bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The value of Australian sorghum for fattening pigs
Authors: Braude R. , Mitchell K. G. , Robinson K. L. 
Published: March 2009

1. At two centres, Hillsborough and Shinfield, forty-eight pigs in four groups were fattened on rations containing Australian sorghum. The control ration consisted of 30%, wheatfeed, 30% barley meal, 30% maize meal and 10% fish meal. In the three experimental rations either barley meal or maize meal or both were replaced by sorghum.2. The rations containing 30% of sorghum proved to be equal to the control ration as far as live-weight gain of the pigs and the efficiency with which they utilized food was concerned. When 60% of the ration consisted of sorghum there were indications that both rate of gain and food utilization suffered.3. Some aspects of carcass quality suffered when either sorghum alone or sorghum plus maize formed 60% of the ration. The quality of the control carcasses, although quite good by present-day standards, would not qualify for first grade when commercial grading is re-introduced.4. Bacon produced on rations containing up to 60% sorghum had no off-taste or unpleasant flavour.5. In general, the value of sorghum in the ration of fattening pigs was found to be about equal to that of maize.
The sweat glands of Ayrshire cattle
Authors: Findlay J. D. , Yang S. H. 
Published: March 2009

1. An investigation has been made of the structure, distribution and dimensions of the so-called sweat glands in twenty-one different body regions of each of five 3- to 4-year-old Ayrshire cows, and incidental studies have been made on calves and embryos.2. It has been observed that in all those regions each hair follicle is accompanied by an arrector pili muscle, a sweat gland and a sebaceous gland. This combination has been designated a ‘hair follicle unit’.3. In the skin of embryos the sweat gland appears as a single unbranched tube and in the skin of calves and cows it is a bag-shaped gland with a long slender duct which opens on the skin surface as a funnel-shaped outlet.4. The gland is composed of two layers of cells, an outer myoepithelium and inner glandular epi thelium.5. What may be successive stages in the intraluminal transformation of the secretory products discharged by the gland cells lining the lumen, are illustrated by a series of photographs.6. The glands have a poor blood supply and appear to be apocrine. It is unlikely, therefore, that the sweat glands of Ayrshire cows function as effectively in heat regulation as human sweat glands.7. The number of sweat glands per sq.cm. of skin was measured in all the regions. The average number was 1871 per sq.cm., ranging from about 1000 in the lower limbs to about 2500 in the axilla and neck regions.8. The length and circumference of the gland were measured, hence its secretory surface was calculated. The average area of secretory surface of a single sweat gland was 0·22 sq.mm., while the average area of secretory surface of the sweat glands per sq.cm. of skin was 3·94 sq.cm. There was a significant negative correlation between the number of glands per sq.cm. and the area of secretory surface of a single sweat gland.9. The ventral region of the neck, the axilla and upper hindleg had the largest area of secretory surface per sq.cm. of skin, while the forehead, back (sacral), gluteus, lower foreleg and hindleg had the smallest.10. The only region which had a significantly smaller area of secreting surface than the front flank region was the sacral region of the back.
Confidence limits of expected monthly rainfall
Authors: Manning H. L. 
Published: March 2009

Precise confidence limits of expected monthly rainfall must be regarded as fundamental to the specification of the climatic regions of an agricultural region. The science of weather forecasting is necessarily based on extensive statistics of past experience. However, unless account is taken of such factors as skewness, the means and standard deviations calculated from such statistics will lack the necessary precision and may often be misleading.This paper shows that frequency distributions of monthly rainfall, which were demonstrably skew, may be suitably transformed so that on the new scale they approximate closely to theoretical normal distributions. As a result precise fiducial or confidence limits—shown in fact to fit the data satisfactorily—may be estimated and afterwards reconverted to the original units.Practical applications of these confidence limits include the more accurate representation of rainfall patterns, valuable guides to the vital question of optimum time of planting, and finally, better estimates of the range of mean monthly rainfall where data are available only from a limited number of years.Application of these limits to some special cases is discussed in some detail.
Studies in grazing behaviour of dairy cattle: II. Bloat in relation to grazing behaviour
Authors: Hancock John 
Published: March 2009

