Effect on physiological response with heat exposure and work load cycle donkeys of Southern agro-climatic zone

Abstract

This study was performed in thirty (15 no. of male and 15 no. of females) White and Grey Donkeys at Southern agro-climatic zone. The mean (±SE) temperature (°C) and respiration rate (Respiration/min) pre heat exposure and post heat by exposure to heat at 11 am (Ambient Temperature 34.6°C and Relative humidity 48%) to 2 pm (Ambient Temperature 38.1°C and Relative humidity 41%) was recorded, along with Benezera coefficient of adaptability based on the rectal temperature and respiration rate responses after exposure of animals for 7 hours continuously for 3 days was assessed. Further, Grey donkeys were subjected to intermittent and continuous work-load cycle with 50 per cent of body weight. Heat tolerance test revealed no significant increase in the rectal temperature in male and female White and Grey donkeys. However, post heat exposure increased respiration rate was observed in Male Grey donkeys. Similarly, Benezera coefficient of Adaptability was significantly increased in male Grey donkeys. The mean body temperature (°C), respiration and pulse rate was increased significantly (p<0.05) after 1 h of work followed by a reduction after 30 min of rest in White and Grey donkey. The mean physiological parameters were increased significantly (p<0.05) after 2.5 h of work followed by a significant reduction (p<0.05) after 30 min of rest in Gery donkey. This study concluded the adaptability of White and Grey donkeys in southern districts of Tamil Nadu along with the comparative effect of different work load cycles on physiological parameters in Grey donkeys.