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Bukhari SSUH, Parkes RSV. Assessing the impact of draught load pulling on welfare in equids. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1214015. [PMID: 37662986 PMCID: PMC10469728 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1214015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
About 112 million working equids are the source of income for 600 million people globally. Many equids are used for pulling loads (up to 15,000 kg per day) to transport goods. Most of them are associated with brick kilns, mining, and agriculture industries in developing countries. They may suffer from welfare issues such as overloading, being beaten, and being forced to work for long periods. These issues may occur due to a poor understanding of load-pulling equids. Understanding their capabilities and the elements that influence them is critical for efficient performance and welfare. The measurement of stride characteristics and gait kinematics can reveal loading adaptations and help identify loading limitations. It is known that both loading and fatigue change the locomotor patterns of load-pulling horses. Heart rate is a stress quantifying metric and an important representative of the speed of work and draught force. Heart rate variability is a regularly used statistic to quantify a physiological response to stresses, but it has never been used for load-pulling equids. Changes in blood lactate, nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide contents are reliable biochemical indicators of the effects of load pulling. Changes in plasma cortisol levels reflect the intensity of exercise and stress levels in horses while pulling a load. However, eye blink rate is a cheap, simple, and immediate indicator of acute equine stress, and we suggest it may be used to aid in load-pulling equine welfare assessment. However, further research is needed for a standardized and evidence-based draught load pulling capacity of working horses, mules, and donkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed S. U. H. Bukhari
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rebecca S. V. Parkes
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Hematological and Biochemical Responses of Donkeys (Equus asinus) to Packing and Trekking During the Hot-Dry Season. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 122:104203. [PMID: 36586520 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The study aimed to evaluate effects of packing (load-carrying) and trekking on hematological and biochemical parameters in donkeys during the hot-dry season. Ten pack donkeys, aged 2-3 years, weighing 93 ± 2.7 kg were enrolled in the study and randomly divided into two groups of five animals each. Group 1 donkeys were subjected to packing + trekking while group 2 trekked only. All the donkeys trekked 20 km thrice, 1-day apart. Blood was collected before and after packing or trekking for hematological evaluation; and serum analyzed for electrolyte concentrations, and aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activities. Temperature-humidity index pre and postpacking was 70.00 ± 0.1 and 79.67 ± 0.3, respectively. The packed cell volume (30.93 ± 1.1%) was higher (P < .05) before packing than postpacking value (27.83 ± 0.7%) in group 1 donkeys. Hemoglobin concentration (9.01 ± 0.3 g/dL) decreased (P < .05) after trekking (7.81 ± 0.1 g/dL) in group 2 donkeys. Neutrophil count increased (P < .05) in group 1 donkeys after packing (from 8.63 ± 0.9 × 109/L to 10.59 ± 1.2 × 109/L). Lymphocyte count (8.58 ± 0.8 × 109/L) decreased (P < .05), compared to postpacking (5.23 ± 0.5 × 109/L) in group 1 donkeys. Postpacking neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in group 1 donkeys (2.33 ± 0.4) was higher (P < .05) than in group 2 donkeys (1.31 ± 0.3). Electrolyte concentrations and enzyme activities did not change significantly. In conclusion, packing + trekking was more stressful to the donkeys than trekking only, evidenced by postpacking increased neutrophil count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and phosphate ion concentration, but decreased lymphocyte count. If this stress is not mitigated, the performance of pack donkeys during hot-dry season may not be optimum.
