bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of pulverised fuel ash from Victorian brown coal as a source of nutrients for a pasture species
Authors: Hill MJ , Lamp CA
Published: March 2005

In a series of Mg solubility tests, pulverized fuel ash (PFA) was a good source of Mg under conditions of acid to neutral pH, and was comparable with established Mg fertilizers when subjected to successive leachings and different shaking times and rates of dilution. A pot experiment, carried out with PFA and three recognized Mg sources at rates equivalent to 0, 20, 60 and 180 kg Mg ha-1, used perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne cv. Grasslands Ruanui N.Z.) as the indicator plant in a free-draining sand culture. PFA produced a yield response, thought to be due to S, and significantly increased Mg levels in the tissue to > 0.4% on the highest treatment. Sodium levels were elevated (> 1.0% on the highest treatment), and Ca levels were depressed (from 0.9 to 0.6%), on the PFA treatments. Another pot experiment was carried out with PFA at rates equivalent to 0, 500 and 2000 kg ha-1, in the presence and absence of additional solution applied S. At 2000 kg ha-1 PFA (7.3%S) ryegrass yielded 0.95 g/pot, compared with 1.30 g/pot in the presence of additional SO4-S at 24 ppm.
The effect of restriction of pasture intake in late lactation on the milk production and body condition of dairy cows
Authors: King KR , Stockdale CR , Patterson IF
Published: March 2005

The effect of restricting the intake of pasture on the performance of dairy cows was studied in two 28-day phases in the eighth and ninth months of lactation. Intakes ranged from 12.4 to 4.9 kg of dry matter/cow day-1. After the 28-day restriction phases, all cows were grazed ad libitum at pasture. Production of milk, butterfat, protein and solids-not-fat all declined linearly with reduction in intake (0.569, 0.0286, 0.0206 and 0.0525 kg per kg of dry matter intake, respectively). Butterfat concentration increased curvilinearly with reduction in intake, but there was no effect on protein and solids-not-fat concentrations. In addition to the decreased production, there was a decrease in body condition score of 0.160 units for each kg reduction in dry matter intake. During the post-experimental period, with ad libitum grazing, cows that had previously been restricted recovered most of their daily milk yield and some of their body condition. The cows in this experiment required an extra 35 kg of dry matter to produce an extra kg of butterfat, but this efficiency ignores potential extra production in the following lactation from improved body condition.
Comparison of caustic soda-treated barley and rolled barley in the ration of dairy cows
Authors: Bettenay RA
Published: March 2005

A trial was conducted with 28 milking cows individually fed in pens over a 10-week period to test the hypothesis that processing of barley grain by spraying with a caustic soda solution would have advantages over rolling the grain, at least at the higher level of 50% barley in the complete ration. Spray treatment was found to be a suitable alternative but had no significant advantage for milk yield and composition, or liveweight gain. Intake was higher in the initial period with caustic soda-treated barley, but the difference did not persist beyond the second week. The cost of spraying the grain was greater than the cost of crushing it.
Effect of feeding strategy and area of pasture conserved on the wool production of wethers
Authors: Birrell HA , Bishop AH
Published: March 2005

Two experiments investigated (1 ) the effects of different feeding policies for hay supplementation and (2) the effects of the area conserved when the hay was completely removed from the system, on the performance of wool-growing wethers grazing at various stocking rates. Both experiments showed that at low stocking rates (10 - 15 ha-1) a major advantage from conservation was due to the removal of surplus spring herbage. Wool production increased 4-5 kg ha-1 at these stocking rates when approximately 30% of the area was cut, although none of the conserved hay was fed back. With combinations of high stocking rate and high proportions mown, wool production decreased. This occurred when the rate of stocking on the grazed area in spring exceeded 25-28 sheep ha-1. The use of feeding policies based on liveweight criteria at rates of stocking between 10 - 15 sheep ha-1 dispensed with the need to feed hay in two of three years and gave an economic response in a year of late autumn rains. With high stocking rates (25 sheep ha-1) wool production was depressed by the conservation of 30% of the grazing area, except in a year when a large amount of hay was fed. At high stocking rates these policies greatly reduced the quantity of hay required to be fed relative to earlier studies.
Measurement of the variability in intake by sheep of oat grain, hay and molasses-urea blocks using chromic oxide as a marker
Authors: Lobato JFP , Pearce GR , Tribe DE
Published: March 2005

Two experiments are described. In experiment 1, penned sheep were fed oat grain, hay and molasses-urea block prepared with added chromic oxide (Cr2O3). Recoveries of the marker calculated from measured intakes and faecal outputs were: oats 98.0 � 5.1%, hay 97.5 � 3.2%, molasses-urea block 89.2 � 11.5%. The lower and more variable recoveries of marker from the block were attributed to uneven mixing of the marker. In experiment 2, three groups of 15 mature Corriedale wethers were allowed to graze freely, and supplements of oats, hay or molasses-urea blocks, prepared with added chromic oxide, were offered to each group in rotation during three 4-week periods. During the first two weeks of each period the group offered molasses-urea block was confined in a small yard with a block, and fed hay, to accustom the sheep to the block and to ensure that all sheep in the group were licking it. Total faecal collections were made during 14 days from the time of commencement of feeding of the prepared supplements, and the intakes of the supplements were calculated from the total amounts of marker excreted. The mean intakes over three periods (uncorrected for Cr2O3 recoveries) were : oats 1851 � 434, hay 3326 � 1014, molasses-urea block 11 7 � 1 6 8 g/head week-1. Intakes by individuals ranged from 1086 to 2679 g week-1 for oats, from 1508 to 6048 g week-1 for hay, and from 0 to 732 g week-1 for molasses-urea block. Of the 45 sheep used, 8 sheep did not consume any of the block within the measurement period, despite having consumed some block in the preceding 2-week period
Responses to molasses-urea blocks of grazing sheep and sheep in yards
Authors: Lobato JFP , Pearce GR
Published: March 2005

