Hematological and biochemical findings in pregnant, postfoaling, and lactating jennies

Complete Blood Count and Biochemistry Reference Intervals for Healthy Adult Donkeys in the United States

Previous hematologic and serum biochemistry reference interval (RI) values have been established for donkeys in various geographic regions, life-stages, or for specific donkey breeds. The last extensive investigation establishing RIs for adult donkeys in the United States (U.S.) was published over three decades ago. We aimed to establish updated robust RIs using a reference population of apparently healthy adult donkeys from across the U.S. Standard sized (n = 102), miniature (n = 17), and mammoth (n = 1) donkeys from four different states were enrolled, with 20% of the study population including donkeys captured directly from the wild in Death Valley National Park, CA. RIs were established in accordance with the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. The findings will assist practitioners with the interpretation of their complete blood count and biochemistry panel results in U.S. donkeys. This study also highlights a comparison of results for some important analytes in U.S. donkeys compared to U.S. horses and previously established donkey RIs.

Serum Biochemistry Parameters of the Endangered Miranda's Donkey Breed: Reference Intervals and the Influence of Gender and Age

Miranda's donkey is an endangered, autochthone breed from Northern Portugal. Understanding the physiological and pathological conditions of Miranda's donkey is crucial for the conservation of the breed. Our study aimed to establish reference intervals (RIs) for blood biochemistry parameters and to evaluate the influence of gender and age on these parameters. Blood samples from 75 clinically healthy animals were analyzed for 21 blood biochemistry parameters using Respons® 920 and Start® 4-Diagnostica-Stago. RIs were calculated according to the ASVCP guidelines, utilizing Reference Advisor software V. 2.1 and the statistical program SPSS version 29 to analyze the effects of gender and age. Significant gender-related differences (p < 0.05) were observed in cholesterol, chlorine, creatinine (CREA), glucose (GLU), sodium, and triglycerides (with higher values in females) and in aspartate aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase (CK), gamma-glutamyl transferase, potassium, magnesium (Mg), and urea (with higher values in males). Age-related differences (p < 0.05) were noted for alkaline phosphatase, CK, fibrinogen, GLU, and phosphorus (higher in young animals) and for globulin, Mg, and total protein (higher in adults). The RIs described here are invaluable for assessing and monitoring the health status of individual animals and herds. Our study highlights the importance of considering gender and age in the interpretation of biochemical parameters, providing critical insights for the conservation and management of this endangered breed.

Metabolic Alternations During Gestation in Dezhou Donkeys and the Link to the Gut Microbiota

The maternal intestinal microbial community changes dramatically during pregnancy and plays an important role in animal growth, metabolism, immunity and reproduction. However, our understanding of microbiota compositional dynamics during the whole pregnancy period in donkey is incomplete. This study was carried out to evaluate gut microbiota alterations as well as the correlation with serum biochemical indices, comparing pregnant donkeys to non-pregnant donkeys. A total of 18 pregnant (including EP, early-stage pregnancy; MP, middle-stage pregnancy and LP, late-stage pregnancy) and six non-pregnant (C as a control) donkey blood samples and rectum contents were collected. The results showed that pregnant donkeys had higher microbial richness than non-pregnant donkeys and that the lowest microbial diversity occurred at the EP period. Moreover, the relative abundances of the families Clostridiaceae and Streptococcaceae were significantly higher in the EP group (p < 0.05) than that in the C and MP groups, while the relative abundances of the families Lachnospiraceae and Rikenellaceae were significantly lower in the EP group (p < 0.05) than that in the C group. The predicted microbial gene functions related to the inflammatory response and apoptosis, such as Staphylococcus aureus infection, the RIG-1-like receptor signaling pathway and apoptosis, were mainly enriched in EP. Furthermore, pregnant donkeys had higher glucose levels than non-pregnant donkeys, especially at EP period. EP donkeys had lower triglyceride, total protein and albumin levels but higher malondialdehyde, interleukin 1β, interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels than those in the C and MP groups. Additionally, there were strong correlations between inflammatory cytokine levels and the relative abundances of genera belonging to the Clostridiaceae and Streptococcaceae families. This is the first comparative study performed in donkeys that indicates that pregnancy status (especially in the early pregnancy period) alters the gut microbiota composition, which was correlated with serum biochemical parameters. These results could provide useful information for improving the reproductive management in Dezhou donkeys.