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Ake AS, Ayo JO, Aluwong T, Mohammed A. Effects of melatonin on hematologic and biochemical changes, and the effects on circadian rhythm on hematologic changes in donkeys (Equus asinus) subjected to packing during the hot-dry season. Vet Clin Pathol 2023. [PMID: 36781397 DOI: 10.1111/vcp.13193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melatonin is a hormone with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may alleviate the effects of stress on hematologic and biochemical analytes in working donkeys that pack (load-carry). OBJECTIVES We aimed to evaluate the effects of melatonin administration on hematologic and biochemical responses in donkeys subjected to packing during the hot-dry season. We also examined its effects on circadian rhythms. METHODS Ten male Nubian pack donkeys with (Packing + Melatonin; P + M) and without melatonin (Packing-Melatonin; P-M) administration were included. Blood samples were collected before, immediately after (15 min), and from 16 h to over 27-h postpacking at 3-h intervals for hematologic and total protein analyses. Serum from blood samples collected before and immediately after packing was analyzed for muscle enzyme activities and electrolyte concentrations. Student's t-test, one-way ANOVA, and online cosinor analysis were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS Packed cell volumes (PCVs) of the P + M donkeys did not differ before and after packing. However, for the P-M donkeys, values before packing (30.20 ± 0.8%) were higher than those (26.87 ± 0.5%) after packing. The hematologic values recorded in the P + M donkeys were higher than those in the P-M donkeys, especially during the scotophase (P ˂ 0.05). The mesor PCV, hemoglobin (Hb), and red blood cell (RBC) values for the P + M donkeys were significantly (P ˂ 0.05) higher than those in the P-M donkeys. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was not different before (289.40 ± 60.8 U/L) or after packing (323.20 ± 36.0 U/L) in P + M donkeys, but the activity was significantly (P ˂ 0.05) higher postpacking than prepacking in the P-M donkeys (294.20 ± 66.9 U/L and 513.40 ± 68.5 U/L, respectively). The relationships between the meteorologic parameters and PCV, Hb, and RBC concentrations in the P + M donkeys were significantly negative (P ˂ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Melatonin prevented a decrease in PCV and increase in LDH activity immediately after packing compared with non-treated donkeys. There was a marked effect during the scotophase on PCV, Hb, and RBC concentrations. The circadian parameters indicated a significant effect of melatonin on the rhythmicity of the PCV, Hb, and RBC concentration in the treated donkeys. Melatonin administration may reduce the risk of adverse effects of environmental stress and stress due to packing in donkeys during the hot-dry season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayodele Stephen Ake
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Joseph Olusegun Ayo
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Tagang Aluwong
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Aliyu Mohammed
- Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
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Ake AS, Ayo JO, Aluwong T, Mohammed A. Effect of packing (load carrying) on body temperatures and their circadian rhythms in donkeys (Equus asinus) during the hot-dry season. J Therm Biol 2023; 113:103497. [PMID: 37055114 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed to evaluate the effects of packing (load carrying) on rectal and body surface temperatures and their circadian rhythmicity in donkeys during the hot-dry season. Twenty pack donkeys of both sexes (15 males and 5 non-pregnant females), aged 2-3 years, with average weight of 93 ± 2.7 kg and divided into two groups randomly, served as experimental subjects. Group 1 donkeys (packing + trekking) were subjected to packing in addition to trekking, while group 2 (trekking only) did not carry any load. All the donkeys were trekked, covering a distance of 20 km. The procedure was repeated three times within the week, one day apart. During the experiment, dry-bulb temperature (DBT), relative humidity (RH) and temperature-humidity index (THI), wind speed and topsoil temperature were recorded; and rectal temperature (RT) and body surface temperature (BST) were measured before and immediately after packing. Starting from 16 h after the last packing, circadian rhythms of RT and BST were recorded at 3-h intervals for 27-h period. The RT and BST were measured by digital thermometer and non-contact infrared thermometer, respectively. The DBT and RH, especially after packing (35.83 ± 0.2 °C and 20.00 ± 0.0%, respectively), were outside the thermoneutral zone for donkeys. The RT value (38.63 ± 0.1 °C) in packing + trekking donkeys recorded immediately (15 min) after packing was higher (P < 0.05) than the value obtained in trekking only donkeys (37.27 ± 0.1 °C). The overall mean RT recorded during the continuous 27-h period of measurement, starting from 16 h after the last packing procedure was higher (P < 0.05) in packing + trekking donkeys (36.93 ± 0.2 °C) compared with trekking only donkeys (36.29 ± 0.3 °C). The BSTs recorded in both groups were higher (P < 0.05) immediately after packing when compared with pre-packing values, but insignificant 16-h post-packing. The RT and BST values were generally higher in the photophase and lower during the scotophase in both groups of donkeys during the continuous recordings. The eye temperature was the closest to the RT, followed by scapular temperature, while the coronary band temperature was the farthest. The mesor of RT in packing + trekking donkeys (37.06 ± 0.2 °C) was significantly higher than in donkeys that were trekked only (36.46 ± 0.1 °C). The amplitude of RT in trekking only donkeys (1.20 ± 0.1 °C) was wider (P < 0.05) than that obtained in packing + trekking donkeys (0.80 ± 0.1 °C). The acrophase and bathyphase occurred later in packing + trekking donkeys (18:10 ± 0.3 h and 6:10 ± 0.3 h, respectively), compared to the trekking only donkeys (16:50 ± 0.2 h and 4:50 ± 0.2 h, respectively). In conclusion, exposure to thermally stressful prevailing environmental conditions during packing increased the body temperature responses, especially in packing + trekking donkeys. Packing significantly influenced the circadian rhythms of body temperatures in working donkeys, as evidenced by differences in circadian rhythm parameters in packing + trekking group, compared with trekking only donkeys during the hot-dry season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayodele Stephen Ake
