Several previous studies have demonstrated an increased prevalence of gout in New Zealand Maoris. The aetiology of the hyperuricaemia and its effect on morbidity, apart from gout, are unknown. A survey of 115 Maori men of working age revealed a history of gout in 10 (8%) and asymptomatic hyperuricaemia in 26 (23%). The relationship of hyperuricaemia with obesity was confirmed. Alcohol did not make an obvious contribution to the prevalence of hyperuricaemia. Hypertension was more common and creatinine clearance lower amongst those with gout, but not significantly so. The frequency of hypertension and mean creatinine clearance were similar to that seen in asymptomatic hyperuricaemia and normouricaemia. Urate clearance was lower in the gouty and hyperuricaemic subjects. The normouricaemic Maoris had a reduced fractional urate clearance compared with normal men elsewhere. They also excreted a relatively small proportion of hydrogen as ammonium. Both these features are characteristic of gout, and suggest that the Maoris' susceptibility to hyperuricaemia has a renal mechanism. Obesity is common amongst the Maoris and accentuates their natural tendency to hyperuricaemia.
Observations were made on mating behaviour and reproductive performance during the puberal period in 61 well-grown Perendale (Cheviot x Romney) ewe lambs. In four animals, the first oestrus (as indicated by raddle marks) was not accompanied by ovulation, and three other lambs, though marked by the rams, were not inseminated.The behavioural responses to a ram, of ewe lambs experiencing oestrus for the first and second times, showed many signs of inadequacy by comparison with those of mature ewes. Individual ewe lambs and mature ewes in oestrus were exposed to a ram in a pen for 3 h, and their responses were ranked on a scale of 1 (full adult response) to 5 (weak response). Of mature ewes 95% scored 1, compared with only 27 % of ewe lambs. Across the lambs 59 % scored 3 or more, indicating failure of some aspects of the courtship sequences which are required to sustain and reinforce the ram's interest. In a paddock-mating system many lambs showed a strong tendency to disassociate themselves from the rams after each courtship and mating sequence. Consequently there was little evidence of harem formation. Fifty-six per cent of services came in the first 2 h of oestrus, only 14 % after the 6th hour and none after the 11th hour.Duration of the first oestrus in lambs was 18-4 h compared with 29-3 h in mature ewes. Mating the 61 ewe lambs over the first three cycles after puberty resulted in 38 of them being pregnant with 46 foetuses at autopsy in mid to late pregnancy. The success rate did not differ between cycles. c a t e d t h a t m a h i S h P r°P°rtio n °f studies only 6-2
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