1. Four trials on methods of bloat-prevention vare described: (a) A comparison of ‘break’ grazing and normal ‘rotational’ grazing without restriction of feed in either case. Break grazing observations covered two and five breaks per day.(b) A comparison of these two systems where ‘break’ grazing involved restriction of area available to the cows, and ‘breaks’ varied from seven to eleven per day.(c) Comparison of ‘off and on’ grazing with normal rotational methods in an attempt to force changes in grazing pattern.(d) Comparison of the same pasture grazed at different lengths under rotational grazing methods.2. Grazing behaviour and degree of bloat were noted.3. In general, the results showed that, irrespective of number of breaks, break grazing with or without restriction gave no effective control of bloat.4. There were definite indications that a strictly enforced system of ‘off and on’ grazing could afford considerable practical control.5. Long feed proved definitely safer than feed of the same botanical composition grazed at shorter stages of growth.6. It was found that cows on potentially dangerous grass had short grazing times with few periods of intense activity. Thus, the oft-stated opinion that bloat is caused by cows eating greedily of dangerous pastures was not substantiated. On the contrary, cows on such pasture showed marked reluctance in their grazing activity.7. Bloat-producing swards were also associated with reduced rumination time, even in respect to cows showing no symptoms. Bloated cows showed generally very low rumination times.8. Many of these observations were made on identical twins. From the similarity in their behaviour, it can be concluded that inheritance is an important factor affecting the occurrence of bloat amongst cows grazing the same herbage.9. In the early stages of bloat, ruminal movement and belching increased in frequency and intensity. This is contrary to the theory that bloat is due to rumen atony. Atony was observed only in the advanced stages of the trouble.
The pollination requirements of swede rape (Brassica napus L.) and of turnip rape (Brassica campestris L.)
Authors: Williams Ingrid H. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYThe pollination requirements of eight cultivars of swede rape (Brassica napus) and two of turnip rape (Brassica campestris) grown in a glasshouse, were compared. Cultivars differed in the number of pods, and of seeds per pod set by auto-pollination. Cultivars of turnip rape yielded more when cross-pollinated than when self-pollinated by hand but those of swede rape did not, although additional pollination of swede rape increased the set of early flowers. Inadequate pollination probably limits yield in self-fertile cultivars of swede rape that auto-pollinate poorly and in turnip rape cultivars that are nearly self-sterile.
Oestrogenic activity of fresh, wilted, dried and fermented berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum)
Authors: Shehata M. N. , Hassan Adel , El-Shazly K. , Yassen A. M. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYAn investigation was carried out to detect and evaluate the oestrogenic activity of three successive cuts of Egyptian clover berseem (Tifolium alexandrinum). Changes in oestrogenic activity due to wilting, drying and fermentation were also studied.Oestrogenic activity was higher (P < 0·01) in first-cut berseem (49–6 ug diethylstilbestrol equivalency (DES)/kg D.M.) than in the second (38·2 ug) and the third cuts (36·1 ug), and was decreased in the three successive cuts by wilting and dehydrating to 88% D.M. It was greater (P < 0·01) in the wilted berseem than the dried material of the second cut. Oestrogenic activity was increased (P < 0·05) in all cuts by fermentation, but it was higher (P < 0·01) in the fermented second cut than the other cuts.An intake of 10 kg D.M. of silage would be equivalent to 0·98 mg DES, which have no adverse effects on production and reproduction.
The reproductive performance of Border Leicester ewes in contrasting photoperiodic environments
Authors: Williams H. Ll. , Thwaites C. J. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYBorder Leicester ewes were kept in three contrasting photoperiodic environments, the rhythm at latitude 30° 32′ S (group 1) - 12 h light: 12 h dark interrupted by 6 weeks of continuous light (group 2a) and 12 h light: 12 h dark (group 2b) - from August 1972 to September 1973. In group 1 all ewes exhibited oestrus compared with 87·5% and 57·1% in groups 2(a) and 2(b) respectively. The mean number of oestrous periods per ewe ranged from 4·4 in group 1 to 3·0 in group 2(a) and 1·0 in group 2(b). It is concluded that the non-fluctuating light rhythm had an adverse effect on the reproductive potential of the treated groups and that Border Leicester ewes are dependent on a fluctuating light rhythm for normal reproductive function.
Nutrient indexing of lowland rice crop in Ludhiana
Authors: Arora C. L. , Hundal H. S. , Takkar P. N. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYA nutrient indexing survey of the soils and rice crop was conducted on 300 fields of four villages in some floodplain areas of Ludhiana. The soils are, in general, alkaline in reaction, highly calcareous, medium in organic matter and mostly heavy in texture. Soil analysis (DTPA extraction) indicated that about 27% are deficient in available zinc. Leaf analysis indicated the concentration of N, Zn, Cu, Fe and B to be below their critical levels in 27, 25, 93, 39 and 6% of the samples respectively: the low levels of Cu(l–3 μg/g) are considered as a ‘hidden hunger’ as the crop lacked any visual Cudeficiency symptoms.Correlation studies indicated the absence of any relationship between the micronutrient status of the soils, assessed by DTPA extraction, and leaf content. Consequently leaf analysis is recommended for evaluating the nutritional disorders of lowland rice.
Control of flowering in two commercial sugar-cane varieties
Authors: El Manhaly M. A. , Fadayomi O. , Abayomi Y. A. , Olofinboba M. O. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYExperiments were conducted over two cropping seasons at the Sugar Cane Estate of the Nigerian Sugar Company, Bacita, Nigeria to determine the effectiveness of additional nitrogen fertilizer, chemical sprays and delayed planting in controlling flowering in two commercial sugar-cane varieties (Co. 1001 andCp. 29/116). Application of 150 and 250 kg N/ha, 8 weeks before initiation, reduced flowering in Co. 1001 by up to 13·5 and 11 % respectively. Flowering was as low as 2% in some of the above treatments while the average flowering in plots with no additional nitrogen application was more than 80%. imilarly, application of diuron (4·0 kg/ha) and paraquat (0'5 kg/ha) to the top leaves (3 weeks before initiation) of Co. 1001 reduced flowering in this variety up to 45 and 35% respectively. Neither the application of diuron and paraquat nor additional nitrogen fertilizer sufficiently reduced flowering in Cp. 29/116. The time of planting affected flowering. Over 85% flowering was observed in November 1982 from Co. 1001 fields planted in January 1982 (10 months before initiation time). However, fields of the same variety planted in June 1982 (4 months before initiation time) did not show any initiation until harvest in May 1983. The implications of the above results are discussed.
The effect of pH on the relative proportions of ruminal volatile fatty acids in sheep sustained by intragastric infusions
Authors: Macleod N. A. , Ørskov E. R. , Atkinson T. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYRumen pH was varied and controlled over the range 5·2–7·1 by manipulating the infusions of buffer solution to the rumen and by using an automated system of recording pH. The total concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the rumen were not altered by changes in pH but there were changes in the relative proportions of VFA. As the pH of rumen liquor fell, the proportion of acetic acid increased, and the proportions of propionic and butyric acids decreased relative to their respective proportions in the infusate. At rumen pH of about 7·2 the molar proportions found were similar to the molar proportions infused while at pH 5·3 the molar proportion for acetic acid in the rumen was 100 mmol/mol higher than in the infusate. There was no apparent relationship between osmotic pressure and differences between VFA proportions in the infusates and in the rumen liquor.
Growth and muscle development of steers implanted with hexoestrol
Authors: Everitt G. C. , Carter A. H. 
Published: March 2009