A total of 11 88 sheep in seven flocks on five farms were offered molasses-urea blocks under grazing conditions. After 3 weeks, 50% of the sheep had licked the blocks but there was wide variability between flocks in the proportion of sheep that licked and their average intakes. Sheep that did not lick the blocks while grazing were confined in yards and offered the blocks plus 350 g hay/sheep day-1. After 3 weeks, 81% of the sheep had licked the blocks. A second confinement period of from 2 to 4 weeks was imposed upon those sheep that had still not licked, and this resulted in 88% of them licking. The remaining seven sheep consumed the block only after being penned individually. It is concluded that special management procedures may be required to encourage grazing sheep to lick molasses-urea blocks.
Effects of some management procedures on the responses of sheep to molasses-urea blocks
Authors: Lobato JFP , Pearce GR
Published: March 2005

A total of 960 sheep were used in a factorial experiment to test the effects of four treatments aimed at improving responses to molasses-urea blocks. The treatments were (a) 200 g oat grain sprinkled on the top of the blocks once daily for the first 7 days, compared with the absence of oats; (b) the inclusion, for the first 2 days, of four additional sheep that had previous experience with blocks and were regular consumers of them, compared with the absence of such sheep; (c) the use of quiet, handled ('tame') sheep, compared with sheep that were relatively nervous and frightened ('wild') ; (d) the use of three differently-constituted blocks, containing 0, 5 and 10% urea, compared with three blocks of the same formulation, containing 5% urea. Each group comprised 20 sheep confined in yards and fed hay in addition to the molasses-urea blocks. The intakes of blocks, and the number of sheep licking the blocks during 3-week periods were measured. In general, the treatments had no consistent effects on the responses of the sheep, but some groups of sheep were more responsive to particular treatments than others. There were no obvious reasons for such variability, Intakes of blocks increased with time (3660, 6373 and 81 25 g group week-1 for weeks 1, 2 and 3, respectively), and the percentage of groups that had consumed a block by the end of each week increased with time (86, 89 and 96% in weeks 1, 2 and 3 respectively). It was concluded that it is extremely difficult to influence the behaviour of sheep by management procedures such as those used in this experiment.
Evaluation of poultry manure as a nitrogen supplement to diets of oats and roughage for sheep
Authors: Hall DG , Keys MJ
Published: March 2005

Four diets based on wheaten straw and oats, and three diets based on lucerne hay and oats, were fed ad lib. to individually-penned sheep. Some of the diets were supplemented with dried poultry manure (DPM) or sunflower seed meal (SFM). On the wheaten straw and oats diets, growth rate was 145 g/head day-1 with no supplement and 179 and 225 g/head day-1 when DPM and SFM, respectively, were included in the diet at a rate of about 17%. When DPM was included at 32%, intake and growth rate were reduced. On the lucerne hay and oats diets, there was no difference in sheep production with no supplement, or with DPM or SFM at a rate of about 17% of the diet. Sheep on SFM-supplemented diets produced up to 2.4 g/head day-1 more wool than those on DPM diets. The DPM was considered to be a useful nitrogen supplement for roughages such as wheaten straw, which are low in crude protein.
Germination and establishment of the weeds Sida acuta and Pennisetum pedicellatum in the Northern Territory
Authors: Mott JJ
Published: March 2005

Two serious weed species in the Northern Territory are Sida acuta, a perennial weed of improved pastures, and Pennisetum pedicellatum, an annual grass that infests grain sorghum crops. In P. pedicellatum the customary successive ploughing carried out to kill seedlings in the early wet season may not give satisfactory control of the weed, while with S. acuta there appears to be a long-term dormant seed pool which can give rise to new generations of seedlings, Investigation into the germination requirements of the 2 species showed that both are dormant at seed fall and require high alternating temperatures to remove an after-ripening requirement. In addition S. acuta needs a further period at high temperature to fracture its impermeable seed coat. Almost all P. pedicellatum seed is non-dormant at the end of the dry season, but that of S. acuta still retains 30% hard seed after one dry season. In the field P. pedicellatum germinated faster than S. acuta, with 80% of the total wet season germination occurring with the first rain. In S. acuta germination was spread over the first 2 months of the season. Ploughing immediately after the break of the wet season killed seedlings of P. pedicellatum, but could bury viable dormant seed. Once buried, this store of dormant seed could remain viable and germinate when disturbed at crop planting. At the end of the wet season no viable seed of P. pedicellatum remained in the soil, but there could be a considerable amount of hard S. acuta seed. The results suggest that control of P. pedicellatum could be best accomplished by the use of minimum tillage procedures, with little ground disturbance to bury the seed, while oversowing with a vigorous perennial pasture species such as calopo (Calopognium mucunoides) could lead to suppression of S. acuta.
Liveweight loss and recovery in steers fasted for periods of twelve to seventy-two hours
Authors: Wythes JR , McLennan SR , Toleman MA
Published: March 2005

