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

Reproductive Disorders in Donkeys: Current Evidence and Update

Reproductive disorders in donkeys present a significant challenge to their health and welfare, impacting their roles in agriculture, conservation, and companionship. With the development of large-scale donkey farming in recent years, reproductive disorders have become a limiting factor for the expansion of the donkey population. In general, donkeys suffer from a similar array of diseases like horses, but little is known about the specificities of donkey reproductive disorders. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the pathogenesis, distribution, presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of a diverse array of reproductive disorders affecting donkeys. There are similar infectious and non-infectious causes for infertility and pregnancy loss in jennies compared with mares, but a difference in disease susceptibility does exist, which may be attributed to genetic influence, pathogen specificity, the environment, and reproductive management practices. Diagnostic and treatment plans need to be tailored towards the particularities of donkey reproductive disorders to increase donkey populations and to enhance the standard of care for this species. Enhancing reproductive health in donkeys not only ensures their sustainable use but also promotes their welfare and longevity in diverse human-animal interactions.

Immunity transfer in mule foals fed with good IgG quality colostrum

While the passive transfer of immunity in horse and donkey foals has been extensively studied, there is limited information for mule foals. Immunoglobulin type G (IgG) and serum total protein concentration (TP) were assessed at different sampling times to evaluate the correlation between serum radial immunodiffusion (SRID) with electrophoresis, refractometry, and dry chemistry analyzer (Biuret), and to estimate serum IgG concentrations using serum TP in mule foals. We analyzed a total of 30 samples collected at birth, and at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h of life from 6 mule foals by SRID, electrophoresis TP, biuret TP, and refractometry TP. The SRID IgG concentration significantly increased from birth until T6 (p < 0.001). Serum TP analyzed with refractometry revealed differences between T0 and T12, T24 and T48 (p < 0.05), while a significant difference was observed with the biuret method between T0 and all the other sampling times (p < 0.001). A strong correlation was found between IgG SRID and biuret TP (r = 0.69, p < 0.001), and a good correlation existed between IgG SRID, refractometry TP, and electrophoresis TP (r = 0.44, p < 0.01 and r = 0.39, p < 0.05, respectively). All methods can be used to estimate the passive transfer of immunity in mule foals. TP refractometry and biuret TP values can be used to determine serum IgG concentrations in the blood of mule foals on their first day of life through the application of a specific equation.

Apgar Score, Clinical, Hemato-Biochemical, and Venous Blood Gas Parameters in a Cohort of Newborn Mule Foals: Preliminary Data

The study aimed to assess Apgar scores and collect data on clinical, hemato-biochemical, and venous blood gas parameters in seven mules during their first 48 hours of life. Apgar scores, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), body temperature (BT), body weight (BW), time to achieve sternal recumbency, stand, nurse, and pass meconium were recorded. Blood samples were collected at birth (T0), 6 (T6), 12 (T12), 24 (T24), 48 (T48) hours of life. Data distribution was verified and differences in laboratory parameters over time assessed. One foal had an Apgar score of 6/8, thus excluded from the statistical analysis. Three foals had an Apgar score of 7/8, three had a score of 8/8. All foals showed suckling reflex within 20 minutes and raised the head within 1 minute; six foals reached sternal recumbency within 2 minutes. Times to stand and nurse were 38.7 ± 13.4 and 72.3 ± 30.5 minutes, respectively. Five foals passed meconium spontaneously in 416.3 ± 401.8 minutes. The mean HR, RR, and BT values were 92 ± 16.1 bpm, 50.2 ± 5.9 bpm, and 37.6 ± 0.3°C, respectively. Creatinine and lactate decreased from birth to 48 hours. Blood glucose increased from 12 hours. Mg increased from 12 to 24 hours. Compared to horses and donkeys, mules showed an intermediate BW, shorter time to stand and nurse, longer time to pass meconium, intermediate HR and lower RR. Compared to donkey mules showed lower BT. Other dissimilarities from the parental species were found in laboratory parameters. Our findings emphasize the need for reference ranges for a comprehensive evaluation of newborn mules.