Differences of the Plasma Total Lipid Fraction from Pre-Foaling to Post-Foaling Period in Donkeys

Simple Summary

An association between increased metabolic demands and reduced dry matter intake is observed from late gestation to early lactation in donkeys. Furthermore, little is known about the nutritional and energy requirements of this period in animals. Changes in energy metabolism make donkeys more susceptible to metabolic diseases such as hyperlipemia, which is characterized by the mobilization of fatty acids from adipose tissue. A better knowledge of this period could improve animal husbandry, well-being, and health. The aim of this study was to analyze the plasma total lipid fraction, to highlight metabolic changes from the pre-foaling to post-foaling periods, using the gas chromatography technique. Our findings reveal a greater risk of metabolic disease in late gestation to early lactation in donkeys.

Abstract

The period from late gestation to early lactation is characterized by changes in energy metabolism. The aim of the current study was to analyze the plasma total lipid fraction using gas chromatography (GC) analysis, in order to highlight metabolic changes from the pre-foaling to post-foaling periods. Eleven pluriparous dairy jennies (mean age of 11.88 ± 3.79 years) belonging to the Amiata donkey breed were enrolled. Blood sampling was performed at 15 days before foaling (T0), and 15 (T1), 30 (T2), 60 (T3), and 90 (T4) days after foaling, for biochemical and GC analysis. A total of 37 fatty acids were identified in plasma samples: 4 medium chain (MCFA), 24 long chain (LCFA), and 9 very-long chain (VLCFA) fatty acids. Among them, 20 fatty acids changed significantly, and two fatty acid showed a trend toward significance. Furthermore, the LCFA, saturated, unsaturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated ω-3 fatty acids changed significantly during the study period. The main alterations were between T0 and the other time points and appeared to be related to lipid metabolism, cellular structure and function, and inflammatory and immune responses. Our findings reveal greater energy requirements at the end of gestation compared to early lactation in donkeys.

Assessment of serum amyloid A concentrations and biochemical profiles in lactating jennies and newborn Ragusano donkey foals around parturition and one month after foaling in Sicily

A proper knowledge of biochemical parameters and inflammatory markers like serum amyloid A (SAA) is crucial in the monitoring of the first post‐partum period in equids. Since no information is available on SAA for donkeys at this stage, 50 animals including jennies (n.10) and newborn foals (n.10) within 48 hr from foaling, and jennies (n.10) and foals (n.20) after 30 days from parturition were enrolled in the study to assess routine biochemical profile including SAA. Jennies showed higher alkaline phosphatase and lower bilirubins and cholesterol at 30 days of lactation compared to post‐partum. Neonatal donkey foals showed significant higher concentrations of sodium, alkaline phosphatase, lactic dehydrogenase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and albumin within 48 hr of age, whilst higher values of phosphate and triglycerides were observed in older foals of 30 days of age. Significant higher SAA concentrations were recorded during the peripartum period in both jennies (25.95 ± 14.98 μg/ml) and newborn donkey foals (37.44 ± 19.75 μg/ml) compared to SAA values recorded in lactating jennies (2.38 ± 1.78 μg/ml) and in donkey foals (16.04 ± 18.14 μg/ml) at 30 days after parturition. The assessment of SAA in jennies and donkey foals around parturition and one month after foaling represents a valuable tool for the monitoring of health status during this stage when animals have to face with new challenges like the peak of lactation and extrauterine life adaptation respectively.

