Stress-induced biochemical and hormonal responses in white and grey donkeys of the southern agro-climatic zone under pack load work

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the stress-induced biochemical changes in adult White and Grey donkeys (N=30) of Southern agro-climatic zone working with pack loads equivalent to 50% of their live body weight. The blood was collected from donkeys before and after pack workload and subjected to serum biochemistry (and cortisol estimation and to assess draught power of White and Grey donkey in southern Tamil Nadu. Biochemical examination revealed a significantly (p<0.05) increased LDH and cortisol concentration in White than Grey donkeys after work. On the other hand, a significant decrease was observed in serum glucose, cholesterol, sodium and chloride concentration in Grey and White donkeys post-work. This study investigated the effect of workload on stress-related biochemical parameters in White and Grey donkeys in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, and the high adaptability of White and Grey donkeys.