Donkey Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability: A Scoping Review

Heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) are commonly used physiological measures in animals. While several studies exist on horse HRV, less information is available for donkeys. This scoping review aims to understand the extent and type of published evidence on donkey HR and HRV, their clinical and research applications, the devices used, and the analysis performed. Only quantitative primary studies published in English were considered. Four different databases were queried through the Web of Science platform, with additional evidence identified by citation chasing. After a two-stage screening phase, data were extracted considering study and population characteristics, information on HR/HRV analysis, and applications. The majority of the 87 included articles (about 80%) concerned a sample size of up to 20 individuals and were published since 2011 (about 65%). Forty-one articles employed an electronic device for signal acquisition (mainly electrocardiographs and heart rate monitors), yet only two articles reported HRV parameters. The literature on donkey HRV is lacking, and this gap can be filled by gaining knowledge on donkey characteristics and finding useful tools for welfare assessment. Comparison with what is known about the horse allows a discussion of the technical and interpretative difficulties that can be encountered with donkeys.

Clinical Scoring Systems in the Newborn Calf: An Overview

Simple Summary

Clinical scores are gaining increasing popularity in veterinary medicine thanks to their multiple advantages, which include quickness, ease, and convenience of use. This review discusses the applications of some already-known clinical scores in newborn calf management at birth and during the first weeks of age. Clinical scores are employed to assess newborn calf viability and to diagnose and monitor neonatal calf diarrhea and respiratory diseases, helping the clinician promptly recognize calves needing medical assistance. This review discusses limitations pertaining to their use and encourages efforts towards a greater consistency in definition and validation.

Abstract

A scoring system is an instrument that enables the scorers, including farmers, technicians, and veterinarians, to adopt a systematic approach for diagnosis or monitoring, as it decreases bias and confounding and increases objectivity. Practically, it is a number assigned to a patient that correlates with a probability that a diagnosis can be confirmed or that a specific outcome will follow. This article examines the clinical scores designed or adapted to bovine medicine that aim to assess newborn calf viability and to diagnose and monitor neonatal calf diarrhea and respiratory diseases, helping the clinician promptly recognize calves needing medical assistance. Despite the large number of clinical scores described in the literature, these are still barely used in farm animal practice; possibly, the complexity of the scores and missing recommendations for intervention are reasons for their lack of popularity as well as the crosswise lack of consistency among scores designed for the same purpose. Further research is needed in this regard to increase scores validation and encourage their application in bovine calf neonatology.

Evaluation of Ultrasound Measurement of Subcutaneous Fat Thickness in Dairy Jennies during the Periparturient Period

Simple Summary

Ultrasonography is an accurate method to objectively measure subcutaneous fat (SF) thickness and to routinely predict body fat reserves in cows, horses, and donkeys. The aim of the present study was to describe ultrasonographic SF thickness in periparturient jennies. The SF was evaluated in 6 different truncal location in 6 dairy jennies prior and post parturition. Measurement values were reported and each site were compared through time. No statistically significant differences were found between sites and time. The mean values of SF measurements were above those reported by others. A good and reliable association was detected between body condition score (BCS) and sites during the whole study period. Our study gives a preliminary description of different body locations fat reserves evaluated by ultrasonography, showing no significative variations, in pregnant and lactating jennies.

Abstract

The body condition score (BCS) represents a practical but subjective method for assessing body fat reserves. Real time ultrasonography (RTU) has been proposed as an accurate method to objectively measure subcutaneous fat (SF) thickness and predict body fat reserves in cows, horses and donkeys. The aim of the present study was to describe RTU measures of SF thickness during periparturient period in jennies. The present prospective cohort study evaluated six dairy jennies. SF RTU were performed at 15 and 7 days before the presumptive delivery, and 2, 15 and 30 days after delivery. A portable ultrasound machine and multifrequency linear transducer (5–7.5 MHz) was used. RTU images were obtained in six sites (S1–S6). Results at each time point were reported as mean ± standard deviation and compared through time. A total of 180 images were evaluated. RTU technique was easy to perform and well tolerated. No statistically significant differences were found of each site during time, except for S2 and S6a: S2 at T2 and S6a at T1 were significatively different to values obtained at T5. The RTU mean values were above those reported by others, suggesting major physio-logical challenges related to energy balance and fat mobilization in pregnant jennies bred for milking production. BCS and sites through observational time have shown a good and reliable association. Our study could give preliminary indications on fat reserves in different body locations evaluated thanks to RTU and it show no significative variation of SF thickness, in pregnant and lactating jennies.

