Preliminary study on heart response and locomotor parameters in Donkeys (Equus asinus) during exercise using fitness tracker (Equimetre).

The welfare of donkeys remains a compelling subject for researchers, with limited literature available on the response of the donkey cardiovascular system during strenuous exercise. The study aimed to address two primary objectives. Firstly, to assess the reliability of wearable devices in detecting heart rate (HR) and ECG readings. Secondly, to determine HR, locomotor and cardiac troponin 1 (cTnI) levels in donkeys during exercise. A total of seven donkeys were outfitted with two systems for ECG measurements, namely Equimetre and the Standard base apex, to enable a comparison between the two. Additionally, fifteen apparently healthy donkeys equipped with Equimetre were divided into two groups: the race group (R), consisting of donkeys trained for racing, and the non-race group (NR), comprising donkeys used for regular riding. The results indicated a level of agreement between the two devices in intervals R-R (P = < 0.0001), S-T (P = 0.0002), Q-T(P = 0.0003), P-R (P = 0.0037), segment P-R (P = 0.0023) and HR (P = < 0.0001) at rest. This suggested that Equimetre can provide a level of accepted ECG reading in donkey. No significant difference in heart response and locomotor parameters between donkey groups, although this finding needs further studies to verify it and to understand the dynamics of donkey. This study demonstrates the feasibility of Equimetre in detection HR and present initial data of heart response and locomotor in donkeys during exercise.

Ultrasonographic Assessment of Testicular Biometry and Arterial Blood Flow in Pre- and Postpubertal Miranda Donkeys: Correlations With Semen Quality Parameters.

The main goals of this study were to document and compare the normal ranges of testicular haemodynamic parameters in pre- (aged 8-12 months; n = 4) and postpubertal (aged 24-259 months; n = 16) Miranda donkeys in the breeding season, and to correlate animal biometric data and testicular Doppler indices with basic semen quality parameters of sexually mature jacks. Colour and pulsed-Doppler ultrasonography were employed to assess blood flow in the left and right distal supratesticular artery (DsTA) and their marginal branches (marginal arteries-MA). Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index (RI) were evaluated in both blood vessels, and TAMV (time-averaged mean velocity), TABF (total arterial blood flow) and TABF rate (TABF-R) were calculated for MA. The mean diameter of MA was greater (p < 0.05; 0.24 ± 0.05 vs. 0.19 ± 0.05 cm; mean ± SD) but TABF-R was less (p < 0.05; 0.004 ± 0.004 vs. 0.02 ± 0.01 mL/s/cm3) in sexually mature donkeys compared with prepubertal animals. Apart from RI values for the right testicle of prepubertal donkeys, PI and RI were consistently greater (p < 0.05) in DsTA compared with MA. Significant correlations were found among select biometric and haemodynamic attributes of the testes (height, width and length, TV, TTV and PSV-ST) and ejaculate characteristics (volume, sperm defects-total, head and midpiece) in sexually mature donkeys (n = 8). The present results highlight the importance of scrotal ultrasonography for the reproductive assessment of jacks and provide reference values, based on the available subpopulation of Miranda donkeys that can be used in their clinical and reproductive management and research, or conservation programmes.

Influence of age, sex, bodyweight, and training on echocardiographic measurements in healthy mixed-breed donkeys.

The donkey has always been a notable working animal and its importance as a companion animal has been growing over the last few years. However, there are only a few studies about cardiology in this species. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of age, sex, training, and bodyweight on cardiac dimension in mixed-breed donkeys. Forty-five clinically and para-clinically healthy mixed-breed donkeys were included, and B-mode and M-mode echocardiographic measurements were recorded. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to identify the effect of age, sex, bodyweight, and training on cardiac measurements. Most of the echocardiographic measurements showed a strong statistically significant correlation with bodyweight. Linear regression analysis between echocardiographic measurements and bodyweight was performed to obtain the values of the intercept and slope of the linear equation to calculate the echocardiographic measurements as a function of bodyweight. This is the first study reporting a strong linear correlation between echocardiographic measurements and bodyweight and reporting a correlation between training and echocardiographic parameters in donkeys, suggesting that this variable should be considered when assessing cardiac dimensions in these animals.