Liveweight changes were measured when 21 0 yearling Brahman crossbred steers (396 kg mean initial liveweight) were held in yards and fasted (no feed and water) for 12, 24, 48 or 72 hours. The first fast was followed by a 48 h recovery period on water (1 2W, 24W, 48W and 72W) or water plus hay (48F and 72F), and then a second fast of 12 h. Finally, the steers returned to pasture for 16 days. The steers lost weight most rapidly during the initial 12 h of the first fast. After 12, 24, 48 and 72 h they had lost 23, 30, 46 and 57 kg of their initial liveweight (P < 0.01). All steers recovered weight rapidly when given access to water or water plus feed, particularly during the first 6 h. As a consequence, the range in liveweight of 34 kg between the treatments at the end of the first fast was reduced to as little as 9 and 10 kg after 12 and 18 h, respectively. Twelve hours after the recovery period had commenced, all steers were again losing weight. At the end of this period the range in liveweight was 17 kg ; losses in toto being 33 kg (12W) to 50 kg (72W). At the end of the second fast these losses had increased. Net losses in liveweight were 40, 50, 56 and 58 kg for the 12W, 24W, 48W and 72W steers compared with 46 and 44 kg for the 48F and 72F steers, respectively (P < 0.01). After 16 days on pasture, the 12W steers had regained their initial liveweight whereas the 72W steers were 10 kg lighter (P < 0.01 ). The implications for selling of cattle on liveweight through saleyards are discussed in terms of present procedures and the imposition of statutory fasting periods. An alternative system is proposed.
The response of cattle on a sorghum-based feedlot diet to monensin supplied either via intraruminal capsules or in the feed
Authors: Tudor GD , Laby RH , Utting DW
Published: March 2005

A feedlot experiment with Hereford steers of initial liveweight of 249 � SE 3.0 kg was done to investigate the production responses to the addition of monensin either in the feed (30 ppm) or in intraruminal controlled-release capsules (CRC). The ration was 90% concentrate (94.3% sorghum, 3% tallow, 2.7% minerals), 10% cotton seed hulls with the following treatments: (A) control, (B) 30 ppm monensin in feed, (C) 50 mg monensin day-1 CRC, (D) 100 mg day-1 CRC, (E) 200 mg day-1 CRC, and (F) 300 mg day-1 CRC. The dry matter intakes and growth rates of the six groups (A to F) were 7.57 and 1.32; 6.56 and 1 .I 3; 7.60 and 1.35; 7.08 and 1.24; 7.39 and 1.35; and 7.05 and 1.23 kg day-1, respectively, with the dry matter intakes for monensin in feed (B) being lower (P < 0.05) than the remaining treatments, and for the same treatment the growth rates were lower (P < 0.05) than treatments A, C and E. The apparent feed conversion ratios (DMI kg-I LW gain) were 5.75, 5.92, 5.78, 5.86, 5.61 and 5.79, respectively, and did not differ (P > 0.05). Generally, the addition of monensin had no effect on carcase characteristics or on liver abscesses. It was concluded that the addition of tallow to the diet may have altered the rumen fermentation pattern sufficiently to prevent further benefit from the addition of monensin.
Soil acidification under clover pasture
Authors: Williams CH
Published: March 2005

Long-term changes in some chemical properties of yellow podzolic soils under subterranean clover pastures were studied near Binda, New South Wales. The rate of decrease in pH of the surface 10 cm of soil was greatest in the early years following pasture establishment, and decreased with time. Over 50 years the decrease in pH was approximately one unit, resulting in current soil pH values of about 5.0. The increased acidity had led to increases in CaCI,-extractable manganese and exchangeable aluminium. Although the build-up of soil organic matter under a 32- year-old subterranean clover pasture was largely confined to the surface 10 cm, the decrease in pH extended to a depth in excess of 30 cm. Total soil nitrogen increased gradually throughout the 50-year period, reflecting increases in the soil organic matter. There were associated increases in cation exchange capacity and titratable acidity. Total soil phosphorus also increased with time and was correlated with the decrease in pH. This reflected the accumulation of organic and inorganic residues from phosphate fertilizers, but it seems unlikely that the acidity of the superphosphate contributed directly to the increase in soil acidity although it is essential for the establishment and maintenance of the legume, the main source of the increase in soil organic matter. It seems likely that the area of pasture soils adversely affected by acidity problems will increase in the future.
Effects of broiler shed litter on the establishment and growth of perennial pasture on infertile acid podzolic soils
Authors: Temple-Smith MG
Published: March 2005