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
| | - Joseph Olusegun Ayo
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Tagang Aluwong
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Aliyu Mohammed
- Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
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Ake AS, Ayo JO, Aluwong T, Mohammed A, Minka NS. Melatonin modulates rectal and body surface temperatures and their circadian rhythmicity in donkeys (Equus asinus) subjected to packing during the hot-dry season. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2023; 67:389-404. [PMID: 36585985 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-022-02418-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed to evaluate the effects of melatonin administration on rectal and body surface temperature (RT and BST, respectively) responses and their circadian rhythmicity in donkeys subjected to packing (load carrying) during the hot-dry season. Twenty donkeys were divided into two equal groups randomly: Groups 1 (packing + melatonin) and 2 (packing - melatonin), subjected to packing and both covered 20 km. The RT, BST, and thermal environmental parameters were measured before and after packing. The procedure was carried out three times within the week, one day apart. This was followed 16-h after the last (third) packing procedure by 27-h recording period of all the parameters at 3-h intervals. The RT (37.77 ± 0.1℃) recorded in packing + melatonin donkeys was lower (P < 0.05) than in (packing - melatonin) (38.29 ± 0.1℃) post-packing, while the BSTs in packing + melatonin donkeys were lower than in (packing - melatonin) donkeys, especially the neck (33.07 ± 0.6℃ vs 35.4 ± 0.7℃, respectively) and coronary band (30.58 ± 0.5℃ vs 33.38 ± 0.7℃, respectively) temperatures. In both groups 16-h post-packing, overall mean RT and BST values were not different, except the coronary band temperature (26.61 ± 0.8℃) that was lower (P < 0.05) in packing + melatonin donkeys than (packing - melatonin) donkeys (28.78 ± 1.4℃). Melatonin-exerted biphasic effects on circadian rhythms of RT and BSTs by reducing body temperatures during the photophase and increasing the values during the scotophase in pack donkeys. In conclusion, melatonin may enhance packing output in donkeys during the hot-dry season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayodele Stephen Ake
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
| | - Joseph Olusegun Ayo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Tagang Aluwong
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Aliyu Mohammed
- Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Ndazo Salka Minka
- College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B. 2134, Mando-Kaduna, Nigeria
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Donkey Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability: A Scoping Review. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030408. [PMID: 36766295 PMCID: PMC9913831 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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AKE AS, AYO JO. Effects of packing on the diurnal rhythms of respiratory and heart rates in donkeys during the hot-dry season. J Equine Sci 2022; 33:55-62. [PMID: 36699200 PMCID: PMC9843161 DOI: 10.1294/jes.33.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of packing (load carrying) on the diurnal rhythms of respiratory and heart rates in donkeys during the hot-dry season. Twenty 2- to 3-years-old donkeys weighing 93 ± 2.7 kg were divided into two groups to serve as subjects: Group 1 was subjected to packing + trekking, while group 2 was subjected to trekking only. All donkeys trekked 20 km on each experimental day. The procedure was repeated three times at one-day intervals. Thermal environmental parameters were recorded. Respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) were measured before and immediately (15 min) after the packing and/or trekking period. Continuous recordings of parameters were performed for 27 hr at 3-hr intervals beginning 16 hr after the last packing and/or trekking period. The RR rose significantly (P<0.05) immediately after packing + trekking and trekking only, from 30.15 ± 0.5 and 27.52 ± 0.5 cycles/min before packing + trekking and trekking only, respectively, to 43.78 ± 3.0 and 46.30 ± 1.8 cycles/min after them, respectively. The HR (76.63 ± 4.5 beats/min) in the packing + trekking donkeys was higher (P<0.05) than that of the trekking-only donkeys (62.33 ± 2.7 beats/min). The acrophase and bathyphase of the HR in both groups were recorded during the photophase and scotophase, respectively, with higher values (P<0.05) in the packing + trekking donkeys than in the trekking-only donkeys. The circadian rhythms of RR and HR did not differ between the groups of donkeys. In conclusion, packing + trekking was more stressful to the donkeys, significantly increasing the HR of donkeys subjected to packing + trekking, compared with trekking only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayodele Stephen AKE
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of
Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria,*Corresponding author.
