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Home / Equine Research Bank / Animals (Basel) / Measuring Biochemical Variables and Serum Amyloid A (SAA) in...
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.
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Publication Date: 2022-10-16 PubMed ID: 36290179PubMed Central: PMC9597738DOI: 10.3390/ani12202793Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • 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.

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