritability estimates of weight traits were within the range 0·25–0·30. Those of fleece traits were 0·16, 0·21 and 0·43. The repeatability estimates of fleece traits were 0·18, 0·38 and 0·53 for staple length, greasy-fleece weight and kemp score respectively.

Phenotypic correlations between body weight and fleece traits were mostly positive. Genetic correlations between greasy-fleece weight and body weights were mostly positive and of medium values. Those between kemp score and body weights were mostly negative, ranging from medium-high to high.
An investigation into the relationship between the metabolism of pyruvate in bull spermatozoa and fertility
Authors: Glew G.
Published: March 2009

1. Two hundred and ninety-one samples of semen from seventy-four dairy bulls in use at seven artificial insemination centres and one bull-rearing centre were tested and graded according to the type of metabolic response under the experimental conditions described by Melrose & Terner (1953).

2. Conception rates of bulls were obtained from the breeding records based on not less than 150 first inseminations. Since the mean conception rates of centres varied, the fertility of each bull was assessed in relation to the mean conception rate of the centre at which the bull was standing. Bulls were considered of ‘high’ fertility when their conception rates were above, and of ‘low’ fertility when their conception rates were below a dividing line 5% below the mean conception rate of the centre.

3. A highly significant relationship (P< 0·001) was found between the groups of the metabolic responses and the fertility levels of the bulls. The practical application of the test in the assessment of the potential fertility of individual bulls is discussed.
Studies of the skeleton of the sheep: II. The relationship between calcium intake and resorption and repair of the skeleton in pregnancy and lactation
Authors: Benzie D. , Boyne A. W. , Dalgarno A. C. , Duckworth J. , Hill R. , Walker D. M.
Published: March 2009

1. When Cheviot ewes were fed a daily ration containing about 5 g. of calcium during pregnancy and lactation there was a loss of 6·5% of skeletal mineral by mid-lactation. Two months after the end of lactation this loss was fully replaced.

2. When the daily calcium allowance was about 2 g. the loss was 18·2% by mid-lactation and was not replaced by 2 months after the end of lactation. However, if the calcium intake was raised to about 5 g. at mid-lactation the skeleton was fully recovered by 2 months after the end of lactation.

3. Resorption was always more marked in certain bones than others, the cervical vertebrae, skull and mandible being more sensitive than the ends of the radius and metacarpal and these ends more sensitive than the shafts. This follows the pattern of resorption reported in Part I of this series.

4. In sheep on low calcium intakes the serum calcium levels rose in early lactation and then fell. If extra calcium was given from mid-lactation onwards serum calcium levels rose to normal. If extra calcium was not given the fall in serum calcium levels continued until the end of lactation, when they rose. Serum phosphate levels had a strong tendency to vary inversely with serum calcium levels.

5. The differences in the mineral status of the skeletons, provoked by differences in dietary provision of calcium of the order used in this experiment, were readily seen in radiographs of flesh-free bone. Differences of this magnitude could not be accurately identified in radiographs of live animals.
The influence of pre- and post-anthesis periods on yields of winter barley varieties in southern Spain
Authors: Ramos J. M. , Moral L. F. Garcia Del , Recalde L.
Published: March 2009

Six varieties of winter barley were grown during the years 1979, 1980 and 1981 in Granada (southern Spain). Grain yield variation in the 3 years studied was a function of the pre-anthesis period (especially as a determinant of number of ears/m2). In comparison leaf area duration and grain: leaf ratio from anthesis to ripening had far less influence on grain yield variation. Though these findings contrast with the generally accepted view, they can be explained by environmental conditions prevailing in southern Spain during grain filling.
Variation and correlations among agronomic characters in a collection of beans (Vicia fabaL.)
Authors: Salem S. A.
Published: March 2009

Sixteen cultivars of beans (Vicia fabaL.) were evaluated in a triple lattice experiment over 2 years. Differences among and within minor and equina groups were significant for most of the measured traits. In general, among equina and minor groups, the variability of means for yield components was higher than the variability for seed yield per plant. Most European cultivars were lower in yield potential and in number of branches per plant, taller and later in maturity than North African cultivars.