| | - Joseph Olusegun AYO
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of
Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
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Ayo JO, Ake AS. Modulatory roles of melatonin on respiratory and heart rates and their circadian rhythmicity in donkeys (Equus asinus) subjected to packing during the hot-dry season. Curr Res Physiol 2022; 5:381-388. [PMID: 36185817 PMCID: PMC9519433 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphys.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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de Paiva ALC, Ferreira J, Nunes TL, Mouta AN, Fernandes NS, Cavalcante JM, Júnior RAB, de Paula VV. Northeast Brazilian donkeys have little physiological responses influenced by tropical conditions. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2019.1629219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Josiel Ferreira
- Department of Animal Science, Federal Rural University of the Semi-arid Region (UFERSA), Mossoró, Brazil
| | - Talyta Lins Nunes
- Department of Anatomy, Pathology and Clinics Veterinary, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Andressa Nunes Mouta
- Veterinary Anesthesiology Laboratory, UFERSA, Mossoró, Brazil
- Professional Residency Program in Veterinary Medicine, UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brazil
| | - Naftali Silva Fernandes
- Veterinary Anesthesiology Laboratory, UFERSA, Mossoró, Brazil
- Department of Animal Science, Federal Rural University of the Semi-arid Region (UFERSA), Mossoró, Brazil
| | - Jerson Marques Cavalcante
- Veterinary Anesthesiology Laboratory, UFERSA, Mossoró, Brazil
- Department of Animal Science, Federal Rural University of the Semi-arid Region (UFERSA), Mossoró, Brazil
| | | | - Valéria Veras de Paula
- Veterinary Anesthesiology Laboratory, UFERSA, Mossoró, Brazil
- Department of Animal Science, Federal Rural University of the Semi-arid Region (UFERSA), Mossoró, Brazil
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Zakari FO, Ayo JO, Rekwot PI, Kawu MU, Minka NS. Daily rhythms of rectal and body surface temperatures in donkeys during the cold-dry (harmattan) and hot-dry seasons in a tropical savannah. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2018; 62:2231-2243. [PMID: 30374600 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-018-1626-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate daily rhythms of rectal temperature (RT) and body surface temperature (BST) of adult, yearling and foal donkeys during the cold-dry (harmattan) and hot-dry seasons in a tropical savanna. The RTs and BSTs of 30 clinically healthy, free-ranging donkeys were recorded using digital and infrared thermometers. The RT and BST of each donkey and thermal environmental parameters inside the pen were measured bi-hourly from 0600 to 0600 hours (GM + 1) on each experimental day. Application of single cosinor procedure showed that RT and BST exhibited varying levels of daily rhythmicity in both seasons, with values usually higher during the afternoon periods of the photophase of the light/dark cycle. The oscillatory pattern differed with season, with greater amplitude recorded during the cold-dry season than the hot-dry season. The acrophases of the RT and BST were mostly restricted to the photophase of the light/dark cycle in both seasons. The mean values of RT in the adult (37.10 ± 0.10 °C), yearling (37.19 ± 0.10 °C) and foal (37.45 ± 0.11 °C) donkeys were higher (F = 93.41, P < 0.0001) during the hot-dry season than the cold-dry season (35.40 ± 0.05 °C, 35.50 ± 0.04 °C and 36.20 ± 0.05 °C, respectively). In conclusion, seasonal changes influenced significantly the daily rhythmicity of RT and BST in donkeys, kept under natural light/dark cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friday Ocheja Zakari
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
| | - Joseph Olusegun Ayo
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | | | - Mohammed Umar Kawu
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Ndazo Salka Minka
- College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Department of Animal Health and Husbandry, Division of Agricultural Colleges, Ahmadu Bello University, Mando-Kaduna, Nigeria
