bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of additive and dominance components through triple test cross in wheat
Authors: Singh I. , Paroda R. S. , Singh S. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYForty-five triple test cross progenies produced by crossing 15 homozygous strains of wheat with three testers (varieties HD 2160 and NP 846 and their F1) and 17 parents, were raised in a randomized-block design in two environments (normal and stress). The data on five randomly chosen plants from parents and F8 and ten plants from F1 x lines were recorded for number of days from sowing to heading, plant height, the number of tillers per plant, total biomass, the number of grains per ear, 1000·grain weight and grain yield per plant. The additive and dominance components of genetic variation were each estimated by three methods to determine their relative usefulness in estimating these components. The variance of parents gave better estimates of the additive component than the two other methods (1i + 2i and 1i + 2i + 3i). The method 1i + 2i + 3i proved its superiority over the 1i + 2i method. The dominance component was better estimated by the method 1i - 2i than by the 4σ2d + 9σ2 (1i + 2i - i) and 25 (σ2 (21i - i) pooled with σ2 (22i - i)) methods. The two methods 4σ2d + 9σ2 (1i + 2i - i) and 25 (2σ2 (21i - i) pooled with σ2 (22i - i)) provided similar results for the estimation of dominance component.
Attempts to develop a simple, objective test for oestrus in sows
Authors: Henderson Ruth , Stolba A. , Döbeli M. , Kündig H. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYTo evaluate the accuracy of various techniques for determining the sexual state of sows, four multiparous Landrace sows were housed in stalls 2–5 weeks after weaning. Catheters were inserted under anaesthetic into a prominent ear vein on each sow. Four days later blood and urine sampling commenced, along with other measurements to assess the oestrous state of the animals.Oestrus was detected in all four sows and so were corresponding oestradiol·17β peaks (22–49 pg/ml) in serum of the three sows from which blood was successfully sampled during the complete 25·day collection period. Serum progesterone concentrations were highest between days — 5 and — 12 (day 0 = 1st day of standing heat) (peak values of 33·1–58·2 ng/ml), with values of 3·55 ng/ml or less on day 0. Urinary oestrogen was less well correlated with oestrous state than were serum hormone concentrations, but progesterone derivatives in urine corresponded well to serum progesterone with peaks between days —5 and —9. Vulval redness, vulval size, social interest and the occurrence of flehmen were markedly greater during the oestrous period than at other times in the cycle. Body temperature, vaginal pH, the presence of vaginal mucus and behavioural manifestations of oestrus (with the exception of back pressure test) were less well correlated with sexual state. A combination of vulval colour and size, back pressure test, a more detailed study of behaviour and possibly with urinary progesterone derivatives, should give the best indication of the incidence of oestrus in sows.
Alkali-treated neem (Azadirachta indica) seed cake as a livestock feed
Authors: Nath K. M. , Vijjan V. K. , Ranjhan S. K. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryNeem (Azadirachta indicaA. Juss syn.Melia azadirachtaLinn.) seed cake boiled with 8 g caustic soda/kg cake in 2·51 of water for 30 min yielded a product which was palatable to cattle unlike untreated neem seed cake which is bitter, foul smelling and wholly unpalatable to cattle.Two experiments were made on calves to compare the performance of two groups of animals; one group (control) fed on a standard concentrate mixture consisting of 33% groundnut cake, 34% maize and 33% wheat bran and the second group (experimental) on 50% alkali-treated neem seed cake, 33% groundnut cake and 17% maize, the roughage being the same in both the groups.The results showed that the dry-matter intake/100 kg body weight of the animals did not differ significantly (P> 0·05) between the two groups but digestibility of dry matter and total carbohydrates and the growth rate was significantly lower (P< 0·05) in the experimental group. The digestibility of crude protein and ether extract and the adjusted balances of nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus and sulphur remained similar (P> 0·05) in the two groups. The reduction of the growth rate in the experimental group could be accounted for by the lower total digestible nutrients (TDN) intake and there was no difference (P> 0·05) in the serum icteric index, blood inorganic phosphorus and serum alkaline phosphatase activity in the two groups.It is concluded that alkali-treated neem seed cake has great potential as a cattle feed and alkali treatment removes either completely or very largely the toxic principles present in neem seed cake.