Effects of the Physiological Status and Diet on Blood Metabolic Parameters in Amiata Dairy Donkeys

Simple Summary

This study investigated the physiological responses of donkeys feeding two different diets during maintenance, pregnancy and lactation. To investigate how the metabolic state influences dairy production, we also assessed the relationships between the blood metabolic profile and milk quality. We found that pregnancy and the first months of lactation led to lower feed intake and increases in blood non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), which was linked to the difficulty that the jennies have in meeting the higher energy needs. The intake of the concentrate in the diet was associated with the increase in blood glucose, both during maintenance and lactation. Higher NEFA were related to lower de novo synthesized milk fatty acids, whereas higher plasma B-HBA were related to higher somatic cell count. This paper contributes to the knowledge of physiological responses of jennies during milk production phases and provides information for donkey milk producers.

Abstract

Body weight changes and blood metabolic parameters in jennies feeding two different diets and in three physiological statuses were investigated (maintenance vs. pregnancy; maintenance vs. lactation). The relationships between blood metabolic profile and milk quality were also evaluated. Fourteen jennies were allocated to two groups (1: pregnant/lactating; 2: non-pregnant, non–lactating). Pregnant jennies and maintenance jennies (during the first 10-week measurement period) fed a diet consisted of ad libitum grass hay (diet 1); lactating jennies and maintenance jennies (during the last 10-week measurement period) fed ad libitum grass hay plus 2 kg/head/day of concentrate (diet 2). Blood sampling was performed on the jennies of both groups; individual milk samples were also collected during the first 70 days in milk. Higher blood NEFA (p < 0.05) were found in pregnant compared to maintenance jennies (diet 1) (68 vs. 37 μmol/L). Lactating jennies showed higher (p < 0.01) average blood NEFA (268 vs. 26 μmol/L) and glucose (66 vs. 55 mg/dL) compared to the maintenance (diet 2). Blood glucose was positively correlated to milk fat (p < 0.05), while negative significant correlations between de novo milk fatty acids and NEFAs were observed. Positive correlations between plasma B-HBA and somatic cell count (p < 0.01) were also found.

Haematological changes in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus f. domesticus) in the course of pregnancy

The analysis of haematological parameters is an important element of the assessment of the physiological condition of animals. Haematological parameters may change both under the influence of various external factors, and in the course of normal pregnancy, which has been found in various species of mammals, including rabbits. Our study showed statistically significant (p<0.05) changes in basic haematological parameters: RBC (decrease; 5.87±0.48 at day 15 vs. 5.42±0.32 T/L at day 26), MCH (increase; 1.35±0.04 before matching vs. 1.41±0.03 fmol at day 26), RDW (decrease; 15.77±1.80 at day 15 vs. 14.27±1.57% at day 26) MPV (increase; 5.17±0.31 at day 15 vs. 5.92±0.70 fL at day 26), WBC (decrease; 8.60±2.57 at day 15 vs. 4.94±0.88 G/L at day 26) and PLT (decrease; 398.17±91.67 before matching vs. 271.67±61.72 G/L at day 26) in Termond White rabbits and RBC (decrease; 6.18±0.68 before matching vs. 5.68±0.54 T/L at day 26), Hb (decrease; 8.00±0.90 before matching vs. 7.32±0.71 mmol/L at day 26), MCH (decrease; 1.32±0.05 at day 15 vs. 1.29±0.04 fmol at day 26) and WBC (decrease; 9.62±1.81 before matching vs. 5.85±2.23 G/L at day 26 as well as 9.58±2.35 at day 15 vs. 5.85±2.23 G/L at day 26) in Popielno White rabbits. Moreover, in the Popielno White rabbits we recorded a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the percentage of irregular erythrocytes at the end of pregnancy (11.00±10.02 at day 15 vs. 3.00±4.94 at day 26). The changes appear to be physiological but should be considered in studies using rabbits as model organisms.