Significant positive correlations were found for seed yield per plant with weight of pods per plant and with number of pods per plant. These results indicate their value for improvement by indirect selection for seed yield. On the other hand, significant positive correlations were also obtained between number of seeds per pod and pod length and between number of seeds per pod and 100-seed weight. The correlation coefficients for height and number of days to maturity with seed yield per plant were negative but insignificant. Other correlation coefficients were also insignificant and low in magnitude.
Growth patterns in sheep: the effects of weight losses on compensatory growth and feed intake in Corriedale sheep
Authors: Butler-Hogg B. V. , Tulloh N. M.
Published: March 2009

The growth and feed intakes of Corriedale wether sheep when grown from 30 to 50 kg body weight by five different growth paths are described.

Group A (control) grew continuously (fedad libitum). After reachingca;40 kg body weight, group B and C animals lost 21% of their initial body weight over 9 and 18 weeks and at 122 and 63 g/day, respectively, and began realimentation at 30 kg body weight. Group D and E animals wereca.50 kg body weight when weight loss was imposed and they lost body weight at similar rates (125 and 157 g/day) respectively. Animals in group D lost 34% of their initial body weight over 18 weeks and began realimentation at 30 kg body weight (the same as groups B and C). Group E animals lost 23% of their initial body weight over 9 weeks to begin realimentation at 35 kg body weight. Except during periods of weight loss, animals were fedad libitum. Compensatory growth was observed in all groups which had lost weight, with early recovery growth rates 1·6–1·8 times higher than control sheep of the same weight.

Rate of body-weight loss did not induce any significant differences in response to realimentation but results (groups B and C) suggest that the more rapid the loss, the more rapid will recovery be during realimentation. When sheep at different body weights lost the same proportion of their initial body weights, the heavier sheep (group E) attained final slaughter weight quicker than the lighter sheep (group B). When the proportion of body weight lost to reach a particular lower body weight was varied (groups B and D), the greater weight loss was associated with higher and more persistent growth rates during realimentation.

After weight loss,ad libitumdry-matter intake was significantly lower during the first 10 kg of gain during realimentation in all treatment groups (B, C, D, E) than in control group A. There were no differences between treatment groups in recovery of dry-matter intake.

Gross efficiency in all treatment groups was higher than in the control group A during the first 10 kg of recovery of body weight, but it then declined rapidly. This increase in gross efficiency was considered to be due to a combination of increased growth rates, reduced feed intakes and lower maintenance requirements. When the complete growth paths from 30 to 50 kg were considered, there were no significant differences in total feed consumed by the sheep following the five different growth paths.
Application of an April top-dressing of nitrogen to winter wheat in a spray with 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid
Authors: Thorne Gillian N.
Published: March 2009

1. A spring top-dressing of 0·5 cwt.nitrogen/acre was applied to winter wheat as urea or ammonium nitrate in a single spray at 30 gal./acre or as solid fertilizer applied to the soil. A weed-killer, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, was applied in the nitrogen spray or separately in spray to plots that received solid fertilizer.

2. Uptake of nitrogen by the crop from solid fertilizer was about twice that from fertilizers applied in sprays. Solid fertilizer increased yield slightly more than did sprays.

3. Ammonium nitrate and urea had the same effects, both when applied in sprays and when applied as solid to the soil.

4. 2,4-D decreased the amount of weed slightly, but had no effect on yield of wheat.

5. The interactions between weed-killer and method of applying nitrogen were small; the response to nitrogen in dry weight of straw, including weeds, in one experiment, and of shoots in another experiment, was decreased by 2,4-D when nitrogen was applied in spray but not when it was applied as solid fertilizer.
Effect of rams on the onset of breeding activity in Clun Forest ewe lambs
Authors: Dýrmundsson Ó. R. , Lees J. L.
Published: March 2009

Fifty Clun Forest ewe lambs with uniform birth dates were randomly stratified into two groups (A and B) of 25 each according to date of birth and body weight at 23 August 1971. On 26 August Group A (control) was joined with rams whilst Group B remained completely isolated from any contact with rams until 18 October.

