bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of different plant sources on the utilization of carotene by chickens
Authors: Ascarelli I. , Bondi A. 
Published: March 2009

The possibility was examined of supplying vitamin A to chickens from the first days of life as carotene in green plants. Growth experiments were carried out with chickens till the age of 8 weeks. Different kinds of forage (horse-beans, Berseem clover, green oats, sweet potato leaves, cow-peas, corn-leaves) were given in quantities calculated to supply 300 μg. carotene per 100 g. feed; control groups received fish-liver oil, given at the level of 500 i.u. per 100 g. feed. Weight gains and extent of vitamin A storage in liver served as an indication of the utilization of carotene from different sources. The utilization of carotene from all the plants examined was sufficient to support normal growth, only in the groups receiving clover was growth found to be somewhat slower. Remarkable differences were found in the extent of liver storage, and that was taken as an indication of differences in activity of the carotene from the different sources.Attempts to determine the reasons for these differences in liver storage capacity of the carotene from the various plants did not reveal the presence of any plant components enhancing or depressing vitamin A storage.Similarly, no correlation could be found between digestibility coefficients of carotene in the different plants and liver vitamin A storage. This correlation seemed likely in sweet potato leaves only, the rather low digestibility coefficient found in these leaves may account, at least partially, for the low activity of this plant.The stereoisomeric composition of the β-carotene of the different plants and the xanthophyll/carotene ratio are very similar in all plants tested and cannot account for differences in carotene activity of the plants studied.The results of this work show that it is possible to satisfy the requirements of chicks for vitamin A from the first days of life by supplying certain forage plants. In practice, because of the variability of the carotene content in such plants, care has to be taken when estimating the amounts to be given. Green plants should be given to chickens freely or at least in liberal amounts.
The effect of variation in dietary protein concentration and energy intake on mineral accretion in early-weaned lambs
Authors: Davidson J. , McDonald I. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYMineral analyses for calcium and phosphorus were carried out on lambs which had been fed diets contrasting in protein or energy or calcium concentration and had been slaughtered at defined live weights. Despite considerable variation in rates of growth arising from the widely different nutritional programmes, the mineral content of these lambs at a given weight remained remarkably stable on practical diets.
The effect of pod removal on the reproductive development ofPhaseolus vulgariscv. Provider
Authors: Olufajo O. O. , Scarisbrick D. H. , Daniels R. W. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYPhaseolus vulgaris(cv. Provider) was assessed as a vegetable and seed crop in southeast England. Experiments were designed to simulate ‘pick your own’ harvest systems which are becoming increasingly popular. Edible pods were removed on either one or two occasions at varying developmental stages, remaining pods being left to produce seed. The yield of edible pods increased considerably as pod removal was delayed but subsequent seed yield was reduced. However, depodded plants showed compensatory increases in mean seed weight so that seed yield reduction was less than expected.Results are discussed in relation to decline in seed moisture content and the dual use of this crop for vegetable pod and seed. It is concluded that dual use is not convenient for large-scale agricultural operations. ‘Pick your own’ programmes utilize the potential of this crop more efficiently than present mechanical harvesting systems.
Crossing Merino and a coarse wool breed of sheep; a study of the birthcoat of lambs
Authors: Guirgis R. A. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYBirthooat fibre types were investigated in Barki, Merino and their crosses. The halo hair grade was high in the Barki breed, in the Merino a wide range of grades occurred but the majority was low. A trend of a decrease in halo-hair grade and an increase in non-hairy birthcoats occurred with the increase of Merino proportion in the crosses. An anterior reduction in halo-hair density was encountered in all groups under study.Fibre type arrays were all coarse in Barki and ¼ Merino, the ¾ Merino had 50% fine arrays and 75% of the Merino arrays were fine. A trend towards a maternal influence on the birthcoat was observed in the ⅜ Merino and ⅝ Merino; more fine arrays were encountered in lambs born to dams with more Merino proportion.Within saddle and ravine arrays, CT/Pre-CT ratio was highly significantly correlated with the pre-natal check as indicated by Merino proportion.It was suggested, from the birthcoat studies, that ⅝ Merino might be the best combination in the Merino crosses as far as the fibre type arrays were concerned.Less coarse arrays were encountered in the birthcoat due to selection against kemp in rams used for breeding.
