Effects of Exercise on Donkey Semen Parameters and Some Physiological Indices.

This research investigates the impacts of exercise on the semen parameters of donkeys, as well as a few physiological indicators. The study discovered that exercise enhances certain physiological parameters, but does not significantly impact semen parameters except for volume and concentration.

Research Objectives and Approach

• This research aimed to understand the impact of exercise on donkey semen parameters and some physiological indices. Specifically, the research team attempted to establish whether physical activity influences various sperm characteristics, reproductive hormones, heart rate, body condition score, rectal temperature, and blood haematology.
• Eighteen Dezhou donkey jackasses were divided randomly into three groups; a control group (no exercise), a 1-hour exercise group, and a 2-hour exercise group. The exercise regimen, conducted on a walking machine, lasted eight weeks and was performed three times per week. Each group had six animals.

Results

• The main findings of this research showed differences in semen parameters, reproductive hormones, and physiological indices between the exercised donkeys and the control group. Notable differences were observed specifically in ejaculation volume and sperm concentration, both altered post-exercise.
• The volume of ejaculation witnessed an increase after exercise, while sperm concentration decreased. However, other sperm parameters remained unaffected. This implies that while physical activity might impact ejaculation volume and sperm concentration, other sperm characteristics remain unchanged.
• In regard to reproductive hormones at resting periods, alterations were rarely observed post-exercise, signifying that physical activity levels may not significantly impact reproductive hormones in donkeys.
• Physiological indices recorded notable changes with the red blood cell count increasing and the average erythrocyte hemoglobin concentration decreasing after an 8-week exercise schedule in the 2-hour exercise group. This might indicate that more strenuous or prolonged activity affects these specific blood values.
• Another interesting observation was that the resting heart rate of the exercise group (both 1-hour and 2-hour sessions) showed a significant decrease compared to the control group, implying a positive impact of exercise on the cardiovascular health of the donkeys.
• The Body Condition Score (BCS) elevated in the control group after the experiment, suggesting potential effects related to the animal’s physical conditioning or overall body fitness.

Conclusion

• The research concluded that physical exercise has positive effects on some physiological indices of the donkeys (like heart rate and blood values), but does not significantly alter semen parameters except for ejaculation volume and sperm concentration. This signifies that for the studied parameters, exercise-incorporating breeding programs might not have detrimental effects on the semen quality of jackasses.