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Two steers excreting similar quantities of organic matter daily were grazed at pasture during the summer of 1961. The four experiments each involved a preliminary period of five days dosing with Cr2O3 to reach a fairly constant excretion. The steers received a daily dose of Cr2O3 either in oil suspension or in shredded paper. The carriers and steers were interchanged for each trial. For two of the trials each steer in turn was harnessed every other day and all its dung collected in a bag. Total faecal excretion of organic matter was measured from the bagged steer and estimated from the Cr2O3 concentration in a composite sample made up from all dung pats voided during the ten-day collection period. In the other two trials the steers were not harnessed and each dung pat was separately sampled and analysed for Cr2O3 in the organic matter. The average recovery of Cr2O3 in the first two trials was 99·1 (oil) or 94·4% (paper). Calculating the faecal organic matter excretion from the concentration of Cr2O3 in the faeces and the quantity given daily overestimated it by 3·5 to 8·0%. There was no significant difference between shredded paper and oil as carriers of Cr2O3 for estimating the quantity of organic matter excreted. There were 37% and 22% less variation between dung pats in Cr2O3 concentration when this was administered in shredded paper than when given in oil suspension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a report on the papers read at the 7th International Grassland Congress, which was held at Massey College, Palmerston North, New Zealand, during November 6-15, 1956. The Congress, attended by some 180 overseas delegates from 35 countries together with over a hundred delegates from New Zealand, was intended for the presentation of papers on recent developments in grassland thought. These were arranged in thirteen sessions, dealing with various aspects of grassland, at each of which four papers were read. Considerable attention was paid to the introduction and breeding of improved pasture species. Various aspects in the breeding of improved herbage varieties were presented in ten papers.

This article comments on the papers presented at the Sixth International Grassland Congress held in State College, Pennsylvania from August 17 to 23, 1952. A large proportion of the papers in the Genetics and Breeding Section were of the cytogenetics type in that they reported investigations of the breeding behavior of certain species and hybrids. The significance of this may be in the fact that methods based on selection within mixed population and subsequent strain building from basic plants, after tests of combining ability, have explored fairly thoroughly the available material within a few of the more common species.

The article presents abstracts of papers on research on grasses presented at the winter meeting of the British Grassland Society that was held on December 2, 1975. Some of the articles are "Out-of-Season Growth of Perennial Ryegrass As Affected by Autumn Management, Nitrogen Application, Cultivar and Location," by A.H. Charles, F.W. England and A.J. Thomson; "The Effect of Winter Grazing by Wild Geese on Spring and Early Summer Pasture Production," by J. Frame and D.L.H. Patton; "The Response of Seven Perennial Ryegrass Varieties to Nitrogen Application," by G.R. Lee; "Productivity of Perennial Ryegrass, Italian Ryegrass and Tail Fescue Swards Harvested at Various Cutting Intensities," by J.H. Ollerenshaw; "Effects of Timing of Potassium Fertilization of Grass on Yields and Herbage Magnesium Levels," by H.J. Lidgate; "Development of The Use of Tetraploid Red Clover," by C.K. Mackie and G.J.F. Copeman; and "The Yield of Edible Energy and Protein From Lambs Fed Perennial Ryegrass and Lucerne," by D.J. Thomson.

The article presents summaries of invited papers read at the winter meeting of the British Grassland Society in London, England on December 4, 1974. In this meeting the potential of pure-sown red clover and clover/grass swards was evaluated in a series of small-plot and field-scale trials. A direct comparison indicates that red clover can have a higher efficiency of utilization for growth and fattening than perennial ryegrass, a result that supports the practice of using red clover aftermaths for fattening lambs in the autumn.

The article presents summaries of invited papers read at the winter meeting of the British Grassland Society in London, England on December 4, 1974. The theme of the meeting was "winter feeding for beef production." It is reported in one of the summaries that beef producers are facing a crisis situation with a collapse in returns to the producer; in consequence most producers are confused and are uncertain of the future. The crisis is caused by a combination of escalating costs and falling returns. Rising concentrate prices have been the main factor in increasing costs in many systems, a direct reflection of high world cereal prices, which are likely to continue in the foreseeable future.

The article presents summaries of research papers discussed at the Winter Meeting of the British Grassland Society held in London, England on December 11, 1970. Forage nutritive value may be considered a function of voluntary consumption, digestibility and the efficiency with which digested nutrients are utilized. Ensiling has little effect on digestibility or on the efficiency with which the energy in forage is utilized, but will generally result in a reduction in the efficiency of utilization of crude protein. High rates of production can be attained by animals fed entirely on conserved forages. Good silage depends upon high-quality crops, harvested at the right stage of growth and ensiled quickly. The choice of any storage system depends not only on its cost but also on the prevention of waste. The potential for loss must be balanced against the cost of the silo and of the machinery essential for its filling and unloading.