Live weight loss and its components in Romney ewes subjected to L-thyroxine therapy and a low plane of nutrition. Part II. Effects on some non-carcass components of live weight
Authors: Kirton A. H. , Barton R. A. 
Published: March 2009

1. The effects of l-thyroxine therapy and a low plane of nutrition on some of the non-carcass components of live weight in New Zealand Romney ewes were investigated.2. Thyroxine treatment significantly lowered the weight of the gastrointestinal tract contents. A low plane of nutrition and a longer total starvation immediately pre-slaughter had little effect in lowering the weight of the gastrointestinal contents. Alimentary tract ‘fill’ accounted for a group mean loss of live weight of up to 5 lb.3. Thyroxine treatment lowered the weight of the empty gastric tract, while a low plane of nutrition reduced the weight of both the empty gastric and intestinal tracts. The combined treatment effects accounted for a loss of up to 3 lb. in the weight of the empty gastrointestinal tract.4. Neither treatment significantly reduced the weight of the omental and mesenteric fat depots.5. The weight of the thyroid gland was unaffected by either treatment.6. A low plane of nutrition significantly reduced the weight of the liver, kidneys and the heart but had no effect on the weight of the spleen. Thyroxine therapy significantly reduced the weight of the liver and tended to increase the weight of the kidneys and the heart.
The development and function of the rumen in milk-fed calves
Authors: Smith R. H. 
Published: March 2009

1. The volume of rumen liquor in milk-fed calves at different ages up to 32 weeks was estimated by injecting polyethylene glycol into the rumen and subsequently determining its concentration in the rumen liquor. This volume increased progressively with age in relation to unit body weight. The increase xswas approximately fourfold between 4–8 weeks on the one hand and 28–32 weeks on the other.2. The amount of milk entering the rumen during a feed was estimated at different ages up to 32 weeks by the subsequent determination of the volume and fat content of the rumen liquor. In the majority of cases less than 5% of the milk fed entered the rumen. There did not appear to be any increase in the quantities of milk entering the rumen as the calves got older.3. An estimate of the rate of flow of fluid into and out of the rumen (other than milk at feeding) was made by measuring the rate of disappearance of polyethylene glycol from the rumen. A mean figure of 255 ml./hr./100 kg. body weight s.d. ± 50 was obtained in this way. It is suggested that this value probably represents the rate of flow of saliva.4. Magnesium, in a concentration up to about 8 mg./100 ml. in the rumen liquor, did not appear to be absorbed to more than a small extent through the rumen wall.
The hormonal control of ovulation in the immature lamb
Authors: Mansour A. M. 
Published: March 2009

1. Thirty-four lambs varying from 1 week old up to 22 weeks have been treated with: (a) p.m.s. alone; (b) Progesterone + p.m.s.; (c) p.m.s. + chorionic gonadotrophin (c.g.).2. At 1 week old the lamb's ovaries were unresponsive to treatment (a).3. At 4 weeks follicular growth was obtained in groups treated with both (a) and (b).4. At 8 weeks of age follicular stimulation was obtained from treatment (a), follicle luteinization from (b), and ovulation from (c).5. At 10 weeks luteinization was observed in (b) and ovulation in (c).6. At 12 weeks luteinization occurred following treatment (a) and ovulation followed treatments (b) and (c).
