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Full-Text Articles in Nutrition
Sheep And Wool Industries Need To Improve Their Performance, Rob Kelly, Tim Marshall
Sheep And Wool Industries Need To Improve Their Performance, Rob Kelly, Tim Marshall
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Today in Western Australia, sheep are run at slightly higher stocking rates, are achieving greater lambing percentages (up JO per cent) and higher wool cuts per animal ( up 0. 6 kg greasy) than in the 1960s. When all components of production are considered, the productivity of sheep fanns has increased by 2. 7 per cent per year over the past 35 years.
The challenge of the next decade is to achieve substantially greater rates of improvement than for past years if the sheep and wool industries are to maintain their significant place in Western Australian agriculture.
Getting The Best Out Of Weaner Sheep In The Eastern Wheatbelt, Sally Revell
Getting The Best Out Of Weaner Sheep In The Eastern Wheatbelt, Sally Revell
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
A study of the growth of Merino weaner flocks over summer and autumn in Western Australia 's eastern wheatbelt during 1989 and 1990 has identified efficient weaner management strategies, and provided a basis for future research and extension needs of this area. The average liveweight of several weaner flocks was unexpectedly low at the start of summer. Weaner flocks may need to be supplemented before the start of summer to prevent undue weight loss at this time.
Phomopsis-Resistant Lupin Stubbles As Feed For Weaner Sheep, Colin Mcdonald, Keith Croker, Jeremy Allen
Phomopsis-Resistant Lupin Stubbles As Feed For Weaner Sheep, Colin Mcdonald, Keith Croker, Jeremy Allen
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
The breeding of sweet, narrow-leafed lupins with increased resistance to Phomopsis leptostromiformis, the fungus that causes lupinosis in sheep, is a breakthrough for the summer nutrition of weaner sheep. The new resistant varieties, Gungurru for the medium (325 to 450 mm) rainfall areas and Yorrel for low rainfall areas (less than 325 mm), were released by the Department of Agriculture in 1988.
This article discusses progress in a four-year project which is examining liveweight and wool production of weaners grazing Gungurru stubbles.
Supplementary Feeding Of Weaner Sheep At Esperance, Julian Gardner, Peter Doyle
Supplementary Feeding Of Weaner Sheep At Esperance, Julian Gardner, Peter Doyle
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Cereal grains, particularly barley, have been the usual supplement fed to weaner sheep during summer and autumn along Western Australia's south coast. This area is a major barley producer, and weather-damaged and other feed quality grain have a ready use. High protein lupin seed, and to a lesser extent silage, have gained wide acceptance recently as alternative supplements. This article discusses the results of the first two of a series of supplementary feeding experiments at Esperance Downs Research Station.
New Insights Into The Management Of Ewes Over Summer And Autumn, Rob Kelly, Ian Ralph
New Insights Into The Management Of Ewes Over Summer And Autumn, Rob Kelly, Ian Ralph
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Recent research in Western Australia has provided new information on the effects of liveweight and liveweight change on wool production and quality, as well as lamb survival and growth. Liveweight and liveweight change in sheep reflect the animals' nutritional status, and this in turn directly influences their wool production and reproductive performance. The under-nutrition of sheep not only has an immediate effect on the animal's performance, but the research showed that it also produces a significant carry-over effect on wool and lamb production, even if the ewes have returned to good feed. These findings suggest that for the efficient management …
Weaning Kimberley Cattle Pays Off, D Pratchett, Stuart Young
Weaning Kimberley Cattle Pays Off, D Pratchett, Stuart Young
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Research results show that weaning Kimberley calves when they reach 140kg liveweight is one way of increasing herd productivity by changing management practices. However, removing the bulls from the breeding herd, rather than running them with the cows ywear round as is the practice, does not increase branding percentage.
Farm Grazing Levels, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia
Farm Grazing Levels, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Stocking rates in many dairying areas are so low that the Division has established nine grazing level demonstrations in various areas.
Their aim is to demonstrate that higher stocking rates are practical on existing farms.
Feedlots For Beef In W.A. : Some Guiding Principles, D J. Barker
Feedlots For Beef In W.A. : Some Guiding Principles, D J. Barker
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
FEEDLOTS are small enclosures where all of the animal's feed is supplied from an outside source. Compared with grazing, feedlotting is an expensive method of beef production.
This article gives a guide to the requirements for establishment and management of a farm feedlot, especially the basic equipment and materials, the type of cattle most suited to feedlotting, rations and feeding techniques.
The author warns that skill and experience are needed to run a feedlot and describes feedlotting as an expensive method of beef raising when compared with grazing.