Presents a review of several papers on grassland management and animal production read at the 8th International Grassland Congress at Reading, England in July 1960. Basic factors which influence the efficiency of conversion of pasture to animal products; Grazing pressure and the measurement of pasture production.

Presents a recap of the events that transpired during the summer meeting of the British Grassland Society, held at the Newscastle Upon Tyne, England. Attendees; Activities and programs; Details of the conference sessions.

The sharp seasonal difference in the price schedule for milk produced in this country has been a consequence of concentrating the industry on the supply of milk for the liquid market and the wide price-gap existing between milk for the liquid market and milk for manufacture, a result of the free import of dairy products. Seasonal pricing has thus been intimately related to the Government's general policy on the size of the milk industry, and on international trade. The policy framework will change when we enter the EEC. Then the gap between liquid and manufacturing prices will be smaller. The general level of producers' prices will be higher and deliberate policies of restriction on total milk output will have gone. On a reasonably conservative assessment of the likely liquid premium in the UK within the EEC framework, the Milk Marketing Board have concluded that it will be possible to maintain the present absolute level of seasonal price differentials. More doubt is attached to the possibility that there could be any increase in relative winter prices to cover the greater increases in cost that winter producers will suffer from rising prices for concentrates. Switching output from winter to summer raises the cost of manufacturing dairy products, and also increases transport costs. A modest estimate of these additional costs has been calculated to be of the order of £13 per cow if she is transferred from calving in the September- November period to the February-April period, or 1-5 pence per gal of milk transferred. On the farm side, having regard to the evidence of the Milk Costings scheme and other sources, there is some doubt as to whether spring calvers will produce milk sufficiently cheaply to justify the additional marketing cost. Having regard to all the doubts about costs and marketing, the Board have decided to leave the seasonal price schedule unchanged and to make no move in favour of summer production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cites a study on the production of chromic oxide paper pellets for use with young grazing cattle. Excretion of chromium sesquioxide administered as a component of paper pellets to grazing cattle; Presentation of the common methods for measuring fecal output; Equipment used for producing and administering the pellets.

The article presents summaries of research papers presented at a symposium of the British Grassland Society and the Fertilizer Society that was held in London, England on April 25, 1974. The quantity of nitrogen fertilizer necessary to obtain a given yield from grassland depends on the nitrogen contribution from non-fertilizer sources, that is, soil, legume and animal excreta. Although the use of nitrogen fertilizer on grassland has been recognized for a considerable time as an effective means of increasing the output of milk per unit area, relatively low levels are still used on a national basis. The response of grass to nitrogen fertilizer is variable in terms of the yield obtained for a given rate of nitrogen or the yield increment for each unit of nitrogen applied.

Comments on papers about grassland management read at the 8th International Grassland Congress in July 1960. Role of herbage in maintaining the right soil condition for the right plants; Use of fire in the extensive management of grassland; Reason attempts to introduce better species into pasture by oversowing have rarely met with rapid success in Great Britain.

This article presents abstracts and summaries of articles and papers that were presented at the Winter Meeting of the British Grassland Society, held in London, England, on December 5, 1973. Abstract of the paper "Intensification of Grassland: Future Trends and Implications," by W.F. Raymond, summarizes the study which suggests that better management, good levels of milk production and good daily gains by cattle can be achieved with little supplementary feeding. Abstract of the paper "Impact of Grazing Management on Sward Survival," by R. Hughes and D.K. Jackson, summarizes the study suggesting that sward survival depends on tiller replacement to maintain an effective density. It is strongly influenced by defoliation patterns, fouling, treading and conservation or topping practice, which interact with the sward type expressed by contrasting grass varieties. Abstract of the article "Current Research on Weed Problems Associated With Grassland Intensification," by R.J. Haggar, reports on the findings of various studies on weed problems.

This article presents summaries of papers that were presented at the summer meeting of the British Grassland Society in Herefordshire, England, which was held, from July 16-20, 1973. One of the papers discussed is "Milk Production From Pasture As Affected by High Levels of Nitrogen and High Stocking Rates," by F.J. Gordon. An experiment was carried out for 3 successive years, using 40 lactating cows in each year, to examine the effects of two levels of N of 400 and 700 kg/ha at each of 2 stocking rates of 494 and 741 cows/ha. The animals were grazed in groups of 10 per treatment, using a fixed rotational grazing system, for 22 weeks in each year. Another paper discussed is "An Effect of Time of N Application in a Growth Period on Herbage Production," by K.M. Wolton. In paddock grazing systems it is seldom convenient to apply fertilizer to each paddock as soon as gazing is finished.