The contribution of community-based conservation models to conserving large herbivore populations.

In East Africa, community-based conservation models (CBCMs) have been established to support the conservation of wildlife in fragmented landscapes like the Tarangire Ecosystem, Tanzania. To assess how different management approaches maintained large herbivore populations, we conducted line distance surveys and estimated seasonal densities of elephant, giraffe, zebra, and wildebeest in six management units, including three CBCMs, two national parks (positive controls), and one area with little conservation interventions (negative control). Using a Monte-Carlo approach to propagate uncertainties from the density estimates and trend analysis, we analyzed the resulting time series (2011-2019). Densities of the target species were consistently low in the site with little conservation interventions. In contrast, densities of zebra and wildebeest in CBCMs were similar to national parks, providing evidence that CBCMs contributed to the stabilization of these migratory populations in the central part of the ecosystem. CBCMs also supported giraffe and elephant densities similar to those found in national parks. In contrast, the functional connectivity of Lake Manyara National Park has not been augmented by CBCMs. Our analysis suggests that CBCMs can effectively conserve large herbivores, and that maintaining connectivity through CBCMs should be prioritized.

Transvaginal aspiration, oocyte maturation and production of blastocysts and a pregnancy via ICSI in an endangered breed: Baudet du Poitou donkey.

Two Poitou donkey jennies were presented for clinical oocyte recovery and embryo production via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Both jennies underwent transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration on two occasions. Recovered oocytes were held overnight then placed into maturation culture, using standard methods for mare oocytes. On the first replicate for both jennies, the oocytes were divided into two groups; one group was denuded and examined at 30 h culture (standard culture duration for mare oocytes) and the second was denuded and examined at 36 h culture. No oocytes with polar bodies were observed at either time. The oocytes were maintained in maturation culture until 46 h, at which time oocytes with polar bodies were observed. Semen was then prepared; oocytes underwent ICSI approximately 48 h after being placed into maturation culture. On the second replicate for both jennies, oocytes were cultured for maturation for 42 h, then denuded and subjected to ICSI at 46 h. Sperm preparation, injection and embryo culture were performed as for mare oocytes. Blastocyst rates per injected oocyte were 8/19 (42 %) overall, being 4/12 and 4/7 for the first and second TVAs, respectively. Blastocysts were vitrified. Three blastocysts were warmed and transferred to Poitou donkey jenny recipients. One embryonic vesicle was visualized on ultrasonography on embryo Day 12, which increased in size on Day 13 but was not present when examined on Day 14. These results demonstrate that oocyte recovery and ICSI are efficient for production of Poitou donkey blastocysts. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of production of blastocysts via ICSI in the Poitou donkey, and the first report of transfer of ICSI-produced embryos in the donkey. Further work is needed on factors affecting pregnancy after embryo transfer in the donkey.

Limited herbivore migration during the Last Glacial Period of Kenya.

Eastern Africa is home to the largest terrestrial migrations on Earth. Though these migratory systems have been well studied for decades, little is known of their antiquity and evolutionary history. Serially sampled strontium stable isotopes (87Sr/86Sr) from tooth enamel can be used to track migration in mammals. Here we analyse 87Sr/86Sr for 79 bovid and equid individuals representing 18 species from four localities in Kenya to characterize prehistoric migratory systems during the Last Glacial Period (115-11.7 ka). Of the species analysed, 16 lack definitive evidence for migration, including blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), Thomson's gazelle (Eudorcas thomsonii) and plains zebra (Equus quagga), which are long-distance migrants today in the Greater Serengeti Ecosystem and historically in the Athi-Kapiti Plains. Only two species, the extinct wildebeests Rusingoryx atopocranion and Megalotragus sp., were migratory. These findings suggest a possible alternative narrative about ecosystem dynamics during the Last Glacial Period and shed light on the behaviour of both extant and extinct species at this time. In particular, these results indicate that migratory behaviour in extant species either emerged during the Holocene or was more spatiotemporally constrained in the past. Our results contribute to a growing body of evidence suggesting that the structure and function of geologically recent large mammal communities in eastern Africa differed considerably from those observed in the present day.