Further details are available from the author
When Is A Cattle Feedlot Profitable?, J T. Stoate
When Is A Cattle Feedlot Profitable?, J T. Stoate
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
THE current surge of interest in feedlots stems from low coarse grain prices and comparatively low early summer baby beef prices. Cattle raisers sense the opportunity for higher prices by holding the cattle on the farm over summer and autumn, and grain producers see better returns from barley and oats fed to cattle than sold as grain.
This article examines the profitability of cattle feedlots and presents sample budgets for two typical situations—the farmer who produces his own cattle but buys grain, and the cereal grower who produces grain but buys in cattle for finishing in a feedlot.
A ready …
Dairy Beef Shows Healthy Profits, D J. Barker
Dairy Beef Shows Healthy Profits, D J. Barker
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
The October, 1970, issue of the Journal of Agriculture included results from the first year of a dairy beef production trial at Bramley Research Station.
This report presents results from the trial's second year, during which two levels of pasture utilisation were tested. The trial is now in its third year.
Thinking Of Pigs To Raise Your Income?, P Mcnamara
Thinking Of Pigs To Raise Your Income?, P Mcnamara
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
WHEAT quotas and low wool prices have caused many farmers to look to pigs to consume homegrown grain and to lift their incomes. However, with sow numbers at a record level, is it possible for a wheatbelt farmer to raise pigs profitably?
Because of his access to cheap grain, the wheatbelt farmer may be able to make a good profit on each pig sold. This could make pigmeat production a useful sideline on the farm, providing the farmer produces only lean pigs. There is no market for overfat pigs.
This article gives some hints on production of pigs on cereal …
Three Beef Raising Systems For Butterfat Producing Properties, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia
Three Beef Raising Systems For Butterfat Producing Properties, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
THREE-QUARTERS of the calves born in autumn on butterfat farms are not required as milking replacements and are thus available for beef production or immediate sale, at about $20 a head.
The profit from selling beef must be compared with that from selling excess calves off their mothers.
Such a comparison is being made by Department of Agriculture Beef Research Officer D. J. Barker in a series of trials at Bramley Research Station, Margaret River.
High Pre-Mating Liveweights Improve The Lambing Performance Of Merino Ewes, R J. Suiter
High Pre-Mating Liveweights Improve The Lambing Performance Of Merino Ewes, R J. Suiter
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Analysis of lambing trials with Merino ewes has shown a highly significant association between pre-mating liveweight and lambing performance.
With May-June lambing ewes there was a 2.9 per cent, lambing increase for every extra 10 lb. liveweight; for July-August- September lambing ewes there was a 6.9 per cent, increase for every 10 lb. liveweight increase.
With the May-June lambing there was a critical weight below which twinning was negligible.
Thirteenth Random Sample Laying Test : 1969-70, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia
Thirteenth Random Sample Laying Test : 1969-70, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
THIRTEENTH RANDOM SAMPLE LAYING TEST, 1969-70
SECOND PROGRESSIVE REPORT TO 1st MARCH, 1970 Average age of birds 215 days or 30 weeks and 5 days
Experiments With Urea On Private Farms, R J. Parkin, G. Palmer, A. Haagensen, L. D. White, R. J. Suiter, H. E. Fels
Experiments With Urea On Private Farms, R J. Parkin, G. Palmer, A. Haagensen, L. D. White, R. J. Suiter, H. E. Fels
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Many District Advisers have carried out trials on private farms to test the response to a variety of types of supplementary feeds. This report gives brief details of five such experiments carried out with urea supplements over the last five years. Table 1 summarises the details and results of these trials.
Choosing Your Lambing Time, T Marshall
Choosing Your Lambing Time, T Marshall
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
SHEEP, pastures and labour are the major resources of the sheep enterprise but their productivity is greatly affected by the timing of operations associated with them.
This article discusses how the lambing time can be chosen to get maximum use from each resource.
Rationing Standing Crops To Sheep, H E. Fels
Rationing Standing Crops To Sheep, H E. Fels
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
This experiment was done at Merredin Research Station to develop and test a method of rationing standing crops to sheep, and also to find whether rationing would reduce the sheep's water consumption.
The experiment involved 60 sheep on 12 one-acre plots of drought affected Gamenya wheat.
More Butterfat Per Acre At Denmark Research Station, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia
More Butterfat Per Acre At Denmark Research Station, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
STOCKING rates on dairy farms are generally too low and can be substantially increased, but unfortunately there is no satisfactory measurement to indicate the potential of a particular pasture or environment.