The effects of the quantity of formaldehyde applied at ensiling and of urea supplementation at feeding on the utilization of red clover silages by young growing cattle
Authors: Kaiser A. G. , Tayler J. C. , Gibbs B. G. , England P. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYSix silages were prepared from a primary growth of red clover using additives of 21 formic acid/t fresh crop together with formaldehyde at 0, 16, 34, 52, 77 or 117 g/kg crude protein (CP) in the crop. These silages were offered to appetite, either alone or with a urea supplement at 19·4 g/kg total dietary dry matter (D.M.), to 60 British Friesian steer calves with an initial mean live weight of 106 kg.Formaldehyde treatment restricted silage fermentation, the effect increasing with level of application. However, butyric acid and 2, 3-butanediol content increased at intermediate levels of application. Protein degradation in the silages was reduced by formaldehyde treatment, as evidenced by a decline in ammonia-N and an increase in insoluble-N content with increasing level of formaldehyde application. The recovery of applied formaldehyde in the silages was low (less than 13%) but increased with level of application.Intake, live-weight gain and feed conversion ratio followed quadratic trends, with formaldehyde having a deleterious effect at high levels of application. The decline in these production measurements was associated with declines in the apparent digestibility of D.M., organic matter (OM), N and energy with increasing level of formaldehyde application, although there was no effect of formaldehyde on cellulose digestibility. Urea supplementation tended to increase intake and live-weight gain at formaldehyde levels greater than 34 g/kg CP, and apart from the expected increase in N digestibility, did not affect the digestibility of other dietary components. As urea supplementation did not overcome the adverse effects of high levels of formaldehyde application on intake, live-weight gain and digestibility, it appears that the supply of rumen-degradable N was not the major limiting factor on these diets.N retention followed a quadratic trend with level of formaldehyde application, increasing at intermediate levels (30–50 g/kg CP) and then declining markedly at the highest level of application. A similar trend was evident when N retention was expressed as a proportion of live-weight gain, suggesting possible formaldehyde effects on carcass composition. However, carcass composition data did not confirm any formaldehyde effect. Urea supplementation did not affect N retention, and N balance data indicated poor utilization of the supplementary urea N.When considering the use of formaldehyde, relative to a formic acid control, in additives applied to red olover at ensiling, these data demonstrate little advantage in favour of formaldehyde and serious disadvantages when large quantities of formaldehyde are applied.
The growth of two maize varieties in farmers' plots located at two contiguous ecological zones in Nigeria
Authors: Lucas E. O. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYThe growth and development of two new maize hybrids (FARZ 27 and FARZ 23) were studied in density experiments located at two contiguous ecological zones in Nigeria. The range of planting density used was from 2·6 to 6·6 plants/m2. Within this range, the relationship between dry-matter yield and density was asymptotic at final harvest. At the forest location of Jago (7·3 °N, 4·2 °E), both varieties attained optimum grain yield at planting density of 4·4 plants/m2, while at the derived savannah location of Alagunmu (7·8 °N, 4 °E), FARZ 23 attained optimum grain yield at 4·4 plants/m2and FARZ 27 attained its optimum grain yield at 6·6 plants/ma2. This response of the new maize varieties to density treatments indicates that they could be planted at higher densities than are now used in the country.Differences between varieties did not quite reach statistical significance but, at both locations, FARZ 27 produced more dry matter and grain per unit area than FARZ 23. FARZ 27 gave its higher grain yield mainly by producing more seeds per unit area than FARZ 23. Physiological measurements like net assimilation rate, crop growth rate and leaf area index were also higher for FARZ 27, although there were no significant differences between the varieties at most sampling dates. The partition of dry matter was identical in both varieties, although FARZ 27 showed a slightly better balance by partitioning more assimilates to the grain. Also, there was an indication of remobilization of stored assimilates from the stem to the grain in both varieties. Both varieties produced more dry matter and grain at the derived savannah location of Alagunmu than at the forest location of Jago. Physiological measurements were also higher at the derived savannah location.
The distribution of phosphorus in forest and savannah soils of the Gold Coast and its agricultural significance
Authors: Nye P. H. , Bertheux M. H. 