The effect of applying broiler shed litter, at rates of 2-32 t ha-1, on the establishment and growth of perennial pasture was compared with that of a molybdate/superphosphate/potash fertilizer on two infertile podzolic soils on Tasman Peninsula, Tasmania. Broiler litter had little effect on the establishment of the sown species although white clover establishment was depressed at the highest rate. Herbage yield in the first spring was increased from 1.5-8.0 t DM ha-1 as the rate of litter, applied before sowing, increased from 2-32 t ha-1. Residual effects of the 32 t ha-1 dressing doubled herbage production in the second year in comparison with the 2 t ha-1 litter dressing but residual effects of the 4 and 8 t ha-1 dressings were small. In both years, yields from plots initially receiving inorganic fertilizer or 2 t ha-1 of litter were similar. In the second year the proportion of sown grass increased, and the proportion of weeds decreased, as the initial rate of litter increased from 4-32 t ha-1. The propotion of both white and subterranean clover was also reduced, but only at the highest rate of litter. Irrespective of the initial treatments, a maintenance dressing of litter at 2 t ha-1 at the beginning of the second year slightly increased the proportion of sown grass but halved the legume component in comparison with a maintenance dressing of 250 kg ha-1 of superphosphate. The data indicate that on these infertile soils litter at 2 t ha-1 can replace the inorganic fertilizer recommended for pasture establishment but that superphosphate rather than litter should be applied in the second year to encourage clover growth, and thus build up soil fertility.
Pilot commercial treatment of bulk wheat with CO2 for insect control: the need for gas recirculation
Authors: Wilson AD , Banks HJ , Annis PC , Guiffre V
Published: March 2005

Two 1900 t capacity, cylindrical steel bins were sealed to a high standard of gastightness (pressure decay from 1500 Pa to 750 Pa in greater than 220 sec. when full). After being filled with wheat, both bins were purged with an 80% carbon dioxide-20% air mixture. A mean CO2 content of more than 75% (v/v) was achieved using 1.91 t CO2 in bin 1 and 2.13 t CO2 in bin 2. Immediately after purging the atmosphere in bin 2 (but not bin 1) was recirculated from the base to the apex through an external duct using a small fan. The CO2 concentrations in this bin remained above 40% for 14 days, and those at the base and apex differed by less than 5% CO2 during recirculation. The CO2 concentration at the apex of bin 1 fell rapidly and was less than 20% 2 days after purging, while the CO2 level at the base was above 60%. Fourteen days after purging, the recirculation apparatus was transferred to bin 1, reducing the existing concentration differential of 40% CO2 to 4% in 4 days. The gas interchange rate between the bin under recirculation and the external atmosphere averaged from 2.4 to 4.0% day-1. The cost of the CO2 and its application was between 20-25 ct-1 of grain. A naturally occurring infestation of Rhyzopertha dominica and Tribolium castaneum in both bins was controlled by the CO2 treatment and the wheat was exported without need for further insecticidal treatment.
Powdery scab (Spongospora subterranea) of potatoes in Queensland: occurrence, cultivar susceptibility, time of infection, effect of soil pH, chemical control and temperature relations
Authors: Hughes IK
Published: March 2005

Powdery scab of potatoes caused by the fungus Spongospora subterranea (Wallr.) Lagerheim was first recorded in Queensland in 1963. The disease appeared following a change in agronomic practice to winter potato production, and caused serious damage to those crops. Crops grown in warm weather even when grown on ground contaminated with S. subterranea were not affected. Sequoia, the preferred cultivar for winter production in south-eastern Queensland, was found to be very susceptible and has been largely replaced by less susceptible cultivars Extom and Kurrel. The reactions of other cultivars were recorded. Studies of time of infection, and the correlation of changing soil pH with disease and temperature data indicated that infection occurred soon after tuber initiation. Reduction of soil pH reduced disease incidence. More disease was recorded on large than on small tubers. The chemical quintozene gave control under experimental conditions in the field. Powdery scab is now a less serious disease in Queensland than it was in the early 1970s.
Effects of shearing and lambing dates on the predicted pasture requirements of sheep in two Tasmanian locations
Authors: Black JL , Bottomley GA
Published: March 2005

A computer simulation model of growth and production was used to assess the effects of a variety of lambing and shearing dates on the pasture requirement of sheep at two Tasmanian localities, Swansea on the east coast and Bothwell, inland at 650 m above sea level. Time of shearing was predicted to have little effect on the total annual pasture requirement of sheep maintaining a conceptus-free empty body weight of 37.0 kg at either locality. Although temperatures were higher at Swansea than at Bothwell, and during the summer months at both localities, correspondingly greater wind speeds counteracted the differences in temperature, so that the heat loss following shearing was predicted to be similar irrespective of the time of year or locality. Breeding ewes were predicted to require about 1.35 times more, and a ewe plus one lamb growing to 35 kg in 135 days about 1.65 times more, pasture annually than a non-breeding sheep for the conditions simulated. Shearing, however, determined the time of the year when pasture requirement was increased and had a substantial effect on pasture consumption during the winter months. For example, with non-breeding sheep, a change in shearing date from October to June was predicted to increase feed requirements for the three winter months by 328 g day-l or 66%. Because of the greater normal heat production in pregnant and lactating sheep, winter shearing had a smaller effect on the winter pasture requirements of sheep lambing at this time of year. A change from October to June in shearing date for a ewe lambing in July was predicted to increase the pasture requirement during winter by 203 g day-1 or only 18%.
Programmed year-round sheep breeding
Authors: Robinson TJ
Published: March 2005