A muscle biopsy technique was employed in an experiment designed to assess the effects of hexoestrol implantation on 2-year-old and 6-year-old Aberdeen Angus steers under New Zealand grazing conditions. This paper reports the results concerning live-weight gains, carcass weights and detailed analyses of samples of m. semitendinosus and associated subcutaneous fat.There was some evidence of an adverse effect of the biopsy operation on the older, less tractable, animals, despite the observation of no apparent effect of repeated muscle biopsies in a preliminary trial with sheep.Hexoestrol implantation, of four 15 mg. pellets for the 2-year-old steers and six 15 mg. pellets for the 6-year-olds, led to significant increases in live weight gains during the later part of the trial only, and reduced the dressing-out percentage of the younger animals. Although there were indications of a positive response in carcass weight to hexoestrol implantation, it was concluded that, under the conditions of this experiment, implantation of relatively large dosages was not economically justified in terms of increased meat production.Absorption of the implanted pellets varied from 42 to 85% of the total dosage, but evidenced little association with live weight changes.Deposition of subcutaneous fat appeared to be reduced under the hormone treatment, but the responses in this respect of the 6-year-old steers were highly variable.
The Vitamin D3 requirement of pullet chicks: the relative values of genuine and a sample of controlled cod-liver oil in feeding poultry up to the age of 16 weeks
Authors: Wright M. D. 
Published: March 2009