Nutrition of Broodmares

Forage availability should cover most needs for mares bred during spring and summer. Out-of-season breeding, lack of access to pasture, or good quality forage calls for nutritional supplementation. Current evaluations of broodmare needs are based on fetoplacental tissue requirements, but do not consider endocrine changes or that the maternal diet quality affects long-term foal health. This article reviews pregnant mares' current nutritional recommendations. Secondly, fetoplacental developmental stages during gestation are outlined, defining critical periods in the context of the developmental origins of health and disease. Last, examples of how maternal nutrition affects long-term foal health are presented.

Evaluation of Different Methods to Estimate the Transfer of Immunity in Donkey Foals Fed with Colostrum of Good IgG Quality: A Preliminary Study

Simple Summary

Little is known about the passive transfer of immunity in donkey foals and about the different types of analysis that can be performed to assess it. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the correlation between IgG Serum Radial Immunodiffusion, Electrophoresis Gamma Globulins, Electrophoresis Total Protein and the Serum Total Protein analyzed by Refractometry and by Dry Chemistry Analyzer (Biuret) and to estimate serum IgG concentrations using Serum TP. IgG Serum Radial Immunodiffusion showed a good correlation with Electrophoresis Gamma Globulins and a high correlation with Total Protein Electrophoresis, Biuret and Refractometry. All the tests performed may be a useful to estimate the serum IgG in donkey foals’ blood in the first day of life using a specific equation.

Abstract

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the correlation between IgG Serum Radial Immunodiffusion (SRID), Electrophoresis Gamma Globulins (EGG), Electrophoresis Total Protein (ETP) and the serum total protein (TP) analyzed by refractometry and by a dry chemistry analyzer (Biuret) and to estimate serum IgG concentrations using serum TP. A total of 36 samples collected at four different times (birth, 6, 12, 24 h after birth) from nine Amiata donkey foals were evaluated with SRID, EGG, ETP, serum TP Biuret and refractometry. SRID IgG concentration increased significantly over time until T12. Serum TP analyzed with refractometry, electrophoresis and Biuret showed a statistically significant difference between T0 and T6 vs. T12 and T24. A good or strong correlation was found between different tests performed. Equations to quantify serum IgG were created and can be used for estimating the donkey foals’ serum IgG in the first day of life. Serum TP refractometry showed a high correlation with SRID IgG (0.91) which may be a particularly useful and economic instrument to estimate the transfer of immunity in donkey foals during the first day of life. Further studies evaluating a high number of animals are needed in order to set specific cut-off values.

Comparative Analysis of Serum Mineral and Biochemical Parameter Profiles Between Late Pregnant and Early Lactating Jennies

The purpose of this study was to investigate the profile change of serum trace and major elements, and biochemical and hematological parameters in jennies during late pregnancy and early lactation. Twenty-five healthy Chinese Liaoxi jennies were used in late pregnancy and early lactation. Results showed that the levels of Fe, total protein (TP), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were highly variable interindividual among the jennies. Early lactating jennies showed significantly lower serum levels of K, Se, AST, total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride than late pregnant jennies (P < .05). Principal component analysis identified six and five principal components of serum mineral and biochemical parameters for late pregnant and early lactating jennies, respectively, which was supported by the cluster analysis findings. Strong clustering of serum Cu-Mn, iPhos-Se-TP, and Ca-Zn-alanine aminotransferase-TC was found in the late pregnant jennies, and strong clustering of serum Ca-Zn-Se-Mn-albumin, Na-Fe-AST-triglyceride, and K-Mg-Cu-TP was observed in the early lactating jennies. The study suggests a significant variation in the serum levels of mineral and biochemical parameters in late pregnant and early lactating jennies, which is valuable in estimating their physiological status and providing proper health care.