A program of controlled year-round sheep breeding, designed to provide batch lambing every 2 months, was evaluated on a private property in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales, over a 16-month mating period commencing in October 1977. It was preceded by a preliminary test designed to evaluate the use of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) in conjunction with intravaginal progestagen sponges in the breeding season, and the importance of mating strategy. A flock of 140 Border Leicester x Merino ewes-of which 132 survived to the end of the test (mean 136)-and 6 Poll Dorset rams were used. Mating, pregnancy diagnosis and lambing were scheduled in advance using synchronization and induction of oestrus with intravaginal (i/v) progestagen sponges and PMSG (400 or 600 i.u.), pregnancy diagnosis based on plasma progesterone assay at 18 days after mating, and induction of parturition with either dexamethazone (DM ; 16 mg) or oestradiol benzoate (ODB; 20 mg). Treatment of a batch of ewes commenced every 60 days, and ewes diagnosed non-pregnant from the previous batch were included. Synchronized oestrus was induced 90 days after lambing, immediately after which lambs were weaned. There were eight lambing batches involving 365 treatments, which resulted in 219 lambings (60%) and 346 lambs, of which 321 survived to 72 hours, an average of 27 lambings and 40 viable lambs/2 months. The annual production rate was 176 viable lambs per 100 ewes.
Beef production from lucerne and subterranean clover pastures. 1. The effects of pasture, stocking rate and supplementary feeding
Authors: Wolfe EC , FitzGerald RD , Hall DG , Southwood OR
Published: March 2005

The production and management of weaner steers on two pasture types were studied over 3 years at Wagga Wagga in southern New South Wales. One pasture (LC) was sown with a mixture of lucerne (Medicago sativa) and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) and the other (C) was sown only with subterranean clover. On each pasture the management treatments were 1.3 and 2.0 steers ha-' in 1975, and 2.1 and 3.0 steers ha-1 in 1976 and 1977, with a grain supplement at the heavier stocking rate in all years. Each year, steers gained more liveweight in February-March or April-May on LC than on C, and this advantage was maintained or increased until slaughter in the following January. The faster growth of steers on lucerne-clover was always associated with an increased supply of green herbage. Annual liveweight gain on LC exceeded that on C by 20-30 kg/head in 1975 and 1977, and by up to 90 kg/head in 1976, when the rainfall pattern was unsuitable for clover growth. Carcases from steers on LC were heavier (all years), covered with a greater depth of fat (1 975 and 1976) and showed better eye muscle development (1 76 and 1977) than those on C. In 1975, neither stocking rate nor supplementary feeding affected liveweight or carcase development. In the following 2 years, increasing the stocking rate from 2 to 3 steers ha-1 reduced annual liveweight gains by 35-40 kg/head. Oat grain supplements (2-3 kg/head day-1 in February-March, June-July and December-January) improved weight gains and carcase quality on both pasture types in 1977, but only on C in 1976
Beef production from lucerne and subterranean clover pastures. 3. Composition and quality of the diet selected
Authors: Hall DG , FitzGerald RD , Wolfe EC , Cullis BR
Published: March 2005

During 1976 and 1977 in southern New South Wales, diet samples were obtained at approximately 3-week intervals from oesophageally fistulated steers grazing a lucerne (Medicago sativa) and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) pasture (LC) and a subterranean clover (C) pasture. On LC, green lucerne was the predominant diet component for much of the 2 years. On C, the diet consisted mainly of dry material during a drought in autumn-winter 1976, green wireweed (Polygonurn aviculare) until late autumn 1977, green clover and grass in winter and spring 1977, and finally dry material again. During 1976 and early 1977, diets on LC had a higher digestibility (61.7% vs 49.4%) and nitrogen content (2.55% vs 2.04%) than those on C. This difference was due to the contribution of lucerne on LC, and also because the wireweed on C was of very low quality, even when green. During the latter part of 1977, LC and C had equivalent digestibility and nitrogen levels. The information on the diets helped explain changes in liveweight and the incidence of bloat of cattle grazing the plots.
Seedling resistance to spotted alfalra aphid of lucerne and annual medic species in Victoria
Authors: Ridland PM , Berg GN
Published: March 2005

Fifty lines of lucerne and 15 lines of annual Medicago spp. were tested for seedling resistance to Therioaphis trifolii (Monell) f. maculata in glasshouse tests at Burnley, Victoria. Thirty-seven lines of lucerne from the USA were tested and of these, 36 had greater (P < 0.05) seedling survival than M. sativa cv. Hunter River, while 29 had greater (P < 0.05) seedling survival than M. sativa cv. Falkiner. The results demonstrated that lucerne cultivars selected for resistance to North American biotypes of the aphid were resistant to the Victorian aphid population. The lucerne seedling screening technique was successfully adapted for annual medics. There was a wide range of reaction to aphids between the 13 lines of M. truncatula tested. However, no lines were superior to cv. Jemalong. Surviving seedlings in this species were generally stunted, unlike M. rugosa cv. Paragosa, where very little seedling damage occurred.
Correction - Soil nitrogen status and pasture productivity after clearing of brigalow (Acacia harpophylla)
Authors: Graham TWG , Webb AA , Waring SA
Published: March 2005

At 31 sites of solodized solonetz and solodic soil in central Queensland, the total soil nitrogen (N) and organic carbon (OC) levels of pasture and crop areas were compared with matched uncleared areas of A. harpophylla-Dawson gum (Eucalyptus cambageana)
Plant nematodes associated with fruit trees in northern Australia
Authors: Sauer MR
Published: March 2005