Calcification on 1% of controlled cod-liver oil was less satisfactory than on 1% of genuine cod-liver oil as judged by radiography at 5 weeks old. Growth rates were not significantly different.⅔ of 1% of the genuine cod-liver oil promoted calcification as satisfactorily as (and significantly better on one diet than) 1% of controlled oil. The mean tarso-metatarsal distances on ⅔ of 1% of controlled oil were too wide for the calcification to be regarded as normal. It has thus been shown that satisfactory growth is no criteria of adequate calcification and bone structure.From the age of 6—16 weeks, ⅔ of 1% of controlled cod-liver oil mixture was not adequate, as demonstrated by radiographic examination, for optimal calcification; but using the criteria of naked eye examination and weight, no significant difference would have been found between genuine cod-liver oil and the controlled mixture. These birds showing subnormal calcification could not be expected to stand up well to the strain of laying, which puts heavy demands upon the calcium metabolism.
The relationship between grass N yield and the total N supply to cut grass-white clover swards
Authors: Hobson R. D. , Richards I. R. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYA relationship between grass N yield and total N supply was derived using data from experiments on grass-white clover swards. This relationship was very similar to that found previously using a larger pool of data from clover-free grass swards. The quantity of N released underground by the clover was estimated to be around 50% of the annual N yield in clover herbage. This is a much lower estimate than that reported by earlier workers.
Relationships between certain carcass measurements, weights of wholesale joints and sample joint composition of Hereford cross-bred steers
Authors: Tayler J. C. , Rudman J. E. , Kemp C. D. 
Published: March 2009

1. In a population of Hereford crossbred steers carcass conformation was measured by weighing wholesale joints cut in London and Home Counties fashion and dissecting a single rib sample joint. Correlations were calculated between weight of joints and certain linear carcass measurements.2. Weights of individual joints in a group of good cuts were studied in relation to carcass composition estimated from sample joint dissection. Carcass fatness at constant carcass weight was correlated positively with some joints and negatively with others. A thigh width measurement was related to the weight of these joints in a similar fashion. This accounted for the low value of thigh width as an index of the proportion of good cuts.3. The weights of joints, and many of the measurements, were highly correlated with carcass weight. When carcass weight was allowed for, partial correlations were too low to support the use of linear measurements to predict weight of joints in individual carcasses.
Effect of the ingestion of wood shavings on magnesium and calcium utilization by milk-fed calves
Authors: Smith R. H. 
Published: March 2009

