A user-oriented and computerized model for estimating vehicle ride quality

A simplified empirical model and computer program for estimating passenger ride comfort within air and surface transportation systems are described. The model is based on subjective ratings from more than 3000 persons who were exposed to controlled combinations of noise and vibration in the passenger ride quality apparatus. This model has the capability of transforming individual elements of a vehicle's noise and vibration environment into subjective discomfort units and then combining the subjective units to produce a single discomfort index typifying passenger acceptance of the environment. The computational procedures required to obtain discomfort estimates are discussed, and a user oriented ride comfort computer program is described. Examples illustrating application of the simplified model to helicopter and automobile ride environments are presented

Dairy beef shows healthy profits

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\u27s second year, during which two levels of pasture utilisation were tested. The trial is now in its third year

Cattle fertility not harmed by pour-on insecticides

Pour-on insecticides have been a feature of lice and fly control on cattle for many years and in many countries, but it seems that only in Western Australia have they been suspected of lowering fertility. Frequent reports of this effect have been received by the Department of Agriculture since the first pour-on insecticide was marketed in W.A. in the late 1960\u27s, culminating in the research work reported below. The work clears pour-ons as a cause of reduced fertility in herds

Baby beef production in W.A

BABY beef should be marketed at about 500-600 lb. liveweight at less than 12 months old, and should be in prime condition to be sought after by the trade

Beef marketing as a guide to production techniques

Until about a year ago beef was in strong demand. Almost anything was marketable at favourable prices and good profits could be made even if the production process was wasteful in some respects. Now the tide has turned. The demand for beef is weak, prices are low and some types of beef are virtually unsaleable. Now more than ever it is important to look critically at the factors which affect beef quality and to seek ways of reducing waste in both feed used and end products marketed. This article examines production and marketing of beef and points out some inadequacies in both

Feeding urea to cattle

RUMINANTS normally obtain the protein they require by digestion of the organisms that inhabit the forestomach (rumen), not by direct digestion of the dietary protein they chew up and swallow. The organisms break down the dietary protein and then rebuild proteins in the form of more organisms

Feedlots for beef in W.A. : some guiding principles

FEEDLOTS are small enclosures where all of the animal\u27s 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 autho

Grain finishing of beef cattle grazing dry pasture or stubble

WHEAT quotas, poor wool prices and the availability of cheap grain on the farm have stimulated interest in grain finishing of cattle for out-of-season beef production. For many years, Animals turned off in the autumn-winter period have brought better prices than those sold in summer, at the end of the pasture flush. Feeding grain supplements to cattle on dry pasture or stubble requires less capital than feedlotting and saves the cost of handling and processing roughage. This article gives the essentials for grain supplementation of dry pasture or stubble but warns that grain finishing is unlikely to be profitable outside the period from Christmas to August. While the principles of feedlotting generally hold good for stubble and pasture supplementation, this article outlines the main differences between the two systems

Forward contracts for marketing beef cattle

Beef producers in Western Australia have established a scheme for marketing cattle of specified quality, at a price negotiated in advance with the buyer. This eliminates the financial risk for the producer in feeding beef cattle and ensures a supply of quality beef for the meat industry and the consumer. However the contracts can only be profitable if the producer \u27does his homework\u27 properly. This article outlines the items he should consider