Dystocia and cesarean section in a free-ranging ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) after traumatic spinal cord injury resulting from dog (Canis familiaris) attack

Background:

Ex situ breeding programs are essential to establish genetic resource banks and produce offspring to strengthen the in situ conservation of endangered species. However, many programs fail to maintain viable ex situ populations due to reproductive problems, including dystocia in pregnant females. Dystocia encompasses different emergency obstetric situations for the lives of dams and fetuses that require urgent intervention. This condition has been studied in domesticated species but published records in wildlife, specifically in felines species, are scarce.

Case Description:

An adult female ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) was referred to the wildlife hospital of the Universidad San Francisco de Quito after being attacked by dogs (Canis familiaris). Neurological tests revealed traumatic spinal cord injury at a thoracolumbar level. Complementary tests (laboratory exams, radiographs, and ultrasound) revealed a full-term pregnancy, failure in the labor progress, and critical fetal stress. A cesarean section was performed, and the newborns received resuscitation care after assessing their viability using the Apgar score system. The neonate with the lowest Apgar score died within the first hour after birth, while the second one showed an increase in Apgar score after resuscitation care and survived the procedure.

Conclusion:

We provide new obstetric data that could be relevant to save the lives of dams and newborns in related cases for ocelots and other species of wild felids. Furthermore, this study confirms the adverse effects that domestic dogs have on wildlife species.

Maternal and Neonatal Evaluation of Derived Reactive Oxygen Metabolites and Biological Antioxidant Potential in Donkey Mares and Foals

Our aim was to measure the concentrations of derived reactive oxygen metabolite (d-ROMs) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) of donkey mares and foals at delivery and to verify the protective role of the placenta against fetal oxidative stress. A total of 15 Amiata jennies with a physiological gestation length and delivery were included together with 17 foals (two twin foalings). After delivery, maternal and foal venous blood samples were collected along with blood from the artery. Circulating lactate and plasma d-ROMs and BAP were evaluated. The Wilcoxon test for paired data was applied to verify differences in d-ROMs and BAP values, while the Spearman test was used to evaluate correlations. A significantly higher d-ROMs concentration was found in jennies compared to their foals, and to the umbilical artery blood. The BAP was higher in jennies than in their foals, but no differences were observed in the umbilical artery blood. No difference was found between foals and their umbilical cord. Blood lactate was higher in foals than in their dams. Positive correlations were found between mares and umbilical cord for BAP and d-ROMs, and between mares and foals and umbilical cord for BAP. In conclusion, the placenta may be a protective factor for the fetus. As with equine foals, the antioxidant system of donkey foals does not seems to be effective at birth.

Ultrasonography Evaluation of Umbilical Structures in Clinically Healthy Donkey Foals during the First Week of Life

The umbilicus is a potential access-point for pathogens in equine foal, causing umbilical infections and potentially life-threating illness. Early diagnosis based on ultrasonographic appearance and measurement is crucial to avoid severe complications and promptly implement appropriate therapy. This study ultrasonographically evaluates the umbilical remnants of donkey foals, in the first week of life. Fifteen healthy donkey foals were included in the study. The umbilical vein, arteries and urachus ultrasounds were performed at 24 h, 3 and 7 days of life, using a portable ultrasound machine and a 5-7.5 MHz multifrequency linear probe. The Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's multiple comparisons test were applied to verify differences in relation to time for all the umbilical remnants measured. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. No statistical differences were observed in relation to time regarding umbilical remnant measurements. A correlation was found between body weight and the left artery at T0. The regression of the umbilical remnant during the first week of life was slower compared with what was reported in equine foals but was comparable with the results on calves. Thus, the different regression timing needs be considered when evaluating donkey foals with umbilical remnant diseases within the first week of life.

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.

