Effects of Shade Provision on Some Physiological Parameters, Behavior and Performance of Pack Donkeys (Equinus asinus) during the Hot-Dry Season

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  • MINKA Ndazo S.
    College of Agriculture and Animal Science, P.M.B 2134, Ahmadu Bello University
  • AYO Joseph O.
    Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University

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This study examined the effects of shade provision on some physiological parameters and draft performance of pack donkeys (Equinus asinus) during the packing period of the hot-dry season. Ten donkeys provided with shelter in the form of an open-sided shade after packing work served as the experimental animals. Another ten donkeys not provided with shade served as the control. Rectal temperature (RT, °C), heart rate (HR, beats per minute) and respiratory rate (RR, breaths per minute) recorded pre- and post- packing indicated that unshaded donkeys had significantly (P<0.05) higher values than shaded donkeys pre- and post-packing. The frequency of lying bouts per unshaded donkey was higher in the (P<0.05) pre- and post-packing periods; while the time spent by the donkeys lying down was lower (P<0.01) in unshaded donkeys than the shaded donkeys, apparently due to the high (53.5 ± 0.1-55.2 ± 0.3°C) soil temperature. The percent change in RT, HR, RR and liveweight loss values was higher (P<0.05) in unshaded donkeys. The change rate in behavioral values, except for the frequency of lying down and the donkeys speed, was not different (P>0.05) between the shaded and unshaded donkeys. The pack load and the distance covered by the donkeys in both groups were not significantly (P>0.05) different. The speed of shaded donkeys was significantly (P<0.05) faster than that of the unshaded donkeys during packing. Packing increased (P<0.05) the time spent by the donkeys in eating and drinking in both groups. In conclusion, the provision of shade during the hot-dry season alleviates work and heat stress and enhances work productivity in pack donkeys.<br>

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