The sudden introduction of rams to ewe lambs in the transition from non-breeding to breeding activity resulted in a high degree of synchronization of first matings in Group B. However, it did not affect the mean date of onset of oestrous activity.
The yield and composition of the milk of Finnish Landrace × Blackface ewes: I. Ewes and lambs maintained indoors
Authors: Peart J. N. , Edwards R. A. , Donaldson Elizabeth
Published: March 2009

Twenty-two Finnish Landrace × Blackface ewes suckling either single, twin, triplet or quadruplet lambs were maintained indoors during a 12-week lactation period. Milk production was estimated at weekly intervals by hand milking following oxytocin administration. Milk was collected from each ewe in four similar volumetric portions which were retained in order of withdrawal and analysed for maj or constituents. Weighted volumes of milk from each of the four portions were bulked to give a single sample for analysis. Estimated mean total milk production over a 12-week period from parturition was 134, 205, 212 and 218kg for single-, twin-, triplet- and quadruplet-suckled ewes respectively. Most of the difference in total yield between multiple-suckled groups of ewes occurred during the first 3 weeks of lactation, and the data indicate that the number of lambs born, or the total weight of concepta, influences the initial quantity of milk available to the lambs. Regression analysis showed significant evidence for difference between the linear components of the regression of milk yield, fat, protein, lactose and Gross Energy on the stage of lactation for all suckling groups. The concentration of all constituents other than lactose and ash was higher in colostral milk, but was significantly higher only in respect of fat, protein and Gross Energy. Substantial differences found between suckling groups in respect of fat and protein, content of the milks indicate an influence on these constituents due to the number of lambs suckled. The mean growth rates of the triplet- and quadruplet-suckled groups of lambs were each significantly lower than each of the single- and twin-suckled groups. The food intake of the ewes in relation to shape of lactation curves and consequent lamb growth is discussed.
A comparison of two techniques used to estimate the herbage intake of lactating dairy cows in a grazing experiment
Authors: Stockdale C. R. , King K. R.
Published: March 2009

Herbage intake by grazing dairy cows can be estimated by measurements on the pasture ('t Mannetje, 1978) or by measurements on the animal (Raymond, 1969; Corbett, 1978). Of the sward sampling techniques, the difference method, based on pre- and post-grazing sampling, has the greatest potential for providing valid estimates of herbage intake, but only when grazing periods are short and stocking densities are relatively high (Pigden & Minson, 1969). Estimates of intake by measurements on the animal are made by the faecal output-indigestibility ratio technique (Raymond, 1969; Corbett, 1978). The most widely used marker for the determination of faecal output is chromic oxide (Cr2O3).
The estimation of percentage light interception from leaf area index and percentage ground cover in potatoes
Authors: Burstall Lindsay , Harris P. M.
Published: March 2009

Since Monteith (1977) proposed that growth can be analysed in terms of the amount of energy intercepted by the leaf surface and the efficiency of its use, there has been much interest in the measurement of light interception in potato crops (Scott & Wilcockson, 1978; Milford et al. 1980; Allen & Scott, 1980). This can be measured directly using tube solarimeters placed horizontally above and below the canopy. However, this method suffers from three major drawbacks: (a) in an experiment with many plots it becomes expensive in terms of equipment, (b) a single solarimeter samples only a very small part of the plot canopy, and (c) the solarimeter cannot distinguish between living leaves and other material. Thus, when the crop lodges and/or starts to senesce, visual observations suggest that the area over the solarimeter may not be representative of the plot as a whole.
Fertilizer studies in coriander (Coriandrum sativumL.)
Authors: Rao E. V. S. Prakasa , Singh Munnu , Narayana M. R. , Rao R. S. Ganesha , Rao B. R. Rajeswara
Published: March 2009

Coriander is an important aromatic plant of India. On steam distillation, the seeds yield a colourless or pale yellow volatile essential oil, which is used for flavouring food products, liqueurs, alcoholic beverages and perfumes. Coriander is also used in the synthesis of vitamin A (Bedoukian, 1967). The Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants introduced several Bulgarian selections of coriander and evolved a superior variety, CIMPO S-33. This variety contains more essential oil (about 1·5%) than the local varieties available in India (0·2–0·3%) (Dimri, Khan & Narayana, 1976). Earlier work on coriander has shown that application of N (Bhupinder Singhet al.1979) and N, P and K (Vagujfalvi, 1964) increases seed and oil yields of coriander. Information on nutrient uptake by coriander and on the effect of fertilizers on coriander oil quality is not available in India. The present experiment was designed to study the effect of different rates of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium application on seed yield, yield and quality of essential oil and N, P and K uptake by coriander (cv. CIMPO S-33).
The effect of time of feeding upon rumination
Authors: Gordon John G.
Published: March 2009

1. Two adult sheep were housed and fed once a day. The time of feeding was advanced round the clock by 4 hr. periods, one advance was made each week. The jaw movements of both sheep were simultaneously recorded for 48 hr. after the sheep had become accustomed to each time of feeding.

