Clinical biochemical parameters of the endangered Catalonian donkey breed: normal values and the influence of sex, age, and management practices effect.

This research article evaluates the influences of sex, age, and management practices on twelve clinical biochemical parameters in the endangered Catalonian donkey breed.

Key Findings

• A total of 97 animals from different age groups and both sexes of the Catalonian donkey breed were studied. Measurements of twelve biochemical parameters were taken.
• There were noticeable sex differences in phospholipid concentration.
• Management practices also showed an impact on certain parameters: total bilirubin and creatinine concentrations, and gamma-glutamyltransferase activity were significantly affected.
• The analysis showed that as donkeys age, their inorganic phosphorus concentration decreases, while albumin and triglyceride concentrations increase.

Comparisons with Other Donkey Breeds

• The Catalonian donkey breed’s biochemical ranges were compared with reference ranges from other donkey breeds and populations including Mammoth, USA donkeys, UK donkeys, Indian donkeys and Poitou donkeys.
• Most values were similar, with the exceptions being in enzymatic activities, which showed some differences.

Implications of the Research

• The results obtained from this study can serve as reference ranges for donkey populations, thereby contributing to the overall understanding of their biochemical parameters.
• Indeed, these findings could be valuable for managing the health of donkey populations, especially the endangered Catalonian donkey breed, and might provide important insights for conservationists and veterinarians dealing with this breed.