A trial carried out on Denmark Research Station in 1966-67, to obtain information on carrying capacity of a dryland kikuyu-subterranean clover pasture.
High Stocking Rate On Kikuyu Dairy Pasture : Progress Report On Grazing Trials On Kikuyu-Sub. Clover Pasture At Denmark Research Station, F E. Ryan
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
KIKUYU is one of the most valuable pasture plants on dairy farms in the South-West of Western Australia.
It combines well with subterranean clover and ryegrass if heavily stocked, and pastures managed in this way can be cut for legume-grass hay in the spring. However, relatively little is known of its carrying capacity or potential for production under grazing.
W.A. Dairying : Progress In 42 Years, Maurice C. Cullity
W.A. Dairying : Progress In 42 Years, Maurice C. Cullity
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
From hardship and elementary standards, West Australian dairying has developed into a consolidated industry with larger herds, increased output and high quality production.
The changes he has seen are reviewed by Mr. M. Cullity who retired last month from the position of Chief of the Division of Dairying, after 42 years of service to the industry.
THE history of Western Australia's dairying industry has been a story of struggle against hardship, marketing problems and adverse criticism.
In spite of this the industry has steadily grown and greatly improved its efficiency.
Cattle Stocking Rates In A Higher Rainfall Area, R Sprivulis
Cattle Stocking Rates In A Higher Rainfall Area, R Sprivulis
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
THE 1965 Pardelup cattle stocking rate trial was conducted with Hereford cross yearling steers on annual pasture of Mt. Barker sub. clover, Wirnmera ryegrass and various volunteer annual species.
This was topdressed with 186 lb. of superphosphate per acre in mid March.
A Guide To Pig Feeding, P Mcnamara
A Guide To Pig Feeding, P Mcnamara
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
FOOD is by far the greatest cost in pig production, accounting for between 60 per cent, and 75 per cent, of the total cost, and for this reason it is important that the basic principles of feeding be understood.
Cattle : And The Ord Irrigation Project, W M. Nunn
Cattle : And The Ord Irrigation Project, W M. Nunn
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
No abstract provided.
Feeding Urea To Dairy Cows, R A. Bettenay
Feeding Urea To Dairy Cows, R A. Bettenay
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
IT has been known for some years that the ruminant animal, through the agency of microflora in the rumen, has the ability to use urea as a source of nitrogen, and to convert some of this to protein.
More Sheep Per Acre, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia
More Sheep Per Acre, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
In the late 1950's agricultural scientists in Western Australia became convinced that much of the improved pasture in the agricultural areas of the State was going to waste.
The results of the early trials resulted in many farm demonstrations of higher carrying capacities on improved pastures in southern agricultural areas.
Reproductive Wastage And The Sheep Shortage In Western Australia, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia
Reproductive Wastage And The Sheep Shortage In Western Australia, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
WESTERN AUSTRALIA has an acute shortage of sheep.
It is estimated that about seven million extra sheep are needed to stock existing pastures fully; meanwhile the carrying capacity of the State's pastures is increasing at the rate of three million sheep a year.
Meadow Hay For The Dairy Herd, F E. Ryan
Meadow Hay For The Dairy Herd, F E. Ryan
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
CONSERVATION is the basis of progress in dairy farming and the major form is meadow hay, but unfortunately relatively few dairy farmers give enough attention to the quality and quantity of this important feed.
The First Year Of A Cattle Stocking Rate Trial At Pardelup, R Sprivulis
The First Year Of A Cattle Stocking Rate Trial At Pardelup, R Sprivulis
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
AS a first step towards the study of pasture utilisation by cattle, a simple trial was commenced at the Pardelup Prison Farm in 1964.
The trial is carried out with Poll Hereford cross steers set stocked on Mt. Barker subterranean-clover and Wimmera ryegrass pasture.
It will be repeated for several seasons.
Stocking Rates On Cyprus Barrel Medic In The Northern Wheatbelt, R J. Parkin
Stocking Rates On Cyprus Barrel Medic In The Northern Wheatbelt, R J. Parkin
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
IN May 1963, some three weeks after germination, a 4th year stand of Cyprus barrel medic was stocked with Merino wethers.
These same sheep are still grazing the area after three years.
Good Management For The Springers Pays Dividends, J Y. Langdon
Good Management For The Springers Pays Dividends, J Y. Langdon
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
This article gives a striking example of the advantages of calving cows in good and rising condition—and explains why condition around calving time is so important.
ALTHOUGH most farmers know that cows calving in good and improving condition will give higher yields than those calving in poor condition, few use this knowledge to improve the production from their cows.