Clover infertility of sheep : continuing problem

Some varieties of subterranean clover, notably Dinninup, Dwalganup and Yarloop, contain compounds which act like the female sex hormone oestrogen. These plant oestrogens, or phyto-oestrogens , interfere with the fertility of sheep and depress the percentage of lambs born. Over the past 10 years our understanding of clover infertility has increased, and we can now gauge the extent of this residual problem. In fact, there is a widespread but low-level incidence of infertility which does not greatly affect individial farms but which has an important impact on the State\u27s sheep production

Observations on the mating behaviour of rams

TO work efficiently in commercial flocks, rams must mate with and fertilise relatively large numbers of ewes, often over short periods of mating. The importance of mating behaviour is obvious. Despite this, little is known of the mating behaviour of rams under commercial situations. A series of experiments in 1968 at Badgingarra Research Station was designed to investigate this and other aspects of mating behaviour

Mating weaners does not affect future ewe performance

Maiden ewes in Western Australia are usually mated in their second year because of supposed ill-effects of earlier mating on the ewe\u27s future production. Mating at a younger age however, providing there was no reduction in future performance, would provide for an extra lamb drop and thus increase the lifetime output of ewes. Information from various sources indicated that weaners could be successfully mated providing their bodyweights were satisfactory. This trial was carried out to test the results of mating weaners under Western Australian conditions

Piloting a manualised weight management programme (Shape Up-LD) for overweight and obese persons with mild-moderate learning disabilities: study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial

National obesity rates have dramatically risen over the last decade. Being obese significantly reduces life expectancy, increases the risk of a range of diseases, and compromises quality of life. Costs to both the National Health Service and society are high. An increased prevalence of obesity in people with learning disabilities has been demonstrated. The consequences of obesity are particularly relevant to people with learning disabilities who are already confronted by health and social inequalities. In order to provide healthcare for all, and ensure equality of treatment for people with learning disabilities, services must be developed specifically with this population in mind. The aim of this project is to pilot the evaluation of a manualised weight management programme for overweight and obese persons with mild-moderate learning disabilities (Shape Up-LD)

Underpinning development: health and health workforce in Northern Australia

[Extract] The renewed focus on the economic potential of Northern Australia recognises its unique proximity to Asia and the Indo Pacific region and its strategic position within the fastest growing global zone: The Tropics. Northern Australia is recognised as vital to Australia's future economic development over the next 30 years of the Asia-Pacific century. With sustained policy and political commitment, Northern Australia has the capacity to be an international leader in providing health professional education, tropical health research and development, and innovative health service models that will enable the development of a knowledge-based economic platform for the region

Lupinosis and rates of stocking of lupin stubbles

Lupin stubbles provide valuable summer sheep feed but under some conditions the fungus Phomopsis rossiana (for which lupins are the host plant) produces a toxin that causes lupinosis. Results from research at Badaingarra Research Station over the 1973-74 and 1974- 75 summers have shown that sheep liver damage associated with lupin stubble grazing is likely to be more severe at high than low stocking rates

Determinants of sleep quality in 5835 individuals living with and beyond breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer: a cross-sectional survey

Purpose: The present study aimed to quantify the level of sleep problems in 5835 breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer survivors, and explore a number of potential determinants of poor sleep quality in the present sample. BMI, diet, and physical activity were of particular interest as potential determinants. / Methods: Participants who completed the ‘Health and Lifestyle after Cancer’ survey were adults who had been diagnosed with breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer (mean time since cancer diagnosis was 35.5 months, SD=13.56). Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. BMI was calculated from self-reported height and weight. Participants were categorised as meeting/not meeting the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) recommendations for fibre, fruit and vegetables, added sugar, red meat, processed meat, fat, alcohol, and physical activity. Analyses accounted for demographic and clinical factors. / Results: Fifty-seven percent of those with sleep data were classified as poor sleepers (response rate 79%). Being female, having a higher number of cancer treatments, more comorbid conditions, and being more anxious/depressed increased the odds of being a poor sleeper. After adjustment for these factors, there were no associations between diet/alcohol/physical activity and sleep. However, BMI was associated with sleep. Individuals in the overweight and obese categories had 22% and 79% higher odds of being poor sleepers than individuals in the underweight/healthy weight category, respectively. / Conclusions: The findings suggest that there may be a need to develop sleep quality interventions for cancer survivors with obesity. Even after adjustment for multiple clinical and demographic factors, BMI (particularly obesity) was associated with poor sleep. Thus, researchers and health professionals should find ways to support individuals with overweight and obesity to improve their sleep quality

Segmenting excessive alcohol consumers : implications for social marketing

While extant studies have mainly investigated differences between drinkers and non-drinkers, the literature on segmenting heavy drinkers and profiling them is surprisingly scarce. This study makes a significant contribution to the social marketing literature by illustrating a novel way of targeting heavy drinkers by utilizing their health management styles and provides useful insights into understanding how segmentation could be a valuable tool for developing effective social marketing programmes that are aimed at reducing excessive alcohol consumption. Analysis of data collected through the HINTS study reveals a two-cluster segmentation model. The two segments of heavy drinkers distinctly differ in terms of the extent of reliance and trust they place on health service professionals. Hence, the segmentation analysis provides interesting and novel insights into the level of dependence of heavy drinkers on the health care system and their health management styles. The study provides an actionable perspective for future research, public policy and social marketing