Response of semi-dwarf and conventional winter wheat varieties to the application of nitrogen fertilizer
Authors: Blackman J. A. , Bingham J. , Davidson J. L. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryWinter wheat varieties of contrasting height were grown in a series of yield trials to investigate their response to nitrogen fertilizer. The treatments also included application of fungicides and the use of nets to prevent lodging. The varieties were ‘semidwarfs’ based on the Norin 10 genetic factor Rht2 or taller ‘conventional’ varieties, all well adapted to the U.K. environment. The average response of the semi-dwarf varieties was similar to the conventional and there were varietal differences within each group. There was a marked tendency for the newer varieties to be more responsive but the varietal differences were not consistent between trials, the occurrence of powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis) being a major factor. When this disease was prevalent, response to nitrogen was greatest in resistant varieties and increased by application of fungicides. In farm practice the optimum rate of nitrogen application for a variety will depend on its physiological response, resistance to lodging and resistance to diseases if these are not controlled by fungicides. No evidence was obtained that the gene Rht2 necessarily confers a greater response to nitrogen.
Intake of hay by cattle given supplements of barley subjected to various forms of physical treatment or treatment with alkali
Authors: Ørskov E. R. , Soliman H. S. , Macdearmid A. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryVoluntary intake of hay by steers was measured when supplements of barley were given: (1) whole unprocessed, (2) NaOH treated, (3) torrified (infra-red heat treatment), (4) crimped, (5) rolled, (6) ground and (7) ground and pelleted. The cereal supplements were given at 50 g/kg live weight0·75/day. The voluntary intakes of hay dry matter were 42·1, 43·0, 38·1, 35·1, 34·9, 34·4 and 30·5 g/kg W0·75/day respectively.Dry-matter digestibilities of barley given without hay were (g/kg): whole, 672; NaOH treated, 807; torrified, 813 and rolled, 834.Incubation of feed samples in the rumen in polyester bags showed that rolled barley disappeared much more rapidly than NaOH treated and torrified barley.It is concluded that the deleterious effect of a cereal based supplement on rate of digestion of cellulose and consequently voluntary intake can be largely overcome by use of processing methods which reduce the rate of release of starch and yet ensure complete digestion. Treatment with NaOH looks promising in this respect.
The effect of soil nitrogen on grain legume yield and nitrogen fixation
Authors: Jessop R. S. , Mahoney Janet 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYTwo field experiments examined the influence of soil nitrogen on grain yield, wateruse efficiency and residual nitrate accumulation of four winter grain legumes in a legume–fallow–wheat rotation. In the first experiment, conducted on a clay soil with a high total soil nitrogen content (0·194%), the three legumes Cicer arietinum, Vicia faba and Pisum sativum gave similar yields, with Lupinus angustifolius showing poor yields. Water-use efficiencies followed similar trends to the grain yields. Wheat yields and concentration of nitrogen in the grain, following a fallow after the legume crops, showed no differences from a full 2-year fallow. In the second experiment on a low fertility soil (0·081 % total soil nitrogen), Cicer arietinum gave the highest yield and the greatest water-use efficiency. All legumes and long fallow resulted in a similar increase in wheat yield when compared with a wheat-fallow-wheat rotation. The legume crops generally increased soil nitrate status between their sowing and the sowing of a wheat crop 2 years later; such increases were greatest with Pisum sativum at the high fertility site, with a suggestion of the reverse occurring at the low fertility site.
