Effect of housing system on reproductive behaviour and on some endocrinological and seminal parameters of donkey stallions.

This research investigates the influence of different housing conditions on the reproductive behaviour and certain biological parameters of male donkeys. It compares the effects of housing donkeys in group paddocks versus individual boxes on various factors such as semen collection time, semen quality, cortisol, and testosterone levels.

Study Methodology

• The study involved four Amiata donkey stallions.
• The researchers collected ejaculates, saliva, and blood from the donkeys during two separate three-week periods; one period where they were housed in a group paddock and another when they were kept in individual boxes.

Key Findings

• Semen collection time was shorter when donkeys were housed in paddocks compared to when they were kept in individual boxes.
• The quality of semen produced did not vary based on the housing system employed.
• When preserved in a cooling container, sperm motility parameters were significantly higher during the group housing period compared to the individual housing period.
• Salivary cortisol levels were significantly higher when donkeys were kept in group paddocks, both before and 60 minutes after ejaculation.
• Testosterone concentration was higher when donkeys were kept in individual boxes.

Conclusion

• The study concludes that regardless of the housing system, good quality semen can be collected from donkeys.
• However, there are differences in hormone concentrations depending on the housing system. Being kept in group paddocks led to higher cortisol levels while being kept in individual boxes led to higher testosterone levels.