The article presents abstracts of research papers read at the winter meeting of the "British Grassland Society," held in London, England on December 8, 1872. The research paper "Intensification of Lamb Production Systems," suggested that theoretical considerations can clearly pinpoint the factors that may make a positive contribution to production and profit and, allied to practical experience. It must also be recognized that production systems cannot be discussed unless it is possible to name and describe them, in such a way that similarities and differences can be identified as diagnostic or trivial. Another study called "Nitrogen and Stocking Rate for Lowland Sheep," found that increasing stocking rates at any of the nitrogen levels selected resulted in an increase in the total output of lamb.

The article presents abstracts of offered papers read at the Winter meeting of the British Grassland Society on December 7, 1977. N.G. Lawrence, in "A Maximum Grazing System for Beef Cattle," reports that beef systems based on grass and silage had been very successful at Gleadthorpe but their high summer workloads and capital requirements can render them unattractive to primarily arable farmers. E.A. Garwood and R.D. Sheldrick's article "Dry Matter Production by Tall Fescue Under Dry Conditions," provides information on tall fescue, which is commonly regarded as a difficult grass to manage as it is slow to establish and often unpalatable to stock.

The article presents summaries of papers read at the summer meeting of the British Grassland Society held at Wye College, Ashford, England, on July 12-16, 1971. "The Response of Ryegrass Varieties to Very High Levels of Nitrogen Fertilizer," by D.T.A. Aldrich, reports about an experiment to simulate some of the problems created by grassland intensification. "The Herbage Intake of Grazing Calves," by J. Hodoson and J.M. Rodriguez, measures the herbage intake of Friesian steer calves. "The Growth of Beef Cattle Fed on Maize Silage With Supplements of Lucerne or Urea," by J.M. Wilkinson, C.R. Lonsdale, and J.C. Tayler, studies the growth of beef cattle fed on maize silage with supplements of dried forages.

Presents abstracts of research works related to grasslands management. "Selection for resistance to crown rust and ryegrass mosaic virus in Italian ryegrass populations," by D. H. Hides and P. W. Wilkins; "The effect of dates of heading of perennial ryegrass and of first cut on red clover-perennial ryegrass swards," by A. Scott Laidlaw; "Reaction of some grass species, cultivars and populations to dalapon," A. H. Charles, J. L. Jones and M. S. Thornton.

In a recent paper by Anslow it was concluded that there was no significant relationship between Leaf-area Index, light interception and growth rate in a perennial ryegrass sward. The author further concluded that higher growth rates would not be obtained by attention to this relationship. The data presented by Anslow are re-examined in this paper and the results of the analysis showed that: (a) recovery growth of the swards followed a sigmoid pattern of growth, (b) at low values of LAI growth rate was low and maximum growth rate was attained when most of the visible light was intercepted by leaves, and (c) the relationship between yield and LAI was linear, indicating that leaf-area increase after defoliation also followed a sigmoid pattern. These results are discussed in relation to Anslow's interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the use of fertilizers on grassland in England and Wales, as shown by surveys of fertilizer practice carried out during 1957-60. About a third of the total consumption of N and K and almost half the total consumption of P is on grassland. Fertilizer use on leys has increased rapidly in recent years and the overall average rate of application is now of the order of 0-3 cwt N, P2O5 and K2O per acre per annum; permanent grass receives about half as much P and very much less N and K than the leys. Generally speaking, consumption of N and K per acre of grassland was higher in arable districts than in livestock-farming areas, and on dairy farms than on rearing and feeding farms. However, rearing and feeding farms received more P per acre of grass (in particular, more basic slag) than arable farms. Little farmyard manure was used on grassland in the arable districts, whereas in the dairy counties of the western half of England and in Wales it formed a substantial part of the total plant nutrients supplied to grassland, particularly on fields mown for hay. The paper also gives information on types of fertilizers used and the timing of fertilizer applications to grassland. All but about a fifth of the nitrogen used on grassland was applied between February and April. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides an overview of several papers on grassland research presented at the 8th International Grassland Congress held at Reading, England in July 1960. Paper on the state of productivity of grasslands in Great Britain; Paper tackling the developments in the production and feeding of grass silage; Paper on the difficulty of relating physiological disturbances to grazing conditions.