2. The time when rumination occurred was found to be independent of any time-relationship with eating.
Vitamin B12and protein utilization in the chick
Authors: Brown W. O. , Baskett R. G.
Published: March 2009

The literature specifically related to the effect of vitamin B12on methyl group synthesis and its relationship to protein utilization in experimental animals is discussed.

The techniques and results of nitrogen balance experiments on control A.P.F.-deficient chicks and vitamin B12-treated chicks are presented.

Results show that vitamin B12administration does not result in any direct effect on nitrogen retention or efficiency of utilization when control and B12-supplemented chicks are pair-fed. This finding is discussed in relation to the response of A.P.F.-deficient chicks to vitamin B12and the significance of appetite as a factor in the response is suggested.
Fruiting and abscission patterns in cashew
Authors: Subbaiah C. C.
Published: March 2009

The variation in setting fruit and immature fruit abscission at successive nodes of an individual panicle, and in panicles at different directions of the canopy in an individual tree, were studied in cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.). The numbers of perfect flowers and fruits set increased from the proximal to the distal end with the maximum yield at the fifth or sixth nodes in a panicle of 8–10 branches. The productivity of an entire inflorescence or a whole fruiting branch was related to its orientation with respect to the sun. The numbers of nodes and fruits set and the percentage of fruit retained were maximal in panicles located on the western and southern sides of the canopy. Tea mosquito damage was also less on these sides of the canopy but the physiological disorder of ‘apple’ cracking was higher here than on the eastern and northern sides. These variations are discussed in relation to the differences in the incident photosynthetically active radiation on these sides.
Genetic control of a branching peduncle mutant of cow pea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.
Authors: Fawole Iyiola , Afolabi N. O.
Published: March 2009

A branching peduncle individual was observed in a population of cow pea Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. cv. Ife Brown. Normal plants have unbranched peduncles with flowers arranged in alternate pairs at distal ends of the peduncles. However, the mutant plant has branched peduncles with flowers arranged in pairs alternately along the branches as well as at the ends of the branches. The branches arise in the axils of stipulate trifoliate leaves which develop on the peduncles. The normal plant has between one and four pods per peduncle, whereas the mutant is capable of carrying between two and ten pods per peduncle. The branching trait is under genetic control, involving a single gene with the normal peduncle completely dominant over the mutant. Evidence for the genetic control and its possible usage is discussed. Data on some agronomic properties of the mutant are also presented.
The utilization of dietary energy by steers during periods of restricted food intake and subsequent realimentation
Authors: Ledger H. P.
Published: March 2009

An investigation was carried out to determine the daily energy intakes necessary to maintain, the live weights of ‘maintenance-stabilized’ steers (i.e. those held at constant live weight in pens for not less than 15 weeks) when walked at 5 km/h for distances of 5, 10 and 15 km/day.

The experiment utilized groups of Boran Zebu and Hereford × Boran Zebu steers at live weights of 275 and 450 kg.

Fed a standard diet of energy concentration 10·477 MJ metabolizable energy (ME)/kg D.M. it was found that the Hereford × Boran steers required significantly less food per day, at both live weights, than did the Borans to maintain live weight when walking distances of 15 km/day.

Based on the data relating to the total distance walked of 1120 km in 133 days it was calculated that the additional energy cost of maintaining live weight when walking was close to 4·184 kJ ME/kg/km walked. The efficiency of conversion of ME for walking was 50%.

For ‘maintenance-stabilized’ steers it was calculated that the 275 kg steers required 24, 49 and 73% more daily D.M. intake and the 450 kg steers 34, 69 and 97% more daily D.M. intake when walked 5, 10 and 15 km/day respectively than would have been the case if they had been kept inactive in pens.
The influences of simulated moisture stress conditions and osmotic substrates on germination and growth of cultivated and wild safflowers
Authors: Bassiri A. , Khosh-Khui M. , Rouhani I.
Published: March 2009

Comparisons were made between cultivated safflower varieties (Carthamus tinctoriusL.) and six wild ecotypes (C. oxyacanthaBieb.) for their tolerance to simulated drought conditions. Plant characteristics of the wild strains were noted and soil samples from their collection sites were analysed for the electrical conductivity of the saturation extract. Polyethylene glycol 6000, mannitol and sodium chloride were used as osmotic substrates to prepare aqueous solutions having 0, 1, 2, 5, 8, 12, 15 and 18 atm. of osmotic potentials (OP). The influences of treatments were studied on seed germination, shoot length and fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots of seedlings.