Published: March 2009

The amount of phosphorus in composite surface samples and profile samples from a range of agriculturally important soils in the forest and savannah regions of the Gold Coast has been determined. The total phosphorus in each sample has been divided into an acid-soluble, an inorganic alkali-soluble, an organic and a residual fraction. On the surface samples these fractions, together with the soil pH, organic carbon and Bray ‘quick-test’ available phosphorus, have been related to superphosphate responses in the savannah region. The following conclusions have been reached:Surface samplesThe total phosphorus in the soils is low by comparison with other parts of the world, but its distribution among the soil fractions is normal for slightly acid soils.Soils developed over basic rocks have more total phosphorus, and a lower proportion of acid-soluble phosphorus than soils over quartzose rocks.Forest soils have more total phosphorus and more phosphorus in each of the fractions than savannah soils.The organic phosphorus content is closely related to the organic carbon content. The C/P ratio averages 233 in forest and 247 in savannah, and this is considerably higher than the world average. The N/P ratio of 21·6 in forest and 19·5 in savannah is similarly high.The C/P ratio, unlike the C/N ratio, is not reduced when long-rested savannah soils are cropped.Soluble phosphate applied in permanent fertilizer trials is found in the acid-soluble, the alkali-soluble and organic fractions. In comparison with the amounts of those fractions already present, the acidsoluble fraction increases most and the organic fraction least.Profile samplesIn thoroughly leached soils the acid-soluble phosphate decreases sharply, and the alkali-soluble inorganic phosphate rather more slowly with depth. In the forest total phosphorus is greatest in the surface, but in the savannah there is no consistent change with depth. The incompletely leached profiles differ in showing a sharp rise in the acid-soluble phosphorus and the total phosphorus in the subsoil. The level of organic phosphorus falls less than expected down the profile, and the C/P ratio, like the C/N ratio, decreases in the subsoil.
Evaluation of sulphur-coated urea fertilizers in savannah soils: 1. Response of cotton and sorghum
Authors: Nnadi L. A. , Abed S. M. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYTwo sources of sulphur-coated urea (SCU) were compared with calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) as sources of N for cotton and sorghum in the savannah zone of Nigeria. At the lowest rate of N application (30 kg/ha for cotton and 40 kg/ha for sorghum), SCU-11 with a dissolution rate of 11% in 7 days was found to be more effective than SCU-30 having a dissolution rate of 30% in 7 days and CAN. A single application of SCU-11 produced a higher sorghum yield than a divided application of CAN at the same rate. These results indicate that a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer might be useful for improved grain sorghum and cotton varieties.
Studies on plasma progesterone concentrations and fertility in Friesland dairy cows during the post-partum period
Authors: Holness D. H. , Sprowson G. W. , Sheward Carole , Geel Amanda 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYPlasma progesterone concentrations were monitored in 69 lactating Friesland dairy cows during the post-partum period. Cyclic ovarian activity resumed in most cows within 40 days of calving. Forty-eight per cent of cows remained pregnant to their first insemination, 41% returned to oestrus before day 30 after insemination, and a further 11% returned to oestrus between days 30 and 88 after insemination.The mean of progesterone values on days 11 to 4 before insemination tended to be higher in cows that conceived than in cows that did not conceive. These differences were signficant on day –8 (P <0·05) and on days –8, –7, –6 and –5 combined (P <0·01). Cows in which the concentration of progesterone in plasma did not rise above 4·5 ng/ml during this period did not conceive. After insemination, mean progesterone concentrations between pregnant and non-pregnant cows diverged after day +8. Relatively low concentrations of plasma progesterone (< 1 ng/ml) up to day +8 after insemination did not preclude conception. There was no indication that embryo loss between days +30 and +88 after insemination was related to an insufficiency of ovarian progesterone during early pregnancy.