Effects of telemetry collars on two free-roaming feral equid species.

There are two species of free-roaming feral equids in North America: horses (Equus caballus) and donkeys or "burros" (E. asinus). Both species were introduced as domestic animals to North America in the early 1500s and currently inhabit rangelands across the western United States, Canada, and all continents except Antarctica. Despite their global distribution, little is known about their fine scale spatial ecology. Contemporary research tools to assess space use include global positioning system (GPS) tracking collars, but older models were problematic due to stiff collar belting causing poor fit. We tested modern designs of GPS collars on n = 105 horses and n = 60 burros for 4 years in five populations (3 horse, 2 burro) across the western United States, to assess whether collars posed welfare risks to horses or burros. We found no difference in survival of collared versus uncollared mares and jennies, and no difference in survival of their foals. In 4036 of 4307 observations for horses (93.7%) and 2115 of 2258 observations for burros (93.6%), collars were observed symmetrical, maintaining proper fit on the neck. Fur effects from collars (sweaty neck, indented fur, broken fur) were seen in 3% of horse observations and 25% of burro observations. Superficial effects (chafes and marks on skin surface) were seen in 2% of horse observations and 11% of burro observations; no severe effects from collars were seen. Body condition was not affected by collars; mean body condition of collared horses was 4.70 ± 0.54 (mean ± s.d) and 4.71 ± 0.65 for collared burros. Behavior results indicated minimal effects; collared horses stood slightly more than uncollared, and collared burros stood and foraged more in one population, but not in the other. For 6.3% of observations of horses and 6.4% of observations of burros, we found an effect of time wearing a collar on the cumulative sum of fur effects which increased over time (burros: rs = 0.87, P = <0.0001; horses: rs = 0.31, P = 0.002). Burros also showed an increase over time in the number of superficial effects, but horses did not. Collars occasionally moved into the wrong position, shifting forward over the ears; we observed this on 19 horses and 1 burro. Of those, most collars went over the ears in summer (n = 12). All collars were equipped with a remote release mechanism as well as a timed-release mechanism for redundancy, thus removed when observed in wrong position to avoid rubbing or discomfort. Our finding of no consequential physical effects in 98% of horse observations, and 89% of burro observations suggests the consequences of collars on free-roaming equid welfare and survival is biologically insignificant, although collars should be monitored regularly and continue to be equipped with a remote release mechanism to remove a collar if needed. With frequent welfare-driven, visual monitoring, collaring of free-roaming equids can be a safe and useful tool to increase our understanding of their spatial ecology, demography, habitat use, behavior, and interactions with other wildlife.

Comparison of different cryoprotectants for freezing donkey (Equus asinus) semen.