1. The amounts of wood shavings eaten by a group of unmuzzled calves allowed unlimited access to the shavings but fed otherwise only on milk were estimated by a lignin ratio technique. The amounts increased to a mean value of about 250 g. dry weight/day at 13–14 weeks of age.2. Although a marked decrease in net magnesium absorption from the diet occurred with age in a group of efficiently muzzled milk-fed calves the mean decrease was not as great as that in the group of unmuzzled calves when the latter were eating considerable amounts of wood shavings. Data are presented which show that the difference is accountable by the excretion in the faeces of some of the magnesium in the increased flow of endogenous fluid from the rumen (probably mainly saliva) in the unmuzzled calves. The results suggest that many milk-fed calves (assuming about 11–12 mg./100 ml. magnesium in the milk) will resist hypomagnesaemia for at least 5 months but only if they are effectively prevented from chewing foreign matter. This may partly account for previously observed variations in. the ages at which calves develop hypomagnesaemia.3. Net calcium absorption from the diet decreased with age in both the muzzled and unmuzzled groups of calves but again to a greater extent in the unmuzzled group. The difference was much greater than could be accounted for by increased loss of endogenous calcium due to greater saliva production in the unmuzzled calves. It appeared that the shavings contained a factor (not phytate) which interfered with calcium utilization. It is suggested that the factor might act by inhibiting the action of vitamin D.
A comparative study of fleece growth in Tasmanian Fine Merino and Wiltshire Horn ewes
Authors: Slee J. , Carter H. B. 
Published: March 2009

1. From repeated fibre samplings and several skin biopsies on six Tasmanian Fine Merinos and eight Wiltshire Horn adult ewes variations in fibre diameter, fibre growth rate, and fibre regeneration or shedding frequency were measured over a period of 15 months. Slight differences were present in the treatment of the two breeds, but from the combined evidence of the live weights and fibre diameters maintained, it was concluded that these were negligible, that both breeds were under closely comparable conditions, and that their performance was at a moderately high and typical level for each breed.2. In the Merinos fibre diameter (ca. 20 µ) fluctuated little during the period of observation, whereas in the Wiltshires it varied over a wide range from less than 40µ in winter to more than 80µ in summer. There were negligible differences between the three body regions, back, side, and belly, in the Merinos, but in the Wiltshires the belly grew markedly coarser fibres than the other two regions.3. The fibre growth rate in the Merinos did not vary greatly from 7 to 8 mm. per 28 days throughout the period of observation or between the body regions. In the Wiltshires, fibre growth rate showed extreme variations from a minimum of about 3 mm. during the winter to a maximum of about 12 mm. per 28 days at the end of summer, with significant differences between the three body regions. However, in spite of these differences in the mode of growth, the total length of fibre grown per annum at the midside was approximately the same (10 cm.). Thus, were it not for fibre shedding, the Wiltshire Horn breed would grow a short-wool fleece.
Magnesium in forage plants. II. Magnesium distribution in grasses and clovers
Authors: Todd J. R. 
Published: March 2009

1. A procedure for fractionating the magnesium in fresh herbage into acetone-soluble, watersoluble and insoluble magnesium fractions is described.2. Magnesium soluble in Analar acetone is shown to be virtually identical to chlorophyll magnesium, and generally represents less than 10% of the total magnesium.3. Water-soluble material represents about 25% of the total dry matter, but contains more than 50% of the total magnesium when the herbage contains 0·2% or more Mg in the dry matter.4. The fibrous material, which is soluble neither in acetone nor water, constitutes about two-thirds of the total dry matter, but has only about onethird of the total magnesium associated with it.5. Highly significant correlations were found between total magnesium content and each of the three fractions, but regression coefficients showed that variations in total magnesium were largely reflected in the water-soluble fraction, the chlorophyll and fibre magnesium being affected to a much smaller degree.6. Attention is drawn to the fact that at levels of pasture magnesium at which hypomagnesaemic tetany occurs in ruminants, water-soluble magnesium ceases to be the largest fraction and may be only about one-third of the total.