This paper is a Continuation of a previous paper on the chemical composition and nutritive value of Welsh hay. It discusses the average and range of values obtained for the content of ash, silica, silica-free ash, lime, magnesium, phosphate, chloride, iron, manganese, copper and cobalt in meadow and seeds hays collected in 1948 and 1949 front 144 farms in Breconshire and Cardiganshire. The results obtained for the content of ash and major mineral constituents are discussed in relation to the requirements of dairy cows, and are compared with those obtained by other workers in various parts of the British Isles. hitherto, however, there has been an almost complete lack of data on trace elements, and there is need for such information for hays grown in other parts of the British Isles. Reference is made to the chemical composition of the individual species of grass, clover and weeds present in meadow and seeds hay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a paper, which is based on the proceedings of the Sixth International Grassland Congress held in State College, Pennsylvania from August 17 to 23, 1952. The research papers read at the conference gave a good idea of trends in grassland research and covered the viewpoint of a large proportion of the world. The papers in the plenary sessions were of a more general character and a speaker from New Zealand seemed to condense the general attitude very aptly. He stressed the relative rigidity of the grassland system and the elasticity of the animal and pointed out that in practice both may be abused temporarily to suit the immediate conditions.

1. Nineteen 3 × 3 × 3 NPK experiments have been carried out mostly on short leys cut for silage. In this paper the effect of the fertilizer treatments on the yields of dry matter and crude protein have been reported and the effect on the mineral composition will be presented in a later paper. 2. Nitrogen generally gave very big increases in yield of dry matter, but particularly on leguminous awards with the particular cutting technique employed, this thy matter contained a smaller per cent of crude protein owing to the increase in the grass/ legume ratio. 3. In spite of this depression in the per cent crude protein, the total yield of crude protein for the first cuts was in almost all cases increased, but in subsequent cuts on very leguminous swards the highest yields were sometimes given on the no-nitrogen plots, and in a few cases production of crude protein over the season was similar on the nitrogen and no-nitrogen treated areas. On mainly grass swards, nitrogen gave marked increases in yield of crude protein as well as dry matter, and in the absence of a good proportion of vigorous strains of legumes, nitrogen is essential to secure higher yields. 4. The effect of nitrogen on the yield of dry matter and crude protein and on the grass/ legume ratio has been discussed. It is suggested that much earlier cutting is needed after nitrogen has been used to minimise the suppression of legumes, because once legumes have been suppressed their contribution in subsequent cuts or seasons is lowered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports that the Yorkshire and Lancashire Province of the National Agricultural Advisory Service (NAAS) of the British Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food held a technical conference in Leeds on October 31, 1947 to discuss the research topic "The Utilization of Grass." Delegates from Agricultural Executive Committees, the National Farmers' Union and Young Farmers' Clubs were invited to participate in the meeting. Researcher S.J. Watson, reportedly, gave a paper on "The Food Value of Grass and Grass Products" in which he discussed the food value of plants at different stages of growth, of hay and losses in hay-making, of dried grass and silage. Researcher O.B. Chartres' paper on "Grass Drying on the Farm" pointed out that almost any farming system could be adapted for grass drying. It is further reported that the NAAS, Wales, conference at Crosswood, Aberystwyth, on February 5 was addressed by researcher W.D. Hay on "Grassland Development and the Home Production of Feeding Stuffs," researcher Moses Griffith on "Maximum Production and Utilization," professor Trevor Thomas on "Increased Production From the Grasslands of Wales," and researcher Albert Davies on "Forage Crops."