The aim of this study was to evaluate two cryoprotectants, dimethylformamide (DMF) and methylformamide (MF) in two concentrations (5 and 7 %) in vitro in donkey semen using a rapid freezing technique and the effect on pregnancy rates in mares. Twenty-four ejaculates from 8 jacks (n = 8; r = 3) were divided into 4 extenders: BotuSemen Gold with 5 % or 7 % MF and 5 % or 7 % DMF, all containing 11 % lactose, 20 % egg-yolk and 0.5 % Equex. Post-thaw evaluations included: sperm motility, membrane function and acrosome status. A linear mixed effect model was used to test the effect of different freezing media on semen parameters. No differences were observed between the 4 freezing media used, for any of the seminal parameters (P > 0.05). However, samples with 5 % DMF showed the highest percentages of sperm with acrosomes and functional membranes (DMF: 5 %: 53.67 ± 22.01; 7 %: 33.92 ± 23.4; MF: 5 %: 44.5 ± 20.46; 7 %: 38.75 ± 27.4) (Data: mean ± SD; P > 0.05). Hence, thirty mares were inseminated: 15 with 5 % DMF and 15 with 7 % DMF. The pregnancy rate was 46 % (7/15) and 0 % (0/15) using the extender with 5 % or 7 % DMF, respectively (P = 0.003). To conclude, the use of 5 % or 7 % of MF or DMF did not affect the in vitro parameters. Despite the lack of differences in vitro with the two DMF concentrations, in vivo results only showed pregnancies when using 5 % DMF. Thus, the results of this study demonstrate the importance of accompanying in vitro semen evaluations with studies that evaluate post-insemination pregnancy rates.

Linking diet switching to reproductive performance across populations of two critically endangered mammalian herbivores.

Optimal foraging theory predicts that animals maximise energy intake by consuming the most valuable foods available. When resources are limited, they may include lower-quality fallback foods in their diets. As seasonal herbivore diet switching is understudied, we evaluate its extent and effects across three Kenyan reserves each for Critically Endangered eastern black rhino (Diceros bicornis michaeli) and Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi), and its associations with habitat quality, microbiome variation, and reproductive performance. Black rhino diet breadth increases with vegetation productivity (NDVI), whereas zebra diet breadth peaks at intermediate NDVI. Black rhino diets associated with higher vegetation productivity have less acacia (Fabaceae: Vachellia and Senegalia spp.) and more grass suggesting that acacia are fallback foods, upending conventional assumptions. Larger dietary shifts are associated with longer calving intervals. Grevy's zebra diets in high rainfall areas are consistently grass-dominated, whereas in arid areas they primarily consume legumes during low vegetation productivity periods. Whilst microbiome composition between individuals is affected by the environment, and diet composition in black rhino, seasonal dietary shifts do not drive commensurate microbiome shifts. Documenting diet shifts across ecological gradients can increase the effectiveness of conservation by informing habitat suitability models and improving understanding of responses to resource limitation.

Diet explains Serengeti grazers' predictable migration.

Each species' dining habits set the table for the next wave.

Interplay of competition and facilitation in grazing succession by migrant Serengeti herbivores.

Competition, facilitation, and predation offer alternative explanations for successional patterns of migratory herbivores. However, these interactions are difficult to measure, leaving uncertainty about the mechanisms underlying body-size-dependent grazing-and even whether succession occurs at all. We used data from an 8-year camera-trap survey, GPS-collared herbivores, and fecal DNA metabarcoding to analyze the timing, arrival order, and interactions among migratory grazers in Serengeti National Park. Temporal grazing succession is characterized by a "push-pull" dynamic: Competitive grazing nudges zebra ahead of co-migrating wildebeest, whereas grass consumption by these large-bodied migrants attracts trailing, small-bodied gazelle that benefit from facilitation. "Natural experiments" involving intense wildfires and rainfall respectively disrupted and strengthened these effects. Our results highlight a balance between facilitative and competitive forces in co-regulating large-scale ungulate migrations.

Fear of the human "super predator" pervades the South African savanna.

