SummaryOver a three year period (1993, 1994, and 1995), a total of 350 Thoroughbred colts and 350 Thoroughbred fillies in Central Kentucky were weighed monthly on a portable electronic scale through 1B months of age. Wither height and cond tion score were also measured in about half of the foals. In order to estimate mature body size ln these horses, 472 brood mares were weighed 60 to 90 days after foaling. In addition, 25 Thoroughbred breeding stallions were also welghed. The average body weight of the brood mares equaled 570 kg and the average weight of the stallions equaled 580 kg. At 14 days of age, colts and fillies weighed an aveßge ol77.7 and 76.1 kg and had average heights of 107.3 and 106.3 cm, respectively. Colts were heavier and taller than fillies throughout the study and at 490 days averaged 9.9 kg heavier (427.8 kg vs 418.0 k9) and 1.6 cm taller {153.4 cm vs 151

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Up to December 2004 (weeks 1-48 inclusive), 284 mumps cases were notified to the Irish National Disease Surveillance Centre. This is the greatest number of notifications since 1997 when 285 cases were reported

A brief overview of the onset and incidence of haemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN) is given along with some of the facts relating to vitamin K prophylaxis and an explanation of how HDN became assoiated with breastfed babies. The author argues that the association of HDN with breastfeeding is misguided and as a result explores the effect that this has on the uptake of vitamin K prophylaxis. The results of a local study are provided which demonstrate an unexplained increase in the uptake of vitamin K prophylaxis among breastfeeding women, in comparison to women feeding with formula. In an attempt to determine a rationale for the findings, a number of areas are explored which include the views and experiences of midwives who are expected to take an active role in ensuring women are able to make an informed choice. The outcome of the enquiries provides interesting reading and a possible basis for a more robust research study.

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