Gynaecologist’s wives could see more of their partners at night if new research to be conducted at Brisbane Royal Women’s Hospital proves successful.

Dr Roger McLeod, who heads up the research unit attached to the hospital is hopeful that if trials to be conducted shortly are successful then a higher percentage of babies will be born during the daylight hours.

And the idea for this research has come from an unusual area the dairy industry. Dr McLeod explained that many dairy farmers who fed their cows later in the day had more calves born during the day and less at night. “We are not sure whether it is the change in blood sugar levels but there appears to be a strong anecdotal correlation to the timing of majority of feed intake and the birth.”

While medical research is at the forefront, Dr McLeod acknowledged the genesis for this idea actually came from his Uncle Brian who still dairies in the Kingaroy region.

Most volunteers for the trial would only be asked to make minor changes to their daily intake by having a smaller breakfast and lunch and then a larger meal at night, but a small number may have to go without breakfast or breakfast and lunch.

Officials at Queensland Health were optimistic that savings could be made if the trial proved successful with the ultimate aim of having a day shift only at delivery units.