Lions have long been perceived as Africa's, if not the world's, most fearsome terrestrial predator,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 the "king of beasts". Wildlife's fear of humans may, however, be far more powerful and all-prevailing1,10 as recent global surveys show that humans kill prey at much higher rates than other predators,10,11,12 due partly to technologies such as hunting with dogs or guns.11,13,14,15 We comprehensively experimentally tested whether wildlife's fear of humans exceeds even that of lions, by quantifying fear responses1 in the majority of carnivore and ungulate species (n = 19) inhabiting South Africa`s Greater Kruger National Park (GKNP),9,15,16,17 using automated camera-speaker systems9,18 at waterholes during the dry season that broadcast playbacks of humans, lions, hunting sounds (dogs, gunshots) or non-predator controls (birds).9,19,20,21,22 Fear of humans significantly exceeded that of lions throughout the savanna mammal community. As a whole (n = 4,238 independent trials), wildlife were twice as likely to run (p < 0.001) and abandoned waterholes in 40% faster time (p < 0.001) in response to humans than to lions (or hunting sounds). Fully 95% of species ran more from humans than lions (significantly in giraffes, leopards, hyenas, zebras, kudu, warthog, and impala) or abandoned waterholes faster (significantly in rhinoceroses and elephants). Our results greatly strengthen the growing experimental evidence that wildlife worldwide fear the human "super predator" far more than other predators,1,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28 and the very substantial fear of humans demonstrated can be expected to cause considerable ecological impacts,1,6,22,23,24,29,30,31,32,33,34,35 presenting challenges for tourism-dependent conservation,1,36,37 particularly in Africa,38,39 while providing new opportunities to protect some species.1,22,40.

Effects of packing (load carrying) on body temperatures and their circadian rhythms in donkeys (Equus asinus) during the hot-dry season.

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.

Comparative Proteome Analysis of Serum Uncovers Differential Expression of Proteins in Donkeys (Equus Asinus) With Endometritis Caused by Escherichia Coli.

Endometritis is a common disease in donkeys that causes economic losses to donkey farms and the common cause is bacterial infection. Uterine flush fluid proteomics has been used to study protein biomarkers associated with endometritis in mares. As a convenient diagnostic tool, serum proteomics has not been studied yet in equine species with endometritis. This study is aiming to evaluate the serum proteomics in jennies with and without endometritis and identify potential proteins as biomarker for endometritis diagnosis. Nine donkeys recruited into this study were diagnosed of bacterial (Escherichia coli) endometritis and nine healthy jennies were selected as control. Blood samples of each donkey was collected, and serum was separated from each sample. Peptides samples extracted from the serum were analyzed using nano-ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in data-independent acquisition mode. Protein identification and quantification were performed followed by differential and functional analysis. Of 579 proteins identified in all jennies, 12 proteins were exclusively identified in jennies with endometritis (group E) including myeloperoxidase and Ras-related protein Rab-1B, which might be associated with bacterial infection. There were 11 differentially expressed proteins detected between the two groups of jennies with 4 downregulated proteins and 7 upregulated proteins in jennies with endometritis. Some upregulated proteins along with the GO and KEGG annotation indicated inflammatory response against uterine infection. Characteristic serum proteins identified in jennies with endometritis were associated with inflammation or bacterial infection. These proteins might be potential biomarkers for endometritis diagnosis in jennies.

Pain Assessment and Acute Phase Response in Donkeys Submitted to Inguinal Orchiectomy.

In most animals, pain can compromise physiological functions and delay healing so, rapid detection of pain through behavior and inflammatory reaction with biomarkers are necessary. This study aimed to evaluate pain, physiological variations and Acute Phase Proteins (APP) in donkeys undergoing orchiectomy technique by inguinal access. For this research, 15 male northeastern donkeys kept in extensive management were selected, with a mean age of 4.5±3.1 years. All animals had the same anesthetic protocol, using dissociative anesthesia and local block with lidocaine, followed by orchiectomy by inguinal access. Due to their predisposition to complications, the inguinal technique is the most indicated to minimize complications and excessive inflammation in donkeys' orchiectomy, the donkeys were evaluated regarding behavioral assessment of pain, hematological parameters, APP and the surgical wound, during 0 hour, 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours. As for the physiological parameters and APP, no significant differences were observed between times, due to the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. In the macroscopic evaluation of the surgical wound, it was observed that there were no significant differences between the times, with animals presenting mean scores of 1.8±0.414, in 48 hours 1.6 ± 0.507, and in 72 hours 1.6 ± 0.507. Most animals had mild to moderate edema in the scrotum and foreskin regions. As for pain assessment, the average scores were between 2 and 3, representing mild and moderate pain, not requiring intervention. However, further research is needed to elucidate the behavior of PFAs in the face of variables and the creation of new pain scales for animals raised in an extensive system.

