Abstract
Pack donkeys are largely kept in the open field without any shelter in most tropical and subtropical countries. The study aim was to investigate the effects of packing (load-carrying) during hot-dry conditions in donkeys that were kept without shelter and pre-administered melatonin. Eighteen donkeys served as subject. They were divided randomly into two groups of nine animals per group. Group 1 donkeys were administered melatonin orally pre-packing (P+M), while group 2 donkeys were packed only without administration of melatonin (P only). Dry-bulb temperature (DBT) and temperature-humidity index (THI) were recorded pre- and post-packing, concurrently with the measurement of rectal temperature (RT), body surface temperatures (BST), respiratory and heart rates (RR and HR, respectively). Behavioural activities were recorded immediately (15 minutes) post-packing using animal focal method for 1-h. The values of DBT and THI were higher (P ˂ 0.05) post-packing, indicating that the donkeys were exposed to hotter conditions post-packing. The frequencies of grooming (1.42 ± 0.6%) and walking (1.94 ± 0.1%) in P+M donkeys were significantly (P ˂ 0.05) reduced, compared to the values recorded in donkeys without administration of melatonin (2.40 ± 0.5% and 4.95 ± 0.6%, respectively). In conclusion, the administration of melatonin pre-packing to donkeys kept in the open field and subjected to packing during the hot-dry season significantly (P ˂ 0.05) reduced the frequency of grooming and walking. Pre-administration of melatonin to pack donkeys reduce the negative effects of heat stress on the behavioural and thermoregulatory responses of the donkeys during the hot-dry season.
Presenters
Ayodele AkeLecturer, Veterinary Physiology & Biochemistry, University of Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Assessing Impacts in Diverse Ecosystems
KEYWORDS
Behaviour, Donkeys, Grooming, Hot-dry, Packing