Increased OPs progressively delayed and reduced seed germination, shoot length and fresh and dry weights of seedlings. Shoots were, however, more adversely affected than roots. Wild ecotypes were apparently more sensitive to high OPs than the cultivated varieties.
Crop water requirements of cotton
Authors: Hutchinson Joseph , Manning H. L. , Farbrother H. G.
Published: March 2009

1. Attention is drawn to the enormous variations in yield experienced in commercial cotton growing under rain-fed conditions. Yields at Namulonge have ranged from 161 to 1163 lb./acre.

2. In seeking an explanation of this enormous variation past and present fertilizer trials in Uganda have failed to show that much of this variation is due to nutrient status.

3. From Manning's previous analysis of yields in relation to seasonal rainfall, over many district trials, it is evident that 20–25 in. of rainfall per season is optimum.

4. The purpose of more recent studies has been to examine the effect of distribution of rainfall within the season. Clearly the pattern of crop water requirement, also within the season, must supersede a simple seasonal concept of crop water use.

5. Experimental evidence, based on several seasons' data, led to the conclusion that evapotranspiration rates exceeding the commonly accepted figure of 0·8E must in fact occur in order to provide a satisfactory explanation of results recorded.

6. The within-season pattern of water requirement of an annual arable crop is shown to be more dependent on its state of development than on the pattern of a physical model based on calculations of energy availability.
The effect of growth hormone on wool follicles
Authors: Labban F. M.
Published: March 2009

1. Five pairs of Suffolk twin lambs were used and one of each pair was injected twice daily with 2 mg. of a growth hormone preparation for 2 weeks.

2. Treatment was begun when they were between 3 and 4 weeks old, the total number of follicles in the Suffolk not being complete until 6 weeks old. Skin samples were taken at the beginning and end of the experiment.

3. It was found that in 0·25 sq. cm. of skin the total number of primary follicles was reduced from the beginning to end of the experiment in both control and treated groups, probably because of the expansion of skin area during that time. While the total number of secondary, ‘news’ and ‘plug’ follicles was also reduced in the control group, they were increased in the treated group.

4. Since the secondary to primary follicle ratio was 5·3:1 for the treated group as compared with 4·5:1 for the controls it is concluded that growth hormone increases the number of secondary follicles which develop during the early weeks of postnatal life.
The transfer of maternal dietary riboflavin to the embryo during development in the common fowl
Authors: Brown W. O.
Published: March 2009

In this paper a detailed examination of the rate of transfer of riboflavin to the embryo during incubation is reported.

Confirmatory evidence of the direct effect of egg content of riboflavin on subsequent growth of the chick is supported by liver analyses for riboflavin. Changes in the liver content after hatching show that after 10 days on a low riboflavin diet reserves of chicks reach a minimal level irrespective of original egg content.

The data for the rate of transfer of riboflavin to the embryo show a direct relationship between the amount reaching the embryo and the initial content of the egg. Evidence is presented of a large rate of transfer at the most critical period of development, which is at 14–15 days as judged by embryonic mortality in riboflavin deficiency. In eggs containing low levels of the vitamin a relatively small amount of the vitamin reaches the embryo at this critical 15-day stage.

The time required for hens on a low dietary level of riboflavin to reach maximal egg levels is shown to be of the order of three weeks.

The utilization by the embryo of riboflavin injected into the egg is studied quantitatively. The injected vitamin is as fully utilized by the embryo as is riboflavin deposited at egg formation.

Qualitative chromatographic separation of the flavines of fertile eggs during incubation shows a gradual increase in combined forms as development proceeds.
Death of the root cortex of winter wheat in field conditions; effects of break crops and possible implications for the take-all fungus and its biological control agent, Phialophora radicicola var. graminicola
Authors: Deacon J. W. , Henry Christine M.
Published: March 2009

Nuclear staining with acridine orange was used to study death of the root cortex of winter wheat grown after grass and non-graminaceous break crops in a field trial site in 1978. The top 5·4 cm of first seminal root axes had several anucleate cortical cell layers by late-February, and nearly five dead cell layers (of a maximum six) by mid-April. One of the next pair of roots to emerge (designated ‘2’) showed similar cortical death, but one of the subsequent pair (designated ‘4“)showed substantially less death at these times.