Reference Ranges for Hematological and Biochemical Profile of Martina Franca Donkeys

The Martina Franca donkey (MFd) is one of the largest Italian donkey breeds, considered as endangered breed. To support the conservation strategies, knowledge about the physiologic hematological parameters of MFds is needed. The aims of the study were to determine reference value for hematological and major serum parameters in a population of healthy MFds and to estimate the influence of age on these parameters. Eighty-one clinically healthy MFds (17 males and 64 females) in different ages were enrolled: group A (foals, n° 16, animals < 1 year old) group B (young animals, n° 36, from 1 to 3 years old), and group C (adult animals, n° 29, over 3 years old). Red blood cell count (RBC); hematocrit value (HCT); hemoglobin concentration (HGB); mean corpuscular volume (MCV); mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH); hemoglobin concentration distribution width (HDW); RBC distribution width (RDW); total white blood cell (WBC); WBC differential count for neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils, and platelets (PLT); mean platelet volume (MPV); platelet volume distribution width; and plateletcrit (PCT) were analyzed. The biochemistry panel included aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), total serum protein (TP), albumin (ALB), cholesterol (CHOL), triglyceride (TGL), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CREA), glucose (GLU), Ca²⁺, phosphorus, Na⁺, Cl^-, K⁺, and Mg²⁺. The effect of age on hematological parameters was investigated using one-way ANOVA test. Age of donkeys does not influence total WBC, HGB, HCT, platelet count and MPV, and PCT (P > 0.05). Some leukocyte populations such as eosinophils, monocytes, and basophils showed age-linked variations (P < 0.05). RBC count, RDW, and HDW decrease with age whereas MCV and MCH increase. Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^-, Ca²⁺, phosphorus, ALP, GGT, CREA, GLUC, and CHOL decrease with age (P < 0.05), while AST and TP showed an increase with aging (P < 0.05). ALB reaches the lowest values in young donkeys and returns to values of foals in older animals (P < 0.05). Finally, a difference among groups for BUN and TGL was not found (P < 0.05). The results suggest how even for the MFd breed, age is a variable that affects different hematological and biochemical parameters. Compared to other donkey and horses, the MFd breed showed some differences that clinicians involved during conservation strategies need to be consider.

Radiographic parameters of the digit in a cohort population of Amiata donkeys

Background:

The most common musculoskeletal conditions reported in donkeys are related to the foot. Radiographic examinations are clinically important in the diagnosis of foot abnormalities and are commonly used. However, few studies have been conducted to establish the normal radiographic appearance of a donkey’s foot.

Aim:

To determine the radiographic features of the front digit in healthy Amiata donkeys.

Methods:

Radiographic examinations were performed on 56 forefeet of 28 Amiata donkeys. Three radiographic views of each front foot were taken: lateromedial, dorsopalmar and dorso-65°proximal/palmarodistal oblique. Seventeen angular and linear radiographic parameters and the crena solearis were evaluated in all forefeet, and 18 morphometric parameters were evaluated in 16 out of 56 forefeet. Statistical analysis was carried out on all the measures assessed.

Results:

The radiographic appearance of the forefoot was ascertained, and data were reported as median ± standard error, minimum and maximum values. No statistical differences were obtained between the right and left forefeet.

Conclusion:

The normal baseline parameters of the forefeet of Amiata donkeys were recorded and described and compared with other donkey breeds and horses. The findings highlighted that the donkey breed affects the radiographic parameters of the digit.