Sixteen genera of plant parasitic nematodes were found in 64 soil samples taken around fruit trees of 20 different genera at Kununurra, Darwin, or Adelaide River. Hemicriconemoides cocophilus, Basirolaimus seinhorsti, Rotylenchulus reniformis, Helicotylenchus s p p., and Xiphinema s p p. were found in more than 25% of samples, and Meloidogyne spp.in 16%. Paratrichodorus minor and Rotylenchus incultus were common at Kununurra. Nematodes found in plant roots at Darwin included M. javanica and R. reniformis on Carica papaya, Radopholus similis on Musa sp., Scutellonema brachyurum on Spondias cytherea. Tylenchulus semipenetrans was found in Citrus sp. roots at Adelaide River. Helicotylenchus dihystera was found in roots of Annona spp. at both these places.
Performance of Hereford and Friesian × Hereford dams and their Hereford- and Friesian-sired progeny in a Mediterranean environment
Authors: Gifford DR , Stephens PC , Lampe RJ , Ponzoni RW , Day HR
Published: March 2005

The reproductive and maternal performance of Hereford and Friesian x Hereford dams and the growth and carcase characteristics of their Hereford- and Friesian-sired calves in the Mediterranean environment of South Australia are reported. The two dam breeds did not differ in fertility and their calves had similar mortality rates. Even though calves from Hereford dams were lighter at birth than those from crossbred dams (30.8 vs 33.0 kg), Hereford dams required more assistance at calving (16% vs 8%). There were no differences in birth weight and incidence of calving difficulty of Hereford- and Friesian-sired progeny, but Friesian-sired progeny had a higher mortality rate (11% vs 5%). Calves from crossbred dams were heavier at weaning than those from Hereford dams (274 vs 235 kg) but Hereford- and Friesian-sired progeny were the same weight at weaning. Friesian-sired steers were heavier than Hereford-sired steers at 19- 21 months of age (478 vs 448 kg). The carcase characteristics of progeny of the two dam breeds did not differ significantly at either slaughter age. There were no significant differences in carcase characteristics of Hereford- and Friesian sired progeny slaughtered at 8- 10 months of age. When progeny were slaughtered at 19- 21 months of age, carcases of Friesian-sired steers were heavier (238 vs 222 kg) and leaner (0.49 vs 0.86 mm) than those of Hereford-sired steers. The practical implications of the use of Hereford and Friesian breeds in the southern Australian beef industry are discussed.
Milk production by grazing cows given different types of diet in late pregnancy
Authors: Rogers GL , Robinson IB , Chandler NJ , Day I
Published: March 2005

Three experiments were carried out to examine the effects of different types of diet in late pregnancy on subsequent milk production of cows grazing pasture. In experiment one, 17 sets of monozygous twin heifers were fed equal quantities, of metabolizable energy (ME) of either hay or a mixture of hay and grain (1:1). In experiment two, 13 sets of twin heifers were fed equal quantities of ME as either hay or pasture. In experiment three, 22 pairs of mature cows were given equal quantities of ME as either pasture or a mixture of pasture and hay (1:2). In all experiments the amounts fed were estimated to provide for foetal and mammary development and maintain the dam's tissue reserves. No significant differences were obtained in subsequent milk production. The results show that yield and composition of milk of cows fed solely on pasture during lactation was not affected by the type of diet offered in late pregnancy, if fed at levels near maintenance. At this feeding level, hay or mixtures of hay and grain are suitable alternatives to pasture for dairy cows in late pregnancy.
Weed control in peanuts in north Queensland
Authors: Hawton D , Johnson IDG
Published: March 2005

Experiments conducted over two seasons with Virginia Bunch peanuts on krasnozem soils in north Queensland showed that cultivation controlled weeds sufficiently to prevent significant reduction of crop value. In one of these experiments two cultivations made 2 and 5 weeks after sowing increased the percentage of edible kernel by a mean of 4.8%. A range of herbicides tested in conjunction with cultivation did not significantly increase crop yields or weed control over that obtained by cultivation. Most of the herbicide treatments had no adverse effects on crop yield although some foliar damage occurred on plants treated with vernolate, MCPB, 2,4-DB and dinoseb. Vernolate, incorporated before planting at 4.78 kg active ingredient ha-1 caused a reduction in yield of nut-in-shell and in crop value when compared with the hand weeded, cultivated control. In both experiments, uncontrolled weeds markedly reduced crop yields (by a mean of 69%) and their monetary value (by a mean of 68%). In a third experiment a single application of 2,4-DB plus dinbseb (0.5 kg acid equivalent ha-1 each) made 3 weeks after sowing, with or without multiple applications of 2,4-DB (0.5 kg acid equivalent ha-1) made at 6,9 and 12 weeks, did not significantly reduce crop yields or values, and increased the control of Hyptis suaveolens and other broad-leaved weeds when compared with a standard trifluralin-plus cultivation treatment.
Distribution and control of root-knot and root lesion nematodes on peanuts in north Queensland
Authors: Broadley RA
Published: March 2005