Significantly more root cortex death was seen in first to third wheat crops after 1 or 2 years of grass than after swedes-potatoes, and in one replicate block compared with the other in the trial. But there was no significant difference in cortical death between first, second, third and 16th successive wheat crops.

Root cortex death could not be attributed to infection by Gaeumannomyces graminis, Phialophora radicicola var. graminicola or the nematode Rotylenchus robustus. But its implications for root–infecting parasites are considered and, in particular, the enhanced cortical death in some crops compared with others may help to explain the reported differences in infection of wheat by P. radicicola var. graminicola, a biological control agent of take-all.
The effect on reproduction and morphometrics of females ofCulex pipiensL. of treatment of larvae with six insect growth regulators
Authors: Kelada N. L. , Gaaboub I. A. , Rawash I. A.
Published: March 2009

Six compounds which show juvenile-hormone-like (JH) activity (TH6040, JH-25, Altosid, Altozar, ZR-777 and ZR-619) were tested on larvae ofCulex pipiens. The reproduction potential of the females obtained during two successive generations was not affected greatly, but there was a decline in pupation rate with some compounds. There seemed to be a direct relationship between the size of females of this species and treatment with JH compounds tested in the present investigation, since treatment with concentrations to inhibit the emergence of 10% or 50% of adults caused significant changes in the width of head, wing dimensions or length of hind legs.
Live weight loss and its components in Romney ewes subjected to L-thyroxine therapy and a low plane of nutrition. Part I. Effects on live weight, carcass weight and carcass composition
Authors: Kirton A. H. , Barton R. A.
Published: March 2009

1. An experiment involving fifty Romney ewes of known history is described. These ewes were randomized to ten treatment groups of five ewes so that group mean live weights were approximately equal. The average live weight of the ewes was 147 lb. at selection and 135.5 lb. at the beginning of the 28-day experimental period. Three levels of L-thyroxine implants, viz. 150, 210 and 270 mg. were used on six groups of ewes, three of which (LT: NP, MT: NP, HT: NP) were on a normal plane of nutrition and three (LT: LP, MT: LP, HT: LP) on a low plane of nutrition. One group of ewes (DT: LP) was daily injected with 5 mg. L-thyroxine; one group of ewes (CB) was slaughtered at the commencement of the 2 8-day experimental period; one group of ewes (C:NP) was maintained for 28 days on a normal plane of nutrition and did not receive thyroxine therapy, and another group of ewes (C:LP) was on a low plane of nutrition for 28 days and was not treated with thyroxine.

2. Live-weight losses of up to 24.4 lb. for the low thyroxine (150 mg.) low-plane group of ewes (LT:LP) and 30.0 lb. for the three surviving ewes of the DT: LP group were recorded at the end of the 28-day experimental period. The daily injection of 5 mg. L-thyroxine treatment had to be modified because of two deaths.
A crossbreeding experiment with cattle, with special reference to the maternal effect in South Devon—Dexter crosses
Authors: Joubert D. M. , Hammond John
Published: March 2009

An investigation was carried out to determine the extent of the maternal influence on size of calves at birth and during subsequent stages of growth, by making reciprocal matings between large South Devon and small Dexter cattle. As a preliminary to the experimental results, data concerning the respective parent breeds were analysed. From the first part of the study the following information was obtained:

1. The mean weight at birth of purebred South Devon calves was 100·3 ± 1·47 lb. with a tendency, though not statistically significant, for male calves to be heavier. Calves born during the months April to July appeared to be heavier than those born at other times, but the age of the dam had no definite effect on the birth weight of offspring. It was found, however, that the sire may influence birth weight to a significant degree.

2. The mean period of pregnancy for South Devon females, carrying purebred foetuses, was 287·0 ± 0·42 days, the tendency being for males to be carried longer, but the difference of 0·97 days was not statistically significant. A statistically significant difference indicated that winter calvers carry their foetuses longer as a rule, but though heifers have shorter gestation periods than cows, the difference of 1·6 days was not significant.