The effects of cobalt additions on soil and herbage cobalt concentrations in some S.E. Scotland pastures
Authors: McLaren R. G. , Lawson D. M. , Swift R. S. , Purves D. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYCobalt, as cobalt sulphate and cobalt-EDTA, was applied to pastures at 15 sites in south-east Scotland. Herbage cobalt and extractable soil cobalt concentrations were monitored at these sites over the period 1978–81. Although the sites were located in a generally cobalt-deficient area, considerable variation between sites was observed both in the concentration of cobalt present in untreated pasture and in the response to cobalt additions. There was no significant correlation between herbage cobalt concentrations and soil cobalt status as determined by acetic acid extraction. Application of cobalt sulphate (6 kg/ha) increased herbage cobalt concentrations at all sites but at several sites the response was short-lived. In general, cobalt-EDTA was less effective than cobalt sulphate in increasing herbage cobalt concentrations.Extractable soil cobalt concentrations of the control areas showed some variability between samplings, but the variability was much greater for the cobalt-treated plots. Cobalt applied to pastures was found to accumulate in the top 0–4 cm layer of soil and penetrated deeper only in soils of low pH. Overall, only a third of the cobalt applied to pastures as cobalt sulphate was recovered by acetic acid extraction of the soil and less than 20% of the cobalt applied as cobalt-EDTA.
The influence of paclobutrazol on the distribution and utilization of 14C-labelled assimilate fixed at anthesis in oil-seed rape (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Addo-Quaye A. A. , Daniels R. W. , Scarisbrick D. H. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYUntreated and paclobutrazol-treated field-grown plants of winter oil-seed rape cv. Jet Neuf were exposed to 14CO2 at anthesis. Redistribution of labelled assimilate was followed in sequential harvests between exposure and maturity.Labelled assimilates moved progressively from the leaves into the stem and reproductive parts. At maturity 9% of 14C fixed at anthesis had been mobilized into reproductive organs. Paclobutrazol increased the proportion of 14C translocated to the uppermost branches especially the terminal raceme.It is suggested that stem reserves are valuable for yields commonly achieved in U.K. commercial practice.
Nitrogen concentrations in field-grown spring barley: an examination of the usefulness of expressing concentrations on the basis of tissue water
Authors: Leigh R. A. , Johnston A. B. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYA study was made of growth and N concentrations of field-grown crops of spring barley (Hordeum vulgareL. cv. Georgie or Triumph). Nitrogen concentrations were calculated on the basis of both dry matter and tissue water because previous research had indicated that K concentrations expressed on the basis of tissue water were better for assessing the K status of crops. The aim was to see whether this was also the case for N.When supplies of P and K were adequate, the addition of N fertilizer stimulated growth in all crops except when sufficient N was already supplied as farmyard manure. Percentage N in dry matter declined as plants grew and was higher in plants given N than in plants grown without N, although the difference diminished with time. Nitrogen concentrations calculated on the basis of tissue water were very similar for both N-sufficient and N-deficient crops despite large differences in growth rates. Nitrogen concentrations in tissue water also declined but only until anthesis, thereafter they increased. This pre-anthesis decline was due to the increase in the amount of stem tissue which had lower N concentrations in tissue water than leaves. Similarly the post-anthesis increase in N concentrations was due to the development of the ears which had high concentrations of N in tissue water.The effects of deficiencies of P or K or water on N concentrations in tissue water of the cultivars Georgie or Julia were studied also in field experiments at Rothamsted. Lack of P and K inhibited growth of crops given 144 kg N/ha. Crops grown without N grew more slowly than those given N but their growth was not further inhibited by lack of P or K. Deficiencies of either P or K increased N concentrations calculated on the basis of tissue water in crops given 144 kg N/ha but not in crops grown without N. The increase in concentration was not due to changes in the proportions of leaves and stems but to real increases in N concentrations in leaves, stems and ears. Drought decreased growth and also resulted in higher N concentrations in tissue water.In the absence of other limiting factors, N concentrations expressed on the basis of tissue water were very similar for both N-sufficient and N-deficient crops. They increased only when growth was limited by factors other than N. The implications of this for the control of N concentrations by crops is discussed.It is concluded that N concentrations expressed on the basis of tissue water are unlikely to be useful for determining the N requirements of barley. Percentage N in dry matter might be more useful for this purpose.