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Olaifa FH, Ayo JO, Aluwong T, Rekwot PI, Zakari FO. Ergonomic study of donkeys administered with Pycnogenol® and subjected to packing during the hot-dry season in Northern Nigeria. Trop Anim Health Prod 2018; 51:389-394. [PMID: 30187245 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-018-1702-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine some ergonomic parameters of donkeys administered with Pycnogenol® (PYC) and subjected to packing during the hot-dry season in northern Nigeria. Fifteen donkeys served as experimental subjects. Group 1 (n = 5) donkeys were subjected to trekking only (control), group 2 (n = 5) donkeys were subjected to packing (P-PYC), and group 3 (n = 5) were administered with PYC (10 mg/kg) and subjected to packing (P+PYC). Each group covered a distance of 10 km. Some ergonomic parameters were evaluated. The duration of work in control, P-PYC, and P+PYC donkeys were 170.0 ± 10 min (2.8 h), 126.6 ± 6.7 min (2.1 h), and 112.0 ± 3.9 min (1.9 h), respectively. The energy expenditure obtained for P-PYC group (88.3 ± 9.8 KJ/s) was significantly higher than the values of 28.3 ± 3.7 KJ/s and 73.5 ± 9.9 KJ/s obtained in control and P+PYC groups, respectively. The output was significantly higher in P+PYC group with the value of 5263.2 ± 135 m/h. In conclusion, packing the donkeys during the hot-dry season was stressful; however, PYC may have served as a potent antifatigue agent to reduce the stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Folashade Helen Olaifa
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
| | - Joseph Olusegun Ayo
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Tangang Aluwong
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Peter Ibrahim Rekwot
- National Animal Production and Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Shika, Nigeria
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Zakari FO, Ayo JO, Rekwot PI, Kawu MU, Minka NS. Diurnal rhythms of heart and respiratory rates in donkeys of different age groups during the cold-dry and hot-dry seasons in a tropical savannah. Physiol Rep 2018; 6:e13855. [PMID: 30187687 PMCID: PMC6125241 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.13855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of season on diurnal rhythms of heart (HR) and respiratory rates (RespR) in the adult, yearling, and foal donkeys during the cold-dry and hot-dry seasons under natural light/dark cycle. The resting HR and RespR were recorded bihourly for 24 consecutive hours from 06:00 to 06:00 h (GMT +1) in 30, clinically healthy donkeys (10 adults,10 yearlings, and 10 foals). Dry-bulb temperature (DBT), relative humidity (RH), temperature-humidity index (THI) and wet-bulb globe temperature index (WBGT) inside the pen were recorded bihourly from 06:00 to 06:00 h. Values of DBT, THI, and WBGT obtained during the hot-dry season were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than corresponding values recorded during the cold-dry season. Application of single-cosinor procedure showed that HR and RespR exhibited daily rhythmicity in both seasons. The mesors of the HR in adult (41.51 ± 0.34 beats/min [bpm]), yearling (40.80 ± 0.43 bpm), and foal (47.55 ± 0.40 bpm) donkeys during the cold-dry season were significantly (P < 0.01) lower, compared to the corresponding values of 48.4 ± 0.40 bpm, 50.42 ± 0.52 bpm and 58.10 ± 0.50 bpm, respectively during the hot-dry season. The mesors of RespR in adult, yearling, and foal donkeys during the hot-dry season were higher (P < 0.05), when compared to the corresponding values recorded in the cold-dry season. The HR and RespR of foals were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of the adult and yearling donkeys. Amplitudes of HR and RespR were higher during the hot-dry season than the cold-dry season. In conclusion, seasonal changes affect diurnal rhythmicity of HR and RespR of adult, yearling, and foal donkeys during the cold-dry and hot-dry seasons. The HR and RespR of donkeys vary with age, with higher values in the foals than the adult and yearling donkeys in both seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friday O. Zakari
- Department of Veterinary PhysiologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineAhmadu Bello UniversityZariaNigeria
| | - Joseph O. Ayo
- Department of Veterinary PhysiologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineAhmadu Bello UniversityZariaNigeria
| | - Peter I. Rekwot
- National Animal Production Research InstituteShika‐ZariaNigeria
| | - Muhammed U. Kawu
- Department of Veterinary PhysiologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineAhmadu Bello UniversityZariaNigeria
| | - Ndazo S. Minka
- Division of Agricultural CollegesCollege of Agriculture and Animal ScienceAhmadu Bello UniversityMando‐KadunaNigeria
