FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 10000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2022; 12(20); 2793; doi: 10.3390/ani12202793

Measuring Biochemical Variables and Serum Amyloid A (SAA) in Working Mules in Central Italy.

Abstract: According to FAO reports, the global mule population counts about 9 million mules. This hybrid cross of a male donkey and a female horse is mainly used for draft purposes because they are thought to be strong and hardy animals. Most consider mules to be less susceptible to disease and fatigue compared to horses. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fieldwork on biochemical variables and serum amyloid A in working mules. Blood samples were collected from 10 healthy, female, working mules before and after 8 h of fieldwork. According to statistical analysis, a significant influence (p < 0.05) of fieldwork was found on mules’ electrolyte profile with increased levels of sodium, chloride, and calcium, as well as on blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. After a day of fieldwork, serum sodium, chloride, calcium, urea, and creatinine concentrations were increased, supporting decreases in body water and renal blood flow. However, without comparison to a group of mules that were not exercised yet maintained under similar ambient conditions, it is uncertain whether these changes can be attributed to exercise. Further, no change in SAA concentration was found after exercise, indicating that the work performed did not result in systemic inflammation.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2022-10-16 PubMed ID: 36290179PubMed Central: PMC9597738DOI: 10.3390/ani12202793Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research investigated how physical labor affected certain biochemical variables and serum amyloid A levels in working mules in Italy. It was found that after 8 hours of fieldwork, there were significant changes in the mules’ electrolyte profile and other variables, though it remains uncertain whether these changes are a direct result of the exercise.

Objective of the Research

  • The study’s main aim was to identify any changes in biochemical variables and serum amyloid A (SAA) in working mules as a result of fieldwork. This research holds significance in the understanding of the health and hardiness of mules, which are widely used globally for various types of labor.

Research Methodology

  • The study involved the collection of blood samples from 10 healthy female working mules. The samples were taken before and after the mules had completed 8 hours of fieldwork.
  • These samples were then analyzed to examine the levels of different biochemical variables, including sodium, chloride, calcium, urea, and creatinine. They also tested the levels of serum amyloid A, which is a marker for inflammation in the body.

Key Findings

  • The research showed that after the fieldwork, there was a significant increase in the mules’ electrolyte profile, specifically sodium, chloride, and calcium levels. This is likely indicative of decreased body water.
  • Additionally, increased levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were observed. These increased levels suggest a decrease in renal blood flow.
  • The researchers also noted that despite these changes, there was no observable change in the levels of serum amyloid A in the mules post-exercise. This suggests that the physical labor did not result in systemic inflammation in the mules.

Limitations and Further Research

  • A significant limitation of the study was the lack of a comparison group, specifically, a group of mules which were not exercised but were kept under similar conditions. Without this comparison, it remains unclear whether the noted changes in the biochemical variables are genuinely attributable to physical exercise.
  • Future research could extend to include a control group for a more accurate reflection of the effects of physical labor on these variables. Also, more extensive studies involving a larger sample size could further validate these findings.

Cite This Article

APA
Bazzano M, Arfuso F, Bonfili L, Eleuteri AM, McLean A, Serri E, Spaterna A, Laus F. (2022). Measuring Biochemical Variables and Serum Amyloid A (SAA) in Working Mules in Central Italy. Animals (Basel), 12(20), 2793. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12202793

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 12
Issue: 20
PII: 2793

Researcher Affiliations

Bazzano, Marilena
  • School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Matelica, Italy.
Arfuso, Francesca
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy.
Bonfili, Laura
  • School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Matelica, Italy.
Eleuteri, Anna Maria
  • School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Matelica, Italy.
McLean, Amy
  • Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Serri, Evelina
  • School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Matelica, Italy.
Spaterna, Andrea
  • School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Matelica, Italy.
Laus, Fulvio
  • School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Matelica, Italy.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