Animal production from intensively managed pasture (240 units N/ac or 300 kg N/ha applied annually) should In theory reach 11,000 lb/ac (12,500 kg/ha) of milk or 1550 lb/ac (1750 kg/ba) of liveweight gain per year. The figure for theoretical milk production Ii achieved In experiments, although rarely approached In commercial practice; the figure for liveweight gain is never approached, either experimentally or commercially. On commercial farms in Britain, the average stocking rate for grazed lowland pasture In 1971 was about 0.74 cow equivalents/ac (1.82/ha), compared with a theoretical target of 1.9/ac; In 1969 fertIlizer N application was about 48 unltilac (60 kg/ba). The main purpose of this paper is to suggest reasons for the differences between practical, experimental and theoretical levels of production. Economic factors may deter farmers from Intensifying their grassland management, but the deterrent to high stocking rates may be the fear of running out of grass. In practice, ungrazed herbage is used as a buffer, but other feeds might be used for this purpose. Concentrates, pelleted roughages and even long dried grass and silage are too attractive to grazing beef cattle to be offend to appetite; but silage might be used as a long-term buffer. Fouling of pasture reduces efficiency of harvesting, but attempts to overcome this effect, by conditioning of grazing animals, spreading excreta or by alternation of grazing and cutting, have largely been unsuccessful. High production per unit area cannot be achieved without high production per animal. Legumes have often been found to increase production per animal, and a technique has been developed for growing red-clover and grass In adjoining areas and grazing them together. The clover was grazed satisfactorily by dairy cows (and caused no bloat) but failed to increase milk yield per animal. Recent calorimetric studies of grass have shown that the net energy value of digestible organic matter is variable, and in particular is low for late-season herb ages [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the regrowth of Italian ryegrass, following a cut in late April, measured by recording DM yields at weekly intervals up to 14 weeks. There were 4 levels of applied N: 25, 75, 125 and 175 lb/ac (28, 84, 140 and 196 kg/ha). Rate of growth up to 10 weeks was compared with that recorded in similar experiments in Cambridge in earlier years and was found to be generally similar. The highest yields of DM and digestible organic matter were recorded after 11 weeks; beyond this stage there was a fall in yield. There was a large response to 75 lb N compared with 25, a moderate response to 125 lb compared with 75 (greater during the last 7 weeks than during the first 7 weeks), and little response to 175 lb compared with 125. The time-saving value of N is noted. DM content was appreciably lower than in Cambridge, apparently because of both surface and internal moisture, but showed similar trends. In some of the early weeks, especially at high N, the crop appeared to be supplying water well in excess of livestock needs. In vitro digestibility was much affected by stage of growth and little affected by level of N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the sequence of seed development by measurement and observation of changes In seed moisture content, weight, colour, endosperm consistency, germination capacity and yield in perennial ryegrass Grasslands Ruanul, timothy Grasslands Kahu and a New Zealand strain of prairie grass (Bromus uniololdes). Seed moisture content was high (60%-70%) after anthesis and declined at different rates, depending on the specks and the weather. Maximum seed dry weight (maturity) was reached approximately 30 days after peak anthesis in all species and was influenced by N application and pazing. Colour changes in the seedhead and endosperm solidification proved unsatisfactory as measures of maturity. Endosperm solidification was reached 4, 11 and 12 days before maximum seed dry weight in ryegrass, timothy and prairie grass, respectively. Seeds removed from the plant as little as 7, 10 and 4 days after anthesis in ryegrass, timothy, and prairie grass, respectively, germinated, provided that dormancy was broken; but they did not retain viability after 3 months storage. Maximum viability of ryegrass, timothy and prairie grass seed tested Immediately after harvest occurred 30, 38 and 16 days after anthesis, compared with 17, 35 and 12 days, respectively, when germination testing was delayed for 3 months. in ryegrass, grazing caused a significant increase in seed yield in the second year while N application alone did not significantly increase yield. in timothy, grazing and to a lesser extent N, were both detrimental to seed yield in the second year. Highest yields were obtained in treatments not receiving either grazing or N. In prairie grass, grazing depressed and N application increased yields in both years. In all species similar or increased yield could be obtained by mowing the crop at, or slightly prior to, seed maturity and allowing seed development and ripening to continue on the cut straw for up to 10 days. Using this technique higher seed yields were obtained In ryegrass and timothy than when seed was direct-harvested. In prairie grass similar yields were obtained whether the crop was direct-harvested or threshed following drying in the swath for 10 days. The use of 'drying curves' for the prediction of correct cutting time of seed crops is suggests for ryegrass, timothy and prairie grass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the management of British grassland to-day there appears to be a marked divergence between the policies advocated by grassland science and general grassland practice. While science places emphasis on monocultures of sown species (mainly perennial ryegrass), heavily fertilized and intensively stocked, grassland farmers for the most part rely on long-established or indigenous swards composed of a variety of species and receiving modest applications of fertilizer. Since the gap between the two approaches is both substantial and of long duration the subject appears to be worth fresh attention. The purpose of this paper is to examine the current situation in relation to improvement In botanical composition and to suggest new approaches to that end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results from a field investigation indicated that dairy cows defaecated on average 13-9 times per day. Defaecations averaged 114 in.