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Zakari FO, Ayo JO, Rekwot PI, Kawu MU. Influence of season on daytime behavioral activities of donkeys in the Northern Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria. J Equine Sci 2016; 26:105-11. [PMID: 26858575 PMCID: PMC4739140 DOI: 10.1294/jes.26.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The present experiment was performed with the aim of investigating the effect of season on behavioral
activities of donkeys during the rainy and harmattan seasons in the Northern Guinea zone of Nigeria. Sixteen
apparently healthy donkeys were used as subjects and divided into four groups based on age. During each
season, behavioral activities of each donkey were evaluated for three weeks using the focal animal sampling
technique. The dry-bulb temperature (DBT), relative humidity (RH), and temperature-humidity index (THI) were
obtained three times each day during the experimental period using standard procedures. In the rainy season,
the mean DBT (31.65 ± 0.49°C), RH (73.63 ± 1.09%), and THI (84.39 ± 0.71) were significantly (P<0.0001)
higher than the corresponding values of 24.00 ± 0.44°C, 36.80 ± 0.92%, and 64.80 ± 0.62 in the harmattan
season. During the rainy season, the donkeys spent 60.00 ± 0.77%, 25.40 ± 0.69%, and 2.94 ± 0.21% on grazing,
resting, and grooming, respectively. During the harmattan season, the donkeys spent the most time on grazing
(76.76 ± 0.43%), less time on resting (11.97 ± 0.38%), and the least time on grooming (0.89 ± 0.05%). In
conclusion, season and seasonal variations affect the daytime behavioral activities of donkeys in the zone,
and this should be considered in husbandry practices for donkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friday Ocheja Zakari
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, PMB 1045, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Joseph Olusegun Ayo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, PMB 1045, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Peter Ibrahim Rekwot
- National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, PMB 1096, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Mohammed Umar Kawu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, PMB 1045, Zaria, Nigeria
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Holcomb KE, Tucker CB, Stull CL. Shade use by small groups of domestic horses in a hot, sunny environment. J Anim Sci 2015; 93:5455-64. [PMID: 26641064 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2015-9520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Horses in the United States are commonly managed in outside pens or pastures in small groups. Limited research on shade use by domestic horses housed singly in individual pens has shown benefits and a preference for using available shade. The objective of this study was to examine the amount of shade use and the behavioral and physiological responses of small groups of horses when housed with access to shade (SH) and without access to shade (SUN). Thirty-six horses were randomized into 3 consecutive trials using 3 horses per group and 4 groups per trial. Groups experienced 5 d in each treatment in a crossover design. Weather factors were measured with automated sensors 24 h/d throughout the study. The mean afternoon ambient temperature was 31.0°C with relative humidity of 32%. Rectal temperature, respiration rate, and skin temperature were recorded at 1000, 1330, and 1900 h daily. Venous blood samples were obtained on Days 0 and 5 to measure serum cortisol, the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio, and hematocrit. Behavioral observations for presence in shade, standing near or away from water, locomotion, and foraging were recorded at 5-min intervals from 1400 to 1900 h daily. Insect avoidance behaviors were recorded hourly during that same time period for 1 min/horse. Horses in the SH treatment were observed using shade in 7.1% of observations between 1400 and 1900 h, and behavioral differences were observed between the SH and SUN treatments. When in the SUN treatment, horses stood near the water troughs more (18.5 vs. 14.2% of observations; = 0.029) and foraged less (29.3 vs. 33.8% of observations; < 0.001) than when in the SH treatment. There were no treatment differences for other behaviors or for physiological measures ( > 0.05). Provision of shade structures accessible to groups of mature, healthy horses in hot, sunny environments should be considered in developing future guidelines for best management practices for horses.