Effect of alkaloid-free ergot on the growth of obese and lean mice
Authors: Mantle P. G. , Willingale Julia 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYYoung Lean And Obese Mice given diets containing, respectively, 5% reducing to 3% and 5% rising to 7% of typical alkaloid-containing ergot (Claviceps purpurea) showed inappetence, failed to grow during the period of 19 days and some individuals died. In contrast, ergot of a strain which cannot biosynthesize ergoline alkaloids was generally well accepted in dietary proportions, rising stepwise from 5 to 12% over the same period; growth rates of animals on control and alkaloid-free ergot diets did not differ significantly. The findings provide a context in which to discuss differentiation of ergoline alkaloids from the inappetence which is a prominent feature of ergot poisoning.
The relationship between serum albumin concentration and body protein loss in pregnant sheep
Authors: Sykes A. R. , Thompson R. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryData are presented from 104 sheep from three separate sources (batches) in which variation in the degree of maternal body protein loss was induced by nutritional means. The change in body protein content during pregnancy was calculated as the difference between body protein content in early pregnancy, predicted from the relationship with body weight in control sheep killed in early pregnancy, and actual content on slaughter at parturition. Serum albumin and globulin concentrations and body weight were measured at intervals during pregnancy and examined for relationships with body protein change.Highly significant linear relationships were found between the change (%) in albumin concentration during pregnancy or albumin concentration in late pregnancy and the calculated change (%) in maternal body protein content (P < 0·001 in both cases) though fitting separate intercepts for each batoh of sheep led to improvements in fit.Equations for prediction of loss (%) of body protein from change in body weight or maternal body weight during pregnancy though significant, were also improved by fitting separate intercepts for batches. The relative value of the relationships for predicting body protein loss is discussed.Serum globulin concentration was not affected by protein status of the animal.
Experiments on irrigation of sugar beet
Authors: Penman H. L. 
Published: March 2009

It is assumed that maximum growth requires maximum transpiration, and that maximum transpiration can be maintained by keeping the soil near to field capacity throughout the growing season. Transpiration rates can be calculated from weather data (the basic principles are outlined and an example of the calculation given), and the paper describes four field experiments in which attempts were made to control the water content of the soil throughout the growing season, by irrigation from overhead spray-lines.In spite of differences in season and soil, the four sets of data are consistent in showing that maximum sugar yield is obtained when the soil-moisture deficit (amount of rain or irrigation needed restore the soil to field capacity) does not exceed about 2 in. in mid-July, or about 4 in. in mid-September.
Studies in grazing management V. Further determination of the nutrient intake of dairy cows under close-folding and rotational methods of grazing
Authors: Waite R. , Holmes W. , Boyd J. 
Published: March 2009

1. The experiments started in 1949 to determine the weight and chemical composition of the herbage dry matter eaten by two groups of dairy cows grazing under a rotational and a close-folding system of management have been continued in 1950.2. Good-quality herbage was fed in adequate quantity to both groups for 20 weeks, in four fiveweekly periods allowing a double change-over system for the groups. The weights of protein, fibre, other extractives, lignin and minerals eaten daily by the close-folded group were determined. Difficulty in obtaining truly representative herbage samples from the rotational paddock made such detailed analyses for the rotationally grazed cattle not worth while.3. The weight of dry matter eaten by the closefolded cows was remarkably constant, the mean was 26 lb./cow/day and the standard deviation ±2·7 lb. The weight eaten by the rotationally grazed cows was more difficult to measure and appeared to vary considerably, the average being 31 lb. dry matter/ cow/day, and the standard deviation ±3·1 lb. Reasons are suggested why this figure of 31 lb. may be at least 5% too high.4. The relationship between the chemical composition of herbage as cut for sampling and the probable composition of the herbage as eaten by the grazing animal is discussed. Correction curves are given to convert the protein and fibre contents of herbage as cut in these experiments to values corresponding to those in the herbage as eaten.5. An attempt has been made to provide a balance sheet, in terms of D.C.P. and S.E., of animal production against nutrient intake. A deficiency of both protein and energy existed during the first spring period in both 1949 and 1950 (according to presentday standards), and although the protein balance became positive later in the season, the energy provided by the grass eaten was still barely adequate.6. Mineral balances calculated for the closefolded cows showed deficiencies of both calcium and phosphorus during the period of high milk yield, with the balances becoming positive later in the grazing season.