This article includes 36 references
  1. Norris SL, Little HA, Ryding J, Raw Z. Global donkey and mule populations: Figures and trends.. PLoS One 2021;16(2):e0247830.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247830pmc: PMC7906361pubmed: 33630957google scholar: lookup
  2. Kay G, Tligui N, Semmate N, Azrib R, González FJN, Brizgys L, McLean A. Determining factors and interspecific modeling for serum amyloid a concentrations in working horses, donkeys, and mules.. Res Vet Sci 2019 Aug;125:256-265.
    doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2019.07.004pubmed: 31325640google scholar: lookup
  3. Tadich T, Escobar A, Pearson RA. Husbandry and Welfare Aspects of Urban Draught Horses in the South of Chile. Arch. Med. Vet. 2008;40:267–273.
    doi: 10.4067/S0301-732X2008000300007google scholar: lookup
  4. Tadich TA. Working equids: linking human and animal welfare.. Vet Rec 2020 Nov 28;187(11):442-444.
    doi: 10.1136/vr.m4572pubmed: 33247052google scholar: lookup
  5. Lanas R, Luna D, Tadich T. The Relationship between Working Horse Welfare and Their Owners’ Socio-Economic Status. Anim. Welf. 2018;27:47–54.
    doi: 10.7120/09627286.27.1.047google scholar: lookup
  6. Sommerville R, Brown AF, Upjohn M. A standardised equine-based welfare assessment tool used for six years in low and middle income countries.. PLoS One 2018;13(2):e0192354.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192354pmc: PMC5821349pubmed: 29466391google scholar: lookup
  7. Arfuso F, Giannetto C, Fazio F, Panzera F, Piccione G. Training Program Intensity Induces an Acute Phase Response in Clinically Healthy Horses.. J Equine Vet Sci 2020 May;88:102986.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.102986pubmed: 32303313google scholar: lookup
  8. Bazzano M, Rizzo M, Arfuso F, Giannetto C, Fazio F, Piccione G. Increase in Erythrocyte Osmotic Resistance Following Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA) Supplementation in Show Jumper Horses. Livest. Sci. 2015;181:236–241.
    doi: 10.1016/j.livsci.2015.08.011google scholar: lookup
  9. Sattar A, Mirza RH. Haematological Parameters in Exotic Cows during Gestation and Lactation under Subtropical Conditions. Pak. Vet. J. 2009;29:129–132.
  10. Satue K, Blanco O, Munoz A. AGE-Related Differences in the Hematological Profile of Andalusian Broodmares of Carthusian Strain. Vet. Med. 2009;54:175–182.
    doi: 10.17221/32/2009-VETMEDgoogle scholar: lookup
  11. Gondin MR, Foz NSB, Pereira MC, Flagliari JJ, Orozco CAG, D’Angelis FHF, Queiroz-Neto A, Ferraz GC. Acute Phase Responses of Different Positions of High-Goal (Elite) Polo Ponies. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2013;33:956–961.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2013.02.005google scholar: lookup
  12. Piccione G, Bazzano M, Bruschetta D, Giannetto C, Arfuso F, Giudice E. Omega-3 Fatty Acid Food Enrichment Influences Some Serum Acute Phase Proteins Concentration and White Blood Cell Count in Athlete Horses. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2016;39:90–96.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2015.11.007google scholar: lookup
  13. Casella S, Fazio F, Giannetto C, Giudice E, Piccione G. Influence of transportation on serum concentrations of acute phase proteins in horse.. Res Vet Sci 2012 Oct;93(2):914-7.
    doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2012.01.004pubmed: 22296939google scholar: lookup
  14. Moon MK, Cho BJ, Lee YJ, Choi SH, Lim S, Park KS, Park YJ, Jang HC. The effects of chronic exercise on the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α are different with age.. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2012 Aug;37(4):631-6.
    doi: 10.1139/h2012-039pubmed: 22554223google scholar: lookup
  15. Murata H, Shimada N, Yoshioka M. Current research on acute phase proteins in veterinary diagnosis: an overview.. Vet J 2004 Jul;168(1):28-40.
    doi: 10.1016/S1090-0233(03)00119-9pubmed: 15158206google scholar: lookup
  16. Koj A. Initiation of acute phase response and synthesis of cytokines.. Biochim Biophys Acta 1996 Nov 15;1317(2):84-94.
    doi: 10.1016/S0925-4439(96)00048-8pubmed: 8950192google scholar: lookup
  17. Duran MC, Dumrath CAC, Bartmann CP, Medina Torres CE, Moschos A, Goehring LS. Serum Amyloid A (SAA) Concentration after Vaccination in Horses and Mules.. J Equine Vet Sci 2020 Sep;92:103165.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103165pubmed: 32797788google scholar: lookup
  18. Carroll CL, Huntington PJ. Body condition scoring and weight estimation of horses.. Equine Vet J 1988 Jan;20(1):41-5.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1988.tb01451.xpubmed: 3366105google scholar: lookup
  19. Arfuso F, Giannetto C, Giudice E, Fazio F, Piccione G. Dynamic modulation of platelet aggregation, albumin and nonesterified fatty acids during physical exercise in Thoroughbred horses.. Res Vet Sci 2016 Feb;104:86-91.
    doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2015.11.013pubmed: 26850543google scholar: lookup
