Energy Consumption of Young Military Working Dogs in Pre-Training in Germany

Effects of different load weights on the work performance and physiological and hematobiochemical responses in working water buffalo

Background and Aim

Working animals are important in agriculture because they play a role in various agricultural activities, including milk and meat production. Thus, they contribute to the development of rural communities. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of different load weights on the work performance and the physiological and hematological responses of working water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

Materials and Methods

The work performances of 12 buffaloes (average weight 782.16 ± 21.62 kg) transporting 200, 350, and 500 kg of African palm fruits in metal baskets placed on their backs were evaluated. Work performance variables evaluated immediately after work were as follows: total number of trips (n), total weight (kg), distance traveled (km/day), working period (h), stopped time (h), and average speed (km/h). In addition, we evaluated physiological, biochemical, and hematological variables at three different times: before the start of work, immediately after work, and on the rest day.

Results

Among the load weights, 500 kg (total load carried = 4,138.88 kg) improved work efficiency compared to 200 kg loads (total load = 3,322.22 kg) (p = 0.0281). However, 500 kg loads resulted in slower average speed (2.4 km, p = 0.0164), shorter working period (2.39 h, p < 0.0001) and distance traveled (7.29 km, p < 0.0001), and less total number of trips (8.27 trips, p < 0.0001) compared to 350 and 200 kg load weights (3.45 and 3.52 km/h, 2.55 and 2.79 h, 8.71 and 9.75 km, 10.94 and 16.61 trips, respectively); and the heaviest loads resulted in significantly higher (p < 0.005) respiratory rate, pulse, heart rate, rectal temperature, glucose, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, total protein, white blood cell count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. In contrast, was associated with lower levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit compared to lower loads. All differences were more pronounced in 500 kg (p < 0.005) compared to 200 kg loads.

Conclusion

Working buffaloes responded to work related to the transport of African palm fruits through various physiological, biochemical, and hematological changes. However, some variables remained close to the reference values reported in the literature for water buffaloes, and in general, all variables were reestablished during the rest day, indicating that these animals have adapted to working conditions.

Non-invasive methods to assess muscle function in dogs: A scoping review

Skeletal muscle function can be affected by multiple disorders in dogs of which cranial cruciate ligament rupture or disease (CCLD) is one of the most common. Despite the significance of this condition only sparse research exists regarding assessment of muscle function in dogs. This scoping review aimed to identify the non-invasive methods for canine muscle function assessments that have been reported in the literature in the past 10 years. A systematic literature search was conducted 1st March 2022 across six databases. After screening, 139 studies were considered eligible for inclusion. Among the included studies, 18 different muscle function assessment categories were identified, and the most frequently reported disease state was CCLD. We included an attempt to elucidate the clinical applicability of the 18 reported methods, as experts were asked to subjectively assess the methods for their clinical relevance as well as their practical applicability in dogs with CCLD.

Timing of reproduction and association with environmental factors in female free-roaming dogs in southern India

Annual peaks in reproductive activity have been identified in multiple domestic dog populations. However, there is little evidence to describe how these peaks may be associated with environmental factors such as daylength, which plays a well-established role in breeding patterns of seasonally-reproductive species. Data were collected 2016-2020 during 7,743 and 4,681 neuter surgeries on adult female unowned free-roaming dogs in veterinary clinics in Goa and Tamil Nadu respectively. Temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, and daylength data were gathered for time periods preceding the neuter surgery that may have influenced the likelihood of pregnancy (potential influence periods). A multivariable generalised additive model was used to assess the relationship between these factors and pregnancy. The prevalence of pregnancy varied by month in both locations indicating seasonality of reproduction in these groups. The annual pattern was more distinct in Goa with a peak in pregnancies between September and December. In Goa, decreasing daylength was associated with a higher probability of pregnancy (p = 0.040). Decreasing temperature was associated with decreasing probability of pregnancy in the Nilgiris (p = 0.034). Bitches had a median of 6 foetuses, with no evidence of seasonal variation. Environmental factors were associated with patterns of pregnancy in free-roaming dogs, however statistically-significant factors varied by geographical location. Establishing local seasonal patterns of breeding in free-roaming dogs and assessing their relationship with environmental influences is recommended to facilitate effective and efficient population management strategies, which aim to reduce conflict between human and free-roaming dog populations.