Blood Storage Conditions Affect Hematological Analysis in Samples From Healthy Donkeys and Donkeys With Experimentally-Induced Endotoxemia

Preanalytical factors such as storage time and temperature are proved to induce marked artifactual changes in hematological parameters in horses, small animals and humans. These errors can mirror findings typical of endotoxemia, leading to dangerous misdiagnosis. Since donkeys are common in warm climates and remote regions, blood samples from this species can be subjected to long lasting travels from the farm to the nearest laboratory, frequently under suboptimal conditions. Moreover, as other equids, donkeys are prone to suffer endotoxemia. Nonetheless, stability has not been evaluated in samples for hematology in this species. The aim of this study was to characterize the effect of temperature and storage time in hematological parameters from healthy donkeys and donkeys with induced endotoxemia. Blood samples were collected from six healthy female Andalusian donkeys and stored for 6, 12, 24, and 48 h at several temperatures (4, 24, and 35°C). Endotoxemia was induced in the same animals by an intravenous LPS infusion and samples obtained 30 min post-infusion were handled similarly. Hematological analysis was performed using a laser-based analyzer and blood smear examination. Storage at 24°C caused significant neutropenia after 48 h as well as morphological changes typical of endotoxemia in blood from healthy donkeys as soon as 24 h post-storage. Samples kept at 35°C displayed more profound and earlier artifactual variations. Conservation at 4°C did not cause any significant change in blood parameters. Prolonged (48 h) storage of samples from animals with induced endotoxemia at 24 and 35°C accentuated pre-existing leukopenia and neutropenia. These findings highlight that donkey samples should be stored at 4°C, instead of 24°C as recommended for horses. Moreover, blood smear interpretation should be cautious in samples stored for longer than 24 h and could be misleading when blood is kept at 35°C.

Relation between Apgar scoring and physical parameters in 44 newborn Amiata donkey foals at birth

The assessment of the behavior and physiological parameters of neonatal foals is essential in the detection of early signs of illness. Modified Apgar scoring systems from human medicine exist and have been validated in foals as a guide for assessing neonatal viability after birth. This study evaluated the viability of 44 Amiata donkey foals at birth, by assessing the Apgar score and comparing the relationship between viability and various physical parameters. A total of 44 Amiata donkey foals and 27 jennies were enrolled in this study. An expert operator examined each foal within 5 min of birth. A complete physical examination was performed, along with an existing four-parameter Apgar score. The presence of the suckling reflex was evaluated. The interval time needed to acquire sternal recumbency and quadrupedal position, as well as nurse from the mare, were recorded. In addition, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and rectal body temperature (BT) were measured. Results were expressed as median ± standard error, minimum and maximum values. The effects of the Apgar score on time to reach sternal position and quadrupedal standing, time to nurse from the mare, RR, HR, and BT were estimated along with the differences related to Apgar scoring and gender. Differences between female and male donkey foals regarding the time to acquire sternal position and quadrupedal standing, time to nurse from the mare, RR, HR, and BT were also assessed. Differences between female and male donkey foals regarding the Apgar score was evaluated using a chi-Square test. Finally, the reference values for Amiata donkeys were also calculated. Twenty/44 (45.4%) foals were colts and 24/44 (54.5%) were fillies born from 27 jennies. None of the foals showed an Apgar score lower than 6. Twenty-nine out of 44 foals showed an Apgar score of 8/8, 10/44 a score of 7/8, while 5 foals (11.3%) showed a score of 6/8. No differences between fillies and colts in relation to the Apgar score were obtained.

Evaluation of Two Handheld Point-of-Care Blood Gas Analyzers in Healthy Donkeys

There has been increasing interest in blood gas analysis in donkeys. "Point-of-care (POC) testing" is a diagnostic testing performed on or immediately next to the patient. This study assesses the agreement between two POC blood gas analyzers in donkeys. Arterial and venous blood samples were collected from 17 donkeys and analyzed using a fully automated blood gas analyzer (ABL 700 Series Radiometer, Denmark) (RAD) and two POC blood gas analyzers (i-STAT System; VetStat, Idexx). The parameters revealed by all three devices were submitted to a canonical discriminant analysis, to evaluate which parameters differentiated the POC analyzers from the RAD. On the basis of the discriminant analysis, we evaluated the best POC for each parameter registered, in comparison with RAD. The results also changed depending on the type of blood (venous or arterial blood). The agreement between i-STAT and RAD was good for venous samples, but was poor for arterial samples. A poor agreement was found between VetStat and RAD for both venous and arterial samples. The increment of the number of subjects might lead to a better understanding of the potential role of the POCs in clinical setting. Finally, increasing the study population is recommended to set reference values.