  20. Bazzano M, Giudice E, Rizzo M, Congiu F, Zumbo A, Arfuso F, Di Pietro S, Bruschetta D, Piccione G. Application of a combined global positioning and heart rate monitoring system in jumper horses during an official competition - A preliminary study.. Acta Vet Hung 2016 Jun;64(2):189-200.
    doi: 10.1556/004.2016.019pubmed: 27342090google scholar: lookup
  21. Maïmoun L, Sultan C. Effect of physical activity on calcium homeostasis and calciotropic hormones: a review.. Calcif Tissue Int 2009 Oct;85(4):277-86.
    doi: 10.1007/s00223-009-9277-zpubmed: 19760298google scholar: lookup
  22. Assenza A, Bergero D, Congiu F, Tosto F, Giannetto C, Piccione G. Evaluation of Serum Electrolytes and Blood Lactate Concentration during Repeated Maximal Exercise in Horse. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2014;34:1175–1180.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2014.07.001google scholar: lookup
  23. Aguilera-Tejero E, Estepa JC, López I, Bas S, Garfia B, Rodríguez M. Plasma ionized calcium and parathyroid hormone concentrations in horses after endurance rides.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2001 Aug 15;219(4):488-90.
    doi: 10.2460/javma.2001.219.488pubmed: 11518176google scholar: lookup
  24. Vervuert I, Coenen M, Zamhöfer J. Effects of draught load exercise and training on calcium homeostasis in horses.. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2005 Apr-Jun;89(3-6):134-9.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2005.00533.xpubmed: 15787984google scholar: lookup
  25. Hodgson D.R., Rose R.J. In: Principles and Practice of Equine Sports Medicine. The Athletic Horse. Hodgson D.R., Rose R.J., editors. W.B. Saunders Company; Philadelphia, PA, USA: 1994.
  26. Tyler-McGowan CM, Golland LC, Evans DL, Hodgson DR, Rose RJ. Haematological and biochemical responses to training and overtraining.. Equine Vet J Suppl 1999 Jul;(30):621-5.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb05297.xpubmed: 10659331google scholar: lookup
  27. Mann S, Ramsay JD, Wakshlag JJ, Stokol T, Reed S, Divers TJ. Investigating the pathogenesis of high-serum gamma-glutamyl transferase activity in Thoroughbred racehorses: A series of case-control studies.. Equine Vet J 2022 Jan;54(1):39-51.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.13435pubmed: 33555643google scholar: lookup
  28. Fazio F, Casella S, Assenza A, Arfuso F, Tosto F, Piccione G. Blood Biochemical Changes in Show Jumpers during a Simulated Show Jumping Test. Vet. Arhiv. 2014;84:143–152.
  29. Hines MT, Schott HC 2nd, Bayly WM, Leroux AJ. Exercise and immunity: a review with emphasis on the horse.. J Vet Intern Med 1996 Sep-Oct;10(5):280-9.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.1996.tb02063.xpubmed: 8884712google scholar: lookup
  30. Gruys E, Toussaint MJ, Niewold TA, Koopmans SJ. Acute phase reaction and acute phase proteins.. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2005 Nov;6(11):1045-56.
    doi: 10.1631/jzus.2005.B1045pmc: PMC1390650pubmed: 16252337google scholar: lookup
  31. Nukina H, Sudo N, Aiba Y, Oyama N, Koga Y, Kubo C. Restraint stress elevates the plasma interleukin-6 levels in germ-free mice.. J Neuroimmunol 2001 Apr 2;115(1-2):46-52.
    doi: 10.1016/S0165-5728(01)00260-0pubmed: 11282153google scholar: lookup
  32. Deak T, Meriwether JL, Fleshner M, Spencer RL, Abouhamze A, Moldawer LL, Grahn RE, Watkins LR, Maier SF. Evidence that brief stress may induce the acute phase response in rats.. Am J Physiol 1997 Dec;273(6):R1998-2004.
    doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.1997.273.6.R1998pubmed: 9435654google scholar: lookup
  33. Eckersall PD, Bell R. Acute phase proteins: Biomarkers of infection and inflammation in veterinary medicine.. Vet J 2010 Jul;185(1):23-7.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2010.04.009pubmed: 20621712google scholar: lookup
  34. Bazzano M, Bonfili L, Eleuteri AM, Serri E, Scollo C, Yaosen Y, Tesei B, Laus F. Assessment of serum amyloid A concentrations and biochemical profiles in lactating jennies and newborn Ragusano donkey foals around parturition and one month after foaling in Sicily.. Reprod Domest Anim 2022 Mar;57(3):262-268.
    doi: 10.1111/rda.14048pmc: PMC9300177pubmed: 34816505google scholar: lookup
  35. Witkowska-Piłaszewicz OD, Żmigrodzka M, Winnicka A, Miśkiewicz A, Strzelec K, Cywińska A. Serum amyloid A in equine health and disease.. Equine Vet J 2019 May;51(3):293-298.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.13062pmc: PMC7163734pubmed: 30565319google scholar: lookup
  36. Popescu S, Diugan EA. The Relationship Between Behavioral and Other Welfare Indicators of Working Horses. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2013;33:1–12.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2012.04.001google scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 0 times.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,824 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.