² (0·07 m²) in area and showed little difference in size in winter, spring and summer, although the cows defaecated significantly more often and dung consistency was less firm during the summer. The percentage area of paddock covered by dung patches after 24 hours' grazing ranged from 0·31% to 0·68%, depending principally on the stocking rate. Dung-patch distribution over the paddock was uniform in spring and summer, but not in winter. The grazing pattern of two groups of dairy cows (blinkered and non-blinkered) on a pasture containing dung patches was recorded over 4 days. Both groups exhibited a similar grazing pattern, suggesting that sight was not a primary aid to the selection of herbage. The results suggested that the smell of the dung patches was the primary cause for the rejection of the surrounding herbage. The results from this and the two previous papers are used to discuss the influence that the dung patch may have on the utilization of pasture by the grazing animal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil samples were taken at 0-1 in. (0-2·54 cm) and 1-3 in. (2·54-7·62 cm) depths on five occasions over a period of 55 days from under (3 in. (7·62 cm) radius from centre) and around (9 in. (22-86 cm), 12 in. (30·48cm) and 18 in. (45·72 cm) radius from centre) dung patches deposited on pasture. The samples were analysed for available N, K and P. There was a significant increase in the level of all three elements in the 0-1 in. samples beneath the dung patch. The increase persisted throughout the experiment. K exhibited the greatest increase, hut was not detected beyond the edge of the dung patch. The increase in soil N was smaller hut was detected up to 6 in. (15-24 cm) from the edge of the dung patch. P also increased, but was more variable than either N or K. Soil N, P and K did not increase in the 1-3 in. samples. The weight and fibre content of the dung patch was also measured throughout the experiment. After high initial losses (25%) the dung patch decayed only slowly. The loss of ammonia from dung patches was followed over 13 days in a separate experiment During the relatively hot weather over this period approximately 5 % of the N in the dung was lost as ammonia, mainly in the first five days. During the experimental period of 13 days 60% of the original weight of the dung patch was lost through evaporation. The results are discussed in relation to the growth of herbage surrounding a dung patch reported in the previous paper (12). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the rate of growth of Italian ryegrass in the spring, measured by recording DM yield at weekly intervals up to 10 weeks. There were 3 levels of applied N: 25, 75 and 125 lb/ac (28, 84 and 140 kg/ha). Rate of growth declined after the sixth week at all 3 levels of N. Grass receiving 25 lb N produced 5000 lb DM/ac (5600 kg/ha) in 10 weeks, that receiving 75 lb N 6800 lb (7700 kg/ha) and that receiving 125 lb N 7100 lb (8000 kg/ha). The DM content of herbage fell after the first week and subsequently increased steadily up to 10 weeks; the fall was least marked and the rate of increase most rapid at the lowest level of N. In vitro digestibility (measured in one year only) was much affected by stage of growth and little affected by level of N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model of the electronic instrument described by Campbell et al. (3) was built at the Grassland Research Institute and was found to behave in a very similar way to their New Zealand model. A considerable amount of field work was undertaken with it in 1964 and this demonstrated that no general relationship of acceptable accuracy had yet been found; nor could it be sufficiently improved by the inclusion of the meteorological and botanical factors recorded. This forces one to a consideration of double-sampling techniques, which appear worth while; they will be discussed in Part 2 of this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment is described in which S48 timothy seed, direct harvested at 3 stages of ripeness, was dried in layers 6 in. deep, at air temperatures from 75-135°F. immediately after harvest and after periods of from 1 to 3 days conditioning with cold air. Germination results for non-conditioned seed showed good agreement with those obtained in the previous year. The quality of seed hulled during threshing was inferior to that remaining unhulled after threshing, but the latter was more susceptible to high air temperature during drying. The relationship of the seed obtained in this experiment to commercial seed is discussed and a scheme for the practical application of the results will be presented in a subsequent paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on herbage plant breeding and seed production as discussed at the X International Grassland Congress which was held at the University of Helsinki, Finland from July 6 to 16, 1966. Criteria of selection and of progeny testing used in herbage breeding programmes in a range of different environments; Breeding methods; Information on papers on seed production.