Selenium and Vitamin E Concentrations in a Healthy Donkey Population in Central Italy

Selenium and vitamin E protect the body against oxidative stress. Clinical manifestations of their deficiency in equids include neurologic and muscular symptoms. Despite the importance of donkeys as working and production animals, there is a dearth of scientific data on selenium and vitamin E normal values. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the plasma concentrations of selenium and vitamin E in healthy donkeys belonging to different ages, sexes, and productive phases. Animals were divided into five groups including foals (group A: n = 7, n = 4 males and n = 3 females), weanlings and yearlings (group B: n = 7, n = 2 males and n = 5 females), nonpregnant nonlactating jennies (group C: n = 5), pregnant nonlactating jennies (group D: n = 9), and adult males (group E: n = 9). Plasma samples obtained from each animal were tested for vitamin E and selenium concentration. One-way analysis of variance showed significant differences in selenium concentrations (P = .001) between group A and group E. In this study, we found the selenium range for donkeys to be 0.02-0.14 μg/mL, which is lower than the recommended range for horses. The results suggest that donkeys may have a lower selenium requirement than horses. Plasma vitamin E levels were 3.29-12.99 μmol/L, with foals having lower concentrations than adults. Knowing specific reference ranges for vitamin E and selenium in healthy donkeys can help improve our understanding of how to prevent deficiencies that could compromise their overall health and well-being.

Biochemical blood analysis along pregnancy in Martina Franca jennies

The availability of biochemical blood data specific for the pregnant condition are essential for the correct management of both normal pregnancies and also for the prompt recognition of every abnormality. Because of the lacking knowledge about biochemical blood analysis in the donkey along the entire pregnancy, the study was designed to provide first preliminary data about the values and possible changes of blood alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine-kinase (CK), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CREA), uric acid (UA), amylase (AMY), gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT), triglycerides (TRI), cholesterol (CHOL), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), glucose (GLU), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), occurring from the beginning of pregnancy until parturition. The study was performed on 10 Martina Franca healthy jennies with normal pregnancy course and giving birth to mature, healthy and viable foals. Blood samples were collected monthly from the 1st to the 6th month of pregnancy, then twice a month from the 6th to the 9th month and afterwards weekly until parturition. The results showed a significant slight increase of glucose and creatinine in the second quarter of pregnancy and a minor decrease of cholesterol near to parturition, while all the other parameters did not significantly change along pregnancy.

Changes of biochemical environment and body weight in healthy periparturient Lipizzan mares

The aims of this study were to determine the concentrations of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, chlorine, potassium, sodium, urea, total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, non-esterified fatty acids, total protein, creatinine, total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, insulin, insulin growth factor 1, and glucose in the blood serum and to monitor the body weight changes in nine clinically healthy Lipizzan mares at weekly intervals within 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after the parturition. A significant body weight loss (P < 0.01) was found in the mares after the foaling. The peak of insulin growth factor 1 concentration in serum was reached at the day of parturition and similar patterns were revealed for the concentrations of insulin and glucose. After parturition, all these indices were significantly decreased. The concentrations of phosphorus and triacylglycerols were decreased, while the concentrations of potassium and sodium were increased at the day of parturition. Moreover, the concentration of non-esterified fatty acids was increased at the day of parturition (P < 0.05) with a tendency to higher values even on the 7th day postpartum. Other studied indexes remained relatively stable throughout the transition period. We can conclude that periparturient mares face some degree of negative energy balance with concomitant significant homeostatic and homeorhetic changes. For this reason, our results can be used as a basis for reference values and a diagnostic tool to examine the health status in horses during the transition period.