Effects of energy and nitrogen supplementation of silage diets on rumen fermentation in fistulated heifers
Authors: Griffiths T. W. , Bath I. H. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryExperiments were carried out to assess the effects of silage diets given with and without supplementary energy as barley and/or nitrogen as groundnut meal or urea on rumen fermentation in growing heifers.Silage based diets resulted in a stable pH and a high molar percentage of acetate in rumen liquor. Total V.F.A. concentrations were significantly increased by supplementary energy plus protein but were not consistently increased by energy only, and were linearly related to M.E. intake but not to D.M. digestibility. Effects of energy and nitrogen supplementation on the molar percentage of rumen V.F.A. were small and not always significant.Rumen NH3-N levels were normal on the basal silage diets and were linearly related to N intake. Levels were significantly reduced by energy supplementation but significantly increased by protein supplementation. Results are discussed in relation to energy and nitrogen utilization on silage based diets.
The composition and digestibility of Northern Irish hays III. Factors influencing the production of high-quality hays
Authors: Brown W. O. , Robinson K. L. 
Published: March 2009

1. The results are presented of a survey of early cut hays, by the tripod and ground-cured methods, from fifteen ryegrass swards and six ryegrass-clover swards in Northern Ireland.2. The effect of date of cutting on quality is discussed.3. The losses in conservation at two centres included in this survey are presented. Losses of 15·9 and 13·3% are recorded for the tripod method.4. A trial designed to produce high-quality hays from specially managed swards by these two methods is described. The results obtained in relation to conservation losses and the digestibilities of these hays are considered. Field losses of dry matter ranged from 3 to 16·5% for the tripod method and 9–27% for the ground-cured. The tripod hays had starch equivalents of 47, 48·2 and 51·5; those of the corresponding ground-cured hays were 41·5, 38·2 and 51·8.5. It is suggested that the tripod method as applied to swards of the type used in the second experiment offers a means of securing a high degree of conservation.
The comparative seasonal output of ultra-simple and general-purpose seeds mixtures
Authors: Hughes G. Pearson 
Published: March 2009

A comparison is made of the herbage production and animal output, as measured by live-weight gain, of temporary pastures sown to ultra-simple seeds mixtures with those sown to a more complex generalpurpose mixture.Herbage production was somewhat higher in the simple-mixture series on account of the inclusion of a lucerne-meadow fescue mixture. In total seasonal output, as reflected by live-weight gain of fattening stock, only small differences occurred.It is suggested that the value of simple mixtures lies in their ability to provide seasonality of grazing and a more even output of animal products throughout the season. This is not always possible when, using general-purpose competitive mixtures.
The nutritive value of common heather (Calluna vulgaris) I. The preparation of samples of Calluna vulgaris for analytical purposes and for digestibility studies
Authors: Thomas Brynmor , Armstrong D. G. 
Published: March 2009

1. The methods employed by some of the earlier workers for separating analytical samples from heather, show little uniformity and are, in general, poorly defined. No procedure capable of separating the relatively large weights of material necessary for digestibility studies has hitherto been devised.2. Analytical samples prepared by (a) a method used by Thomas, and (b) a method suggested by Braid were compared. The results obtained were very similar, but the latter method was recommended as being the better denned.3. Two methods of preparing large samples for digestibility studies, one adapted for winter heather and the other for use in spring and summer, have been used. Both of these methods, when applied to winter heather, give samples which compare well with a sample obtained by the method of Braid.4. Samples separated in summer by method 5 were compared with samples of material similar to that observed to be eaten by sheep. It was found that the former were of appreciably lower crude protein content and contained slightly more lignin than the latter.5. No evidence of an adverse effect on digestibility by oven-drying for 24–48 hr. at 38° C. was obtained.