Donkey semen cryopreservation: Alternatives with permeable, non-permeable cryoprotectants and seminal plasma.

Cryopreservation of semen is an important technique to preserve genetic material. Yet, pregnancy rates in jennies after artificial insemination with frozen-thawed donkey semen are poor. This condition has been attributed to the impact of permeable cryoprotectants, that could cause high post-breeding endometritis. Removal of seminal plasma (SP) prior to semen freezing process is another contributing factor. SP is involved in a multitude of sperm functions and events preceding fertilization and has a mediating effect of sperm capacitation and postcoital uterine inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to evaluate different alternatives in donkey semen cryopreservation with permeable, non-permeable cryoprotectants, BSA and SP. Thirty ejaculates from 10 donkeys were cryopreserved with different combinations of dimethylformamide (DMF, 5%), sucrose (SUC, 200 mM) and homologous SP (10%): DMF (T1), DMF/SP (T2), SUC/BSA (T3), SUC/BSA/SP (T4), DMF/SUC/BSA (T5), DMF/SUC/BSA/SP (T6), DMF/BSA (T7) and DMF/BSA/SP (T8). After thawing, sperm motility and kinetics were assessed by computerized semen analysis. Sperm vitality (SV) was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy, functional membrane integrity (FMI) by the HOST test, abnormal morphology by eosin-nigrosin staining and sperm membrane stability by flow cytometry. For statistical analysis, sperm quality indexes (SQi) were obtained, general linear models were carried out and mean comparisons were made by the Tukey test. T1, T2, T5, T6, and T7 had higher and equivalent results for motility, most kinetic parameters and function membrane integrity. Cryopreservation of donkey semen without permeable cryoprotectant (T3 and T4) showed a reduction in motility, kinetics, SV, FMI and SQi. T5 showed a reduction in progressive motility, sperm velocities, IMF and SQi compared to other DMF treatments. T6 and T8 achieved higher SQi values compared to T1, but they were not different compared to T2 and T7. T1 had a smaller sperm population with low-M540 compared to T3. It is concluded that the use of permeable cryoprotectant is essential to achieve higher post-thaw quality of donkey semen. In addition, the combined use of BSA, SUC and/or PS may provide additional sperm protection compared to the individual use of DMF.

Melatonin modulates rectal and body surface temperatures and their circadian rhythmicity in donkeys (Equus asinus) subjected to packing during the hot-dry season.

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.

Comparing the anti-nociceptive, sedative and clinicophysiological effects of epidural detomidine, detomidine-lidocaine and lidocaine in donkeys.

BACKGROUND: Epidural analgesia using the alpha-2 agonist detomidine (DE), alone or in combination with lidocaine (LD), is frequently employed for standing surgical procedures in horses, but its use has not been evaluated in donkeys. METHODS: In a randomised controlled prospective trial, 24 healthy adult donkeys were assigned to four groups (n = 6), each receiving 40 µg/kg of DE, 0.22 mg/kg of LD, combined DE and LD (DELD) or 0.9% sterile normal saline epidurally. After epidural injection of each treatment, the onset, degree and duration of sedation and anatomical extension of anti-nociception were observed. RESULTS: DE and DELD treatments resulted in complete bilateral analgesia with loss of sensation in the tail, perineum, inguinal area, chest and the caudal aspect of the upper pelvic limb, and extended distally to the dorsal metatarsal area. DE and DELD resulted in a significantly (p < 0.05) longer duration of anti-nociception (110 ± 15.4 min and 141.6 ± 14.7 min, respectively) than LD (75.8 ± 4.9 min). The DELD duration of sedation was significantly (p < 0.05) longer than the DE duration (118.3 ± 19.4 min and 108.3 ± 7.5 min, respectively). LIMITATION: The current study's main limitation is using only one dose of DE. CONCLUSION: DE and DELD produced a very effective, safe and acceptable sedative and analgesic effect in the perineal and inguinal regions of donkeys.