The value of palm kernel meal in finishing diets for pigs: 2. The effect of the addition of cane molasses on the utilization of high level palm kernel meal diets
Authors: Fetuga B. L. , Babatunde G. M. , Oyenuga V. A. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYOne hundred Large White x Landrace barrows and gilts were used in two experiments involving 50 pigs (25 barrows and 25 gilts) allocated on t h e basis of sex, litter origin and initial weight to five treatment groups of t en pigs each and individually and semi-restrictedly fed one of five diets. Diet one, t h e control, was a conventionally used fattener's diet based on groundnut, blood meal and maize mixtures, and containing 16 to 17% crude protein on dry-matter basis. The remaining four diets were approximately 17% crude protein diets based on palm kernel, blood meal and maize mixtures. The maize fraction was however replaced by 0, 10, 20 and 30% cane molasses in diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Growth performance, feed efficiency, nutrient utilization and carcass quality were studied.I n both trials, the groundnut meal (GNM) based diet (treatment 1) supported significantly faster rates of gain t h a n all other diets except 3. I t also tended to produce fatter pigs than those on t h e palm kernel meal (PKM) based diets. Addition of 10% cane molasses (CM) to t h e basal PKM diet (treatment 3) significantly improved feed and dry-matter intake, r a t e and efficiency of gain, crude fibre digestibility and nitrogen retention. Higher levels depressed performance as well as d ry matter, protein and ether extract digestibility. Addition of cane molasses did not significantly influence carcass characteristics.
Some effects of artificial variation in light interception, number of grains and husk constriction on the development of grain weight in normal and high-lysine barley
Authors: Habgood R. M. , Uddin M. Rafique 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYThe grain weights of normal and high-lysine cultivars were compared in field and pot experiments in which the supply of assimilate per grain was adjusted by a variety of treatments involving application of fertilizer, thinning, degraining or defoliation. The results of these experiments indicated that in normal cultivars, grain weight was affected both by the supply of assimilate from the green tissues and by internal factors in the grain which limited the accumulation of this assimilate. Some evidence suggested that physical constriction of the expanding endosperm by the surrounding husk could be one of these factors; the effects of the husk on growth of the caryopsis was not clear.The development of grain weight in the high lysine cv. Riso 1508 was initially similar to that of normal cultivars, but the cessation of growth as maturity approached was more abrupt. Increased assimilate availability resulting from the application of fertilizer, thinning or degraining treatments effectively increased grain weight in this cultivar, but to a lesser extent than in low-lysine cultivars. Conversely, decreased assimilate supply as a result of defoliation produced less marked reductions in grain weight in the high-lysine type, suggesting that the reduced starch accumulation associated with the high lysine characteristic rendered superfluous some of the photosynthetic capacity in these types.
Physiological aspects of tiller removal in spring wheat
Authors: Mohamed G. B. S. , Marshall C. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYThe effect of tiller removal on the growth and development of the main shoot of spring wheat was investigated in plants grown in a glasshouse or growth cabinets. The removal of tillers at different stages from just prior to flag leaf appearance to 10 days after anthesis greatly increased the grain and straw yield of the main shoot. The earlier the tillers were removed the greater was the increase in yield. The increase in grain production was due to an increase in the number of grains per spikelet particularly in the mid and lower regions of the ear. The nitrogen content of the grain was also increased following tiller removal. Additional mineral nutrients supplied either early or late were accumulated by the grain but did not influence the response to tiller removal and it was concluded that neither the number of grains set nor grain growth were limited by the supply of major nutrients. Additional nutrients however greatly increased the yield of tillers and this was associated with a large increase in the grain N, P and K percentages.In a separate experiment tillers were removed just before ear emergence and the plants were transferred to growth cabinets with either a low or high light regime. Although grain yield was greatly reduced in the lower light regime tiller removal significantly increased the number of grains per ear but to a lesser degree than in the higher light regime. It was concluded that the supply of carbon assimilate was more important than the supply of mineral nutrients in influencing grain set.The overall response to tiller removal suggests that tillers compete with the main shoot for assimilate and as a result the potential growth and yield of the latter is greatly restricted.
Relationship between lodging, certain morphological characters and yield of grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)
Authors: Esechie H. A. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYStudies were conducted in two consecutive years at Mead, Nebraska, to investigate the relationship between lodging, certain morphological characters and grain yield of sorghum.Morphological characters correlated with lodging were plant height, length of prepeduncle internode and rind thickness. Lodging was negatively correlated with number of days from sowing to 50% bloom and grain yield but was not correlated with grain weight of the head.