Physiological, Hematological and Biochemical Indices in Non-Descript Indian Donkeys Working With Different Pack Loads in Brick Kiln Simulated Conditions

Abstract

Physiological, hematological and biochemical changes were studied in adult non-descript indigenous donkeys (n=4) working with pack loads equivalent to 40% (T1), 50% (T2) and 66% (T3) of their live body weight in a fashion mimicking work at brick kilns. Pre work and post work physiological (RR, RT, PR), hematological (Hb, PCV, RBC, WBC) and biochemical indices (lactate and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activity in plasma) were estimated. All physiological and hematological indices increased significantly (P<0.01) post work. Post work, plasma lactate levels and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activities were slightly increased without any significant change in all treatments except for the increased lactate in T2.  The donkeys got fatigued at 5, 5 and 4h of work in the three treatments, T1, T2, and T3 completing 9, 9 and 7.5km of distances, respectively working at speed 1.5-2km/h. It is concluded that indigenous donkeys may work comfortably with a pack load up to 50% of their body weight but higher pack load of 66% of their body weight causes early onset of fatigue and should be avoided.