Proteomic analysis of donkey sperm reveals changes in acrosome enzymes and redox regulation during cryopreservation.

Sperm cryoinjuries caused by cryopreservation restrict the application of donkey frozen semen in artificial insemination (AI). Identification of differentially represented proteins in fresh and frozen-thawed spermatozoa is of great significance to optimize the cryopreservation process and modify the component of cryopreservation extender. In this study, protein samples prepared from fresh (F) and frozen-thawed (FT) donkey spermatozoa were compared. 2682 proteins were quantitatively identified by tandem mass spectrometry (TMT) polypeptide labeling technique and LC-MS/MS method, of which 28 were more abundant in thawed samples and 147 in fresh spermatozoa. The differential abundant proteins (DAPs) were analyzed by bioinformatics. Most of the DAPs in intensive bioinformatic analysis were involved in the process of regulation of biological process and metabolism. Functional protein analysis showed that DAPs process mainly protein hydrolase activity and oxidoreductase activity. Cellular Component analysis showed that DAPs were related to vesicle transport and membrane system. This is the first analysis and study on differential proteomics of donkey sperm proteins before and after cryopreservation, which has a certain guiding significance for studying the mechanism of sperm damage caused by cryopreservation and improving the freezing and thawing procedure. SIGNIFICANCE: In recent years, the commercial value of donkey products has been discovered. Improving the breeding efficiency of donkeys can save the stock of donkeys which is decreasing rapidly, and allow people to continuously benefit from the nutritional value brought by donkey milk. Sperm cryopreservation technology has laid the foundation for encouraging the spread of artificial insemination in donkey reproduction, but the freezing and thawing process causes damage to sperm, which dramatically reducing the viability of frozen sperm and leading to low fertility. At present, the mechanism of damage to donkey sperm caused by cryopreservation is still unclear, and studying this mechanism can provide a direction for improving the quality of frozen semen. Protein is a potential key factor affecting sperm cryopreservation activity. Studying changes in the sperm proteome during cryopreservation can provide promising evidence for revealing sperm cryopreservation damage, which is of great significance for optimizing the cryopreservation process, improving the composition of cryopreservation extender, and seeking directions for improving the quality of frozen semen.

A Comparison Between Working and Nonworking Donkeys Welfare Issues in Nyala City, South Darfur, Sudan.

In impoverished nations, donkeys help people make a living. The welfare of donkeys in Sudan is neglected compared with developed countries. However, there is no information available about donkey welfare in Nyala. This study aimed to assess the welfare of donkeys in Nyala. Donkeys were divided into two groups (n = 50), working and nonworking. The donkeys' physical, emotional, and clinical parameters and an owner's interview were assessed. There were significant differences in body condition scores: 37% and 47% of working and nonworking donkeys, respectively, had ideal body condition scores, while 13% of working donkeys were emaciated. Of the working and nonworking 33% and 19% had hoof problems, respectively. Fifteen percent of working donkeys had ocular discharge, and 25% had wounds. In working donkeys, 7% and 5% depressive and aggressive behavioral responses, respectively, were observed. Furthermore, there were significant differences in tools used for hitting donkeys, with 33% and 17% of owners using a stick and whip, respectively, for hitting working donkeys. Eighty-two percent of owners feed their donkeys one to three times daily (50% working and 32% nonworking donkeys), and free access feeding was only observed in 18% of nonworking donkeys. There were no significant differences (P > .06) in emotional parameters. We conclude that working donkeys suffer from multiple welfare problems more than nonworking donkeys in Nyala. More awareness, veterinary services, and research are needed to improve donkey care in Nyala.