In a survey of peanut plantings in north Queensland, the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne hapla Chitwood was found to be confined to red basaltic soils with a long cropping history around Tolga and Atherton. The root lesion nematode Pratylenchus brachyurus (Godfrey) was widespread throughout the Atherton Tablelands and was absent only in soils that had recently been brought into cultivation. Infestations of both species were heavier where peanuts had been grown on the same land for two or more successive seasons. Applications at planting of fenamiphos, ethoprophos or aldicarb at 5 kg active ingredient ha-1 in a 15 cm band, or ethylene dibromide row treatment at 30 kg ha-1 increased yield by up to 40% in Virginia Bunch peanuts. Yield responses were only obtained in trials where infestations of M. hapla were severe, and there was none where P. brachyurus occurred by itself. Treatments with dibromochloropropane, oxamyl and terbufos were ineffective.
Effects of aphids on seedling growth of lucerne lines 3. Blue green aphid and spotted alfalfa aphid: a glasshouse study
Authors: Turner JW , Lloyd DL , Hilder TB
Published: March 2005

Seedlings of 23 lucerne (Medicago sativa) lines introduced into Australia from the United States of America and two Australian cultivars (Hunter River and Falkiner) were screened for resistance to the blue-green aphid (Acyrthosiphon kondoi Shinji) and the spotted alfalfa aphid (Therioaphis trifolii (Monell) f. maculata) in separate experiments under glasshouse conditions. All lines were kept heavily infested from the unifoliate leaf stage, until the Hunter River controls died. The indices of resistance were plant mortality, suppression of plant height and dry matter production, and chlorosis of leaf veins (SAA experiment only). CUF 101 and WL 51 4, and to a lesser. extent, DK 185, AS 13R, WL 311, WL 508, PS 545, PS 581 and UC Cargo, were the most resistant to BGA, while AS 49, WL 600, Matador and Hunter River were the most susceptible. WL 508, PS 545 and PS 572, and to a lesser extent DK 185, WL 51 2, WL 51 4, CUF 101 and UC Cargo were the most resistant to SAA. While Hunter River was the most susceptible line, Falkiner, Amador, PS Victoria and AS 13 were severely debilitated.
Correction - The influence of calcium and phosphorus in prelayer diets and their interaction with sodium chloride and potassium sulfate in layer diets on egg production and shell quality in crossbred layers
Authors: Karunajeewa H , Fox M
Published: March 2005

In a 43x2 factorial experiment, 576 White Leghorn x Australorp pullets attaining 50% egg production at about 180 days of age were given from 22 to 26 weeks of age pre-layer diets with 10.4 or 25.8 g kg-1 calcium and 6.2 or 10.9 g kg-1 phosphorus. From 26 to 74 weeks of age these pullets were given layer diets with three levels (0, 1.5 and 7.0 g kg-1) of added sodium chloride and two levels (0 and 6.0 g kg-1) of added potassium sulfate. The calcium content of the pre-layer diet had no significant effect on feed intake, bodyweight gain or tibia-ash content between 22 and 26 weeks of age, or on egg production, egg weight, feed conversion efficiency and mortality in the subsequent laying phase. The higher level (25.8 g kg-1) of calcium improved (P<0.05) the shell quality of the first eggs laid and prevented a decline in shell quality due to excess sodium chloride (7.0 g kg-1) in the layer diet. A phosphorus level of 10.9 g kg-1 of the pre-layer diet reduced (P<0.05) feed intake, and in the subsequent laying phase both hen-housed egg production and efficiency of feed conversion were reduced (P<0.05). The adverse effect on feed conversion efficiency was alleviated by adding potassium sulfate to the diet. The level of phosphorus in the pre-layer diet had no significant effect on tibia-ash content or egg shell quality. The dietary level of sodium chloride had no significant effect on egg weight, feed intake and bodyweight gain. The inclusion of sodium chloride at a level of 7.0 g kg-1 diet tended to depress rate of lay by 2.0% and during the first half of the laying cycle, increased mortality by 12.5% (P<0.05) and reduced egg shell weight and thickness (P<0.05) in birds given pre-layer diets with a low calcium content. A daily intake of 137 to 139 mg of sodium per bird was not adequate for maintenance of egg production and efficiency of feed conversion in crossbred layers. The sodium requirement of a crossbred layer given a diet containing meat and bone meal is about 160 mg/day. The adverse effects due to either a low intake of sodium or a high level of sodium chloride in the diet were alleviated by the inclusion of 6.0 g kg-1 potassium sulfate in the diet. The inclusion of potassium sulfate (6.0 g kg-1) in the layer diet increased rate of lay by 2.1% (P<0.05).
Enzyme supplementation of barley based diets for broiler chickens
Authors: Mannion PF
Published: March 2005

The influence of bacterial and fungal enzyme supplements at 0.1 5 and 0.30% of barley based diets on the growth and nutrient utilization of female broiler chickens (Tegel strain) was studied in three experiments. All diets were based on Australian barley cultivars and were fed as mash. Body weight gain was improved by 12 to 25% and food consumption increased by 3 to 21% in supplemented treatments at 4 weeks of age. Diets based on the cultivars Clipper, Ketch and Noyep each grown at Coonalpyn, Port Pirie and Ardrossan in South Australia gave similar growth responses to enzyme supplementation. The metabolizable energy content of the diets was improved by 0.75 MJ kg-1 and 1.53 MJ kg-1 dry matter. An examination of the utilization of dietary nitrogen, soluble sugar, starch, pentosans and soluble �-glucan could not account for the improved metabolizable energy.
Relations between plant aluminium content and the growth of lucerne and subterranean clover: their usefulness in the detection of aluminium toxicities
Authors: Bouma D , Dowling EJ , David DJ
Published: March 2005