Reviews the topic of grassland production discussed at the X International Grassland Congress which was held at the University of Helsinki, Finland from July 6 to 16, 1966. Information on papers presented under the title of Grassland Production;Growth in the pasture environment;Use of nitrogen for grass production;Effect of defoliation;Comments on the congress.

A previous paper (2) reported that the utilized-starch-equivalent (U.S.E.) system did not reflect the quantity or quality of herbage consumed better than a much simpler cow-day (C.D.) system, and. in all the cases studied, the correlation between U.S.E. and C.D. was greater than +0.877. The existing methods of C.D. evaluation are unsatisfactory because methods of equating classes of stock are widely different and many are arbitrary. An examination has been made of published measurements of herbage intake of groups of sheep and cattle. A regression analysis of cattle intakes gave the equation: dry matter intake (lb) = 0.0234 liveweight + 0.7. The use of this equation is advocated as a basis for assessing the relative herbage intake of cattle and sheep of known liveweights in order to compute the total herbage consumption corrected to C.D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparison of Aberystwyth-bred and commercial grass varieties on two small farms of approximately 17 acres was started in April 1958. The 10 plots comprising each unit are scattered in pairs over a total area of 35-5 acres [used from 1951 for a grazing management experiment (1, 2)]. The management and results for the first three years are given in this paper. Varieties for both long- and short-term leys were compared; the re-seeding plan and seeds mixtures used are detailed. The stock numbers, grazing management and fertilizer treatments were kept as nearly similar as possible for the farms and for the individual mixtures. Figures for utilized herbage production from individual plots, assessed from grazing data and from sample cuts taken during silage and hay making, are discussed in relation to botanical composition. The levels of production are given in terms of utilized starch equivalent, live-weight gain, wool from the ewes and cattle grazing days. All show consistent differences in favour of the Aberystwyth-bred varieties, but mask a difference in favour of Danish compared with S37 cocksfoot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of leaf area as a determinant of yield in herbage crops is now widely realized. Selection for a rapid increase in leaf area might therefore be a useful approach to the problem of breeding for yield. The present paper describes the seasonal changes in two important components of leaf area, rate of leaf and tiller production, in contrasting varieties of ryegrass, timothy and meadow fescue. The regular seasonal variation in these components in the glasshouse is shown to be determined primarily by available light energy, the species and varieties differing in their response to changes in light energy. The possibilities of selection for these components of leaf area are discussed, but it is pointed out that individual leaf size must also be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a review of several papers on grass and animal nutrition read at the 8th International Grassland Congress at Reading, England in July 1960. Measurement of the nutritive value of grass; Use of the in vitro rumen technique in determining grass digestibility; Investigation of the digestibility of grass regrowths; Measurement of the voluntary intake of roughages by animals.