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Zakari FO, Ayo JO, Rekwot PI, Kawu MU. Effect of age, sex, physical activity and meteorological factors on haematological parameters of donkeys ( Equus asinus). COMPARATIVE CLINICAL PATHOLOGY 2014; 25:1265-1272. [PMID: 27818622 PMCID: PMC5069348 DOI: 10.1007/s00580-014-2026-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The review examines the role of blood in homeostasis, diagnosis and treatment of disease as influenced by meteorological stress factors, age, sex and physical activity of the donkeys. Haematological parameters play a crucial role in clinical diagnosis of infectious and parasitic diseases, in assessing the responses of donkeys to treatment and in prevention of diseases. The changes in blood values are important in evaluating the responses of the animals to various physiologic conditions. In conclusion, haematological values of donkeys are largely influenced by age, sex, physical factors of the environment and physical activity, and consideration of the factors will aid accurate diagnosis and therapeutic evaluation of equine diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friday Ocheja Zakari
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, PMB 1045, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Joseph Olusegun Ayo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, PMB 1045, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Peter Ibrahim Rekwot
- National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Ahmadu Bello University, PMB 1096, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Mohammed Umar Kawu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, PMB 1045, Zaria, Nigeria
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Olaifa F, Ayo JO, Ambali SF, Rekwot PI, Minka NS. Rectal temperature responses of donkeys administered with ascorbic acid and subjected to load carrying (packing) during the harmattan season in Nigeria. Trop Anim Health Prod 2012; 45:473-7. [PMID: 22869338 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-012-0242-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of 4-h load carrying (packing) on donkeys administered with ascorbic acid (AA) during the harmattan season. Six donkeys administered orally with ascorbic acid (200 mg/kg) and subjected to packing served as experimental animals, while six others given only distilled water served as control animals. The rectal temperature (RT) of each donkey and dry-bulb temperature (DBT) and relative humidity (RH) of the research pen were recorded at 0600 hours pre-packing; while post-packing, the values were obtained at 1430, 1600 and 1800 hours. The DBT values (ranges) recorded before, during and after packing were 13.7 ± 1.3 °C (11-15 °C), 28.4 ± 1.0 °C (22.7-30.3 °C) and 30.6 ± 3.0 °C (19.8-45 °C), respectively. The highest temperature-humidity index (THI) of 83.4 ± 6.9 was obtained at 1430 hours after packing, and the value decreased to 64.2 ± 5.8 at 1800 hours. The thermal environmental conditions were outside the thermoneutral zone for the donkeys. The RT values recorded immediately after packing did not differ (P > 0.05) in experimental and control donkeys; but at 1600 and 1800 hours, values obtained in control donkeys (38.48 ± 0.12 and 38.12 ± 0.12 °C, respectively) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those recorded in experimental donkeys (38.16 ± 0.14 and 37.85 ± 0.14 °C, respectively). In conclusion, administration of ascorbic acid reduced the rise in RT due to packing and may be of value in the amelioration of adverse effects of heat stress associated with work in donkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Folashade Olaifa
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
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McLean AK, Heleski CR, Yokoyama MT, Wang W, Doumbia A, Dembele B. Improving working donkey (Equus asinus) welfare and management in Mali, West Africa. J Vet Behav 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2011.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Ayo JO, Dzenda T, Zakari FO. Individual and Diurnal Variations in Rectal Temperature, Respiration, and Heart Rate of Pack Donkeys during the Early Rainy Season. J Equine Vet Sci 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2008.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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