Developing a modified Apgar scoring system for newborn lambs

The Apgar (appearance, pulse, grimace, attitude, respiration) score is an accepted method for assessing newborn viability in humans and domestic animals. The purpose of this research was to modify an existing Apgar scoring system for lambs and compare Apgar score with litter size and birth order, as well as time-to-stand and time-to-suckle. Polypay lambs (n = 75) delivered naturally were used for this study. Pulse (<100 bpm = 0; 100-175 bpm = 1; >175 bpm = 2) and respiration (<45% SpO₂ = 0; 45-65% SpO₂ = 1; >65% SpO₂ = 2) were measured with a pulse oximeter attached to the lamb's ear. Appearance, grimace, and attitude were assessed using mucous membrane color (cyanotic = 0; pale = 1; pink = 2); response to nose stimulation (no response = 0; moves head slightly = 1; shakes head = 2); and response to rump stimulation (no movement = 0; moves but no attempt to stand = 1; attempts to stand = 2), respectively. The Apgar score was measured within 5 min of birth (T0), 15 min (T15) and 60 min (T60) after birth. The time-to-stand and time-to-suckle were recorded and compared to Apgar scores. Apgar scores did not differ by litter size or birth order. There were no significant correlations between the Apgar scores and time-to-stand. There was a moderate positive correlation between attitude and time-to-suckle at T0 (R² = 0.467), which may affect the ingestion of adequate colostrum in a timely manner. Producers may choose to consider using Apgar scoring so that assistance can be provided to lambs before serious complications arise.

Evaluation of jennies' colostrum: IgG concentrations and absorption in the donkey foals. A preliminary study

Immunoglobulin type G (IgG) concentration both in jennies' colostrum and in serum of donkey foals are mostly unknown in the first 24 h after delivery. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the IgG concentrations of colostrum during the first 24 h of lactation of Amiata jennies, the absorption of colostrum and the weekly body weight gain of the donkey foals. IgG concentrations were assessed in the jennies' colostrum and in the serum of donkey foals. Colostrum was collected in 9 jennies ready after delivery, and at 6, 12, 24 h after foaling from both halves. Serum was collected at the same sampling times from 9 donkey foals. Donkey foals were weighted at birth and then weekly until the 28th days of life. Temporal changes of IgG concentrations in dam's colostrum and in donkey foal serum were analyzed by a linear regression model and a general linear model, respectively. Results showed that colostrum IgG concentration were similar between the left and the right half. Colostrum IgG concentrations decreased continuously throughout the time in all jennies by 0.0244 Log10 mg/mL per hour. Serum IgG concentrations in donkey foals at birth was significantly lower compared to other times. No correlation was found between the colostrum IgG concentrations and the average weekly body weight gain of the donkey foal. The pattern of colostrum IgG levels in jennies and serum IgG concentration in donkey foals seem to be similar to what reported for equine. However, the donkey foals seem to be less agammaglobulinemic at birth compared to the horse foal. The pattern and both serum and colostrum concentrations evaluated in the Amiata donkeys were slightly different from results reported in other donkey breeds, underlying the importance of setting references specific to breed.

Evaluation of Brix Refractometry for the Estimation of Colostrum Quality in Jennies

Donkey placenta does not allow the passage of immunoglobulins; thus, foals are born hypogammaglobulinemic and an adequate intake of high-quality colostrum in the first 24 hours of life is crucial for the surviving. The study aims to assess the relation between colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration evaluated by the single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) test and the Brix refractometer in donkeys to establish a cutoff value for high quality of colostrum based on Brix refractometry. Colostrum was collected at foaling, and at 6, 12, and 24 hours after foaling from the left and the right half of nine Amiata jennies. A total of 72 colostrum samples were analyzed. A Friedman test with a Dunn's test for multiple comparisons was used for assessing the differences between the left and right half at each sampling time. No differences were found between the left and right halves; the average value was used to analyze the effect of sampling time on the IgG concentrations and Brix values. The relationship between colostrum IgG concentrations (SRID test) versus Brix value and Brix value versus time was analyzed using two different mixed linear models. A strong statistically significant relation has been found between IgG concentrations and Brix values (R² = 0.84). The relation between IgG concentrations and Brix refractometer showed a cutoff point of 17% Brix score for the identification of high-quality colostrum. The Brix value (%) decreased continuously from 16.29 by 0.29 × hour. Jennies' and donkey foals' management may be greatly improved using this simple and cheap device.