ln an experiment with lucerne (Medicago sativa) and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum), grown in solution cultures at two levels of phosphorus, each at five aluminium levels and pH 4, growth and aluminium transport to the leaves were comparable in both species up to the fourth aluminium level (40�M All. The highest aluminium level (200 �M Al) caused a much greater growth depression in lucerne than in subterranean clover. In lucerne, aluminium concentrations in leaf dry matter peaked at the fourth aluminium level. Concentrations below this peak could indicate non-toxic as well as toxic supplies of aluminium. Leaf analysis, therefore, appears to be of little value in the detection of aluminium problems in lucerne. In subterranean clover leaves, aluminium concentrations increased to values in excess of 1 70 ppm of the dry matter at the highest aluminium level. In a second experiment, in which subterranean clover plants were grown in pots in two acid soils at two phosphorus x five aluminium levels, close, inverse, linear relations were found between relative yield (Al/no Al x 100) and leaf aluminium concentrations. These relations differed between soils, harvests and phosphorus levels, and would therefore be of little help in providing quantitative estimates of yield depressions in subterranean clover caused by aluminium. However, the lines all converged within the range of 100-1 50 ppm aluminium in leaf dry matter of plants in the no aluminium treatment, suggesting that this range represented a 'threshold' above which yield reductions due to aluminium occurred.
Nutrient problems in sown pasture on an acid soil. 3. Thermal phosphates
Authors: McLachlan KD
Published: March 2005

Two thermal silico-phosphates, Rhenania phoshate and Mitsui phosphate, were compared with superphosphate, in the presence and absence of lime, as phosphate fertilizers for an infertile acid soil. The field evidence suggested that silico-phosphates, up to rates supplying 193 kg P ha-1, can be as effective as the lime-superphosphate combination. The combination, supplying 386 kg P ha-1 yielded 4.9 and 8.0 t dry matter ha-1 in the first and second years respectively. Rhenania and Mitsui phosphates, each supplying 193 kg P ha-1, respectively yielded 3.1 and 2.8 t ha-1 in the first year and 4.4 and 5.2 t ha-1 in the second year. There was no evidence that thermal phosphates were superior to the limesuperphosphate combination. All three phosphates had a good residual value in the field. Lime-superphosphate, lime-silicate, and Rhenania phosphate dressings increased soil pH and reduced titratable soil acidity, which in this case was principally exchangeable aluminium. Supplying calcium and raising soil pH appeared to be more important effects of these fertilizers than the effect of their silicate content, though there was some evidence of a positive interaction between the effects of calcium and pH, and the effect of the silicate. Plant growth increased the titratable acidity in proportion to the growth made and the evidence was consistent with the formation of an aluminium-phosphorus complex providing an important source of phosphorus. The role of such a complex in the heavy phosphate applications required and the good residual value of these dressings are-discussed.
Effects of weight and pelvic area at mating on dystokia in beef heifers
Authors: Axelsen A , Cunningham RB , Pullen KG
Published: March 2005

Over six years, lighter heifers mated in spring at 15 months of age conceived later in the joining period and, especially if mated after the first three weeks, had a higher (P < 0.001) incidence of dystokia than did heavier animals. Low nutrition in late pregnancy reduced calf birth weights and reduced heifer weights before calving, but there was no reduction in difficult births. Angus x (Angus x Friesian) heifers were lighter at joining and had higher dystokia rates than Angus x Friesian heifers. They also had higher dystokia rates than Angus heifers, which had lower calf birth weights than either of the cross-breeds. Heifers with dystokia had calves on average 2.3 kg heavier and pelvic areas 14 cm2 smaller than those calving normally. Twice as many heifers with bull calves had dystokia than did those with heifer calves. Our best prediction of dystokia was obtained from data on pelvic area at the start of joining. We suggest that heifers that are light at 15 months of age and have small pelvic areas should not be joined until 19 to 24 months of age.
Grass seed contamination of the wool and carcases of sheep grazing natural pasture on the north-western slopes of New South Wales
Authors: Lodge GM , Hamilton BA
Published: March 2005

A group of six-month-old Merino wether weaners was grazed from January to July 1977 on a natural pasture containing seeds of wiregrass (Aristida ramosa), corkscrew grass (Stipa variabilis), barley grass (Hordeum leporinum) and burrs of Medicago minima. The sheep were then removed from the natural pasture, shorn and grazed for a further 23 months on lucerne and oats pastures that were free of grass seed. The number and species of grass seeds and burrs in the wool, hide and carcases were measured to determine the levels of seed and burr contamination and the long-term fate of seeds entering the carcase. The highest number of seeds in the wool, hide and carcase of sheep grazing natural pasture were those of wiregrass. Numbers of seeds of this species per 100 cm2 ranged from 85 to 651 in the wool, 43 to 159 in the hide, and 1 to 8 in the carcase. Most of the grass seeds in the wool were located on the stomach and shoulders, while most of the burrs were on the hind legs and stomach. Percentages of grass seed were highest about the stomach area and shoulders for the hide and carcase, respectively. After the sheep were removed from the natural pasture, and grazed on lucerne and oats pastures for 23 months, the mean grass seed contents decreased by 81% in the hide and 83% in the carcase. Wiregrass seeds were the only seeds that penetrated the hide and remained in the carcase. Numbers of contaminating seeds decreased most rapidly within 6 months of the sheep being removed from the natural pasture. Over the experimental period no seed-free hides or carcases were observed.