A series of experiments was laid down in 1957 on different upland vegetation types in Scotland to provide a basis of critical information on the performance of 18 herbage varieties. The present paper deals with results on areas dominated originally by Molinia and Nardus at Sourhope farm, Roxburghshire. Data obtained between 1957 and 1959 are discussed in relation to sward development, competition with remnants of native herbage and seasonal productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of 125 digestion trials with sheep fed herbage at different stages of growth from three clover-free pure grass swards. During 1958 and 1959, a study was made of the yield, leaf lamina, nitrogen, ash and digestible organic matter percentage (D) of first growths, of regrowths cut at monthly and two monthly intervals and of swards receiving various quantities of fertilizer nitrogen. For first growths in the spring D remained almost constant until the ears started to protrude from the leaf sheaths and then fell rapidly at approximately 0.5 per cent per day. The D values for S 23 ryegrass were three weeks later than S 24 ryegrass, which correspond with later ear emergence of the latter. S 37 cocksfoot was always less digestible than S 24 ryegrass although both were at similar stages of growth. This difference in D also occurred in the regrowths. The D of monthly regrowths tended to fall with each successive cut, although in 1959 ryegrass values improved in the autumn. Fertilizer nitrogen had little effect on D. Despite the warmer spring and drier summer in 1959 and corresponding changes in production per acre there was little effect on D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutting experiments on the spring growth of a stand of Provence lucerne, the first year of which were described in a previous paper (1), were continued for a second and third season. The value of taking the first cut at the early bud stage, particularly in an unfavourable season, was confirmed. No adverse effects were observed in the crop after three seasons of this treatment and yields were satisfactory in the third year. Similar cutting experiments were made on the second growth of an area of Du Puits lucerne after the spring growth had been cut uniformly at the early bud stage. The curves for protein and fibre production were similar to those for the first growth but the crop matured more quickly and yields were lower. No further advantage was observed in cutting the second growth before the flower stage although earlier cutting produced no apparent ill-effect on the plant or upon subsequent yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the second three years (April 1954 to March 1957) of a grazing-management trial in the form of a pilot farm. The whole area of 355 acres was run as a self-contained unit with the object of providing grazing for as long a period of the year as possible, A system of rotational grazing was used throughout with strip- and fold-grazing at certain seasons. Excess herbage was conserved as silage and hay and fed back to stock during the winter. Beef-type steers and ewes and lambs grazed the pastures, the saleable products being fat cattle, lambs and wool. Results are presented and discussed in relation to stock numbers, animal health, herbage production and botanical composition, fertilizer application and the levels of production achieved. Over-all average fertilizer dressings per acre for the three years were equivalent to 5 cwt. per acre nitro-chalk, 2 cwt. per acre superphosphate and 1 cwt. per acre muriate of potash. The outputs of utilised starch equivalent in 1954-5, 1955-b and 1956-7 were 2970, 2850 and 2280 lb. per acre, respectively. On the basis of the six years' results it is concluded that high production can be achieved from a system where the object is an extended grazing season; that broadcast leys can he used for winter grazing and the botanical composition of the sward maintained: that self-fed silage can be a satisfactory feed for fattening cattle; that a grazing plan is a valuable guide to management; and that the pilot-farm method is of value for certain agronomic experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibilities of the wilting process have been investigated, with the ultimate object of determining its effect on the quality of farm silage. Attention has been confined mainly to mild or partial wilting, rather than severe wilting, since the danger of ensiling excessively dry material, especially when it is not chopped, is well recognised. Preliminary field tests were conducted to determine the rate and extent of the fall in moisture content in long and in bruised herbage, wilted for periods not exceeding 24 hours. Subsequently the wilted silages were made in experimental silos and, finally, in trench silos on a farm scale. This first paper deals with the field trials. Results show that important reductions in moisture content can be obtained in all but very poor weather. In good weather, moisture content may easily fall from the 80% to the 70% level; in poor weather (cool, overcast, with occasional showers) moisture loss still occurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the first three years of a seasonal grazing-management trial in the form of a pilot farm. Ten seeds mixtures were sown in blocks, each of 3 to 4 acres, in April 1950. From March 1951 this area of 355acres has been run as a self-contained unit with the object of providing grazing for as long a period of the year as possible. A system of rotational- and strip-grazing is employed, and an endeavour is made to manage the leys so as to provide for the needs of the stock without detriment to the swards. Details of management, herbage production, and grazing days for the various mixtures are given1 Excess herbage is conserved as silage and hay during the spring flush, The experiment caries a mixed stock of Hereford colour-marked bullocks, a flock of Half-bred ewes, and their lambs produced by crossing with a Suffolk ram. The bullocks are taken from the yearling stage to slaughter at 2 years 9 months old. The lambs are taken to the fat-lamb stage. The over-all average fertilizer dressings have been equivalent to: 4.22 cwt. per acre sulphate of ammonia (20.5 per cent N); 2.96 cwt. per acre superphosphate (18 per cent P2O5); and 1.63 cwt. per acre muriate of potash (60 per cent K2O). The figure for utilized starch equivalent for the unit has exceeded 2700 lb. per acre in all three years. The liveweight increase was 345 lb. per acre in 1951 and 1952 and, including hay and silage feeding, 248 and 256 cattle-grazing-days per acre were obtained in these two years, respectively. In all winters the 2-year old store bullocks have been carried well into the new year on foggage, and good store condition has been maintained. The ewes have been taken to mid-December or January, before feeding has started. For the first two winters the ewes received hay and silage only, but during the 1953/4 winter 0.5 lb. per head per day of a meal concentrate was fed before and after lambing. This is the only feed that has not been produced on the unit. The production achieved is much higher than accepted values on the chalk Downs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. This paper describes a rapid greenhouse technique for the identification and classification of ryegrass strains, based on their differences in response to low temperature vernalization. 2. Germinating seeds are exposed to low temperature (0-5° C.) for varying lengths of time and then transferred to continuous Eight at 50-70° F. 3. Leaf number before beading on the main shoot is recorded as a measure of the rate of inflorescence development. 4. Results of the tests are expressed on a probit diagram, thus allowing accurate comparison of samples which contain both heading and non-heading plants. 5. This technique can be used at any time of the year and provides :- (i) good separation between strains of different agronomic groups; (ii) rapid turnover of material; each test takes less than 6 months. (iii) improved coherence of results from different stations and seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Because of the limitations of cutting techniques and methods based on animal production data for the evaluation of pasture output, methods depending on the collection of faeces from grazing animals are being studied. 2. The use of the feed : faecal ratio technique is described. 3. To obviate the need for total faecal collection in the field, chromic oxide may be used as an `indigestible tracer. 4. By using chromic oxide and an `indigestible tracer' present naturally in the herbage, it is unnecessary either to make total faecal collection in the field, or to carry out indoor digestion trials on cut herbage. 5. The errors likely in these techniques are considered. The most serious of these is the need for sampling of the sward for `herbage as grazed', either for chemical analysis or for digestion experiments. 6. Errors due to the indigestibility of `tracers' varying from 100 per cent and, to non- representative sampling of faeces are discussed. 7. It is considered that techniques being developed which require neither herbage sampling nor the use of 'indigestible plant tracers' may have advantages over the methods discussed in the present paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]