Effects of age and circadian rhythm on vital parameters and erythrocyte osmotic fragility of donkeys during seasonal changes.

This study investigates the effects of seasonal variations on the erythrocyte osmotic fragility and vital parameters of donkeys Equus africanus asinus at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) in Shika, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The research focused on two key periods: the hot-dry se...

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Main Authors: Moses Ayo-Opemipo Olorunfemi, Abdulhakeem Binhambali, Victor Olusegun Sinkalu, Mohammed Babashani, Felix Uchenna Samuel, Joseph Olusegun Ayo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2025-01-01
Series:PLoS ONE
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0313780
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author Moses Ayo-Opemipo Olorunfemi
Abdulhakeem Binhambali
Victor Olusegun Sinkalu
Mohammed Babashani
Felix Uchenna Samuel
Joseph Olusegun Ayo
author_facet Moses Ayo-Opemipo Olorunfemi
Abdulhakeem Binhambali
Victor Olusegun Sinkalu
Mohammed Babashani
Felix Uchenna Samuel
Joseph Olusegun Ayo
author_sort Moses Ayo-Opemipo Olorunfemi
collection DOAJ
description This study investigates the effects of seasonal variations on the erythrocyte osmotic fragility and vital parameters of donkeys Equus africanus asinus at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) in Shika, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The research focused on two key periods: the hot-dry season (April) and the rainy season (July). Twelve donkeys were classified into three age groups: young (1-3 years), adult (4-6 years), and old (7-9 years). Blood samples were collected at six-hour intervals over a 24-hour period, while dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures were measured to compute the temperature-humidity index (THI). Vital parameters including rectal temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate were also recorded. Results showed higher dry-bulb temperatures (DBT) during the hot-dry season, with the lowest DBT of 12°C at 00:00 h and the highest of 25.5°C at 18:00 h. Young donkeys exhibited the highest erythrocyte osmotic fragility during the hot-dry season, while old donkeys showed elevated fragility during the rainy season. Results also demonstrated that erythrocyte osmotic fragility varied significantly with age and season, with young donkeys exhibiting the highest fragility during the hot-dry season at a 0.3% NaCl concentration. However, old donkeys showed increased fragility during the rainy season, which shows the influence of both age and environmental conditions on erythrocyte stability. Also, rectal temperatures were higher in young donkeys during the hot-dry season compared to adults, while heart rates showed significant elevation across all age groups during the rainy season. Overall, this study elucidates the physiological adaptations of donkeys to seasonal thermal stress, providing critical insights into their health management and welfare in varying climatic conditions. Understanding these dynamics is essential for optimizing donkey husbandry practices, especially in regions facing climate variability. These findings contribute valuable knowledge to the field of veterinary physiology and highlight the necessity of tailored management strategies to mitigate the impact of seasonal stressors on animal health.
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spelling doaj-art-a388056c9f824f34b1b5f82d0065828b2025-02-07T05:30:38ZengPublic Library of Science (PLoS)PLoS ONE1932-62032025-01-01201e031378010.1371/journal.pone.0313780Effects of age and circadian rhythm on vital parameters and erythrocyte osmotic fragility of donkeys during seasonal changes.Moses Ayo-Opemipo OlorunfemiAbdulhakeem BinhambaliVictor Olusegun SinkaluMohammed BabashaniFelix Uchenna SamuelJoseph Olusegun AyoThis study investigates the effects of seasonal variations on the erythrocyte osmotic fragility and vital parameters of donkeys Equus africanus asinus at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) in Shika, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The research focused on two key periods: the hot-dry season (April) and the rainy season (July). Twelve donkeys were classified into three age groups: young (1-3 years), adult (4-6 years), and old (7-9 years). Blood samples were collected at six-hour intervals over a 24-hour period, while dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures were measured to compute the temperature-humidity index (THI). Vital parameters including rectal temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate were also recorded. Results showed higher dry-bulb temperatures (DBT) during the hot-dry season, with the lowest DBT of 12°C at 00:00 h and the highest of 25.5°C at 18:00 h. Young donkeys exhibited the highest erythrocyte osmotic fragility during the hot-dry season, while old donkeys showed elevated fragility during the rainy season. Results also demonstrated that erythrocyte osmotic fragility varied significantly with age and season, with young donkeys exhibiting the highest fragility during the hot-dry season at a 0.3% NaCl concentration. However, old donkeys showed increased fragility during the rainy season, which shows the influence of both age and environmental conditions on erythrocyte stability. Also, rectal temperatures were higher in young donkeys during the hot-dry season compared to adults, while heart rates showed significant elevation across all age groups during the rainy season. Overall, this study elucidates the physiological adaptations of donkeys to seasonal thermal stress, providing critical insights into their health management and welfare in varying climatic conditions. Understanding these dynamics is essential for optimizing donkey husbandry practices, especially in regions facing climate variability. These findings contribute valuable knowledge to the field of veterinary physiology and highlight the necessity of tailored management strategies to mitigate the impact of seasonal stressors on animal health.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0313780
spellingShingle Moses Ayo-Opemipo Olorunfemi
Abdulhakeem Binhambali
Victor Olusegun Sinkalu
Mohammed Babashani
Felix Uchenna Samuel
Joseph Olusegun Ayo
Effects of age and circadian rhythm on vital parameters and erythrocyte osmotic fragility of donkeys during seasonal changes.
PLoS ONE
title Effects of age and circadian rhythm on vital parameters and erythrocyte osmotic fragility of donkeys during seasonal changes.
title_full Effects of age and circadian rhythm on vital parameters and erythrocyte osmotic fragility of donkeys during seasonal changes.
title_fullStr Effects of age and circadian rhythm on vital parameters and erythrocyte osmotic fragility of donkeys during seasonal changes.
title_full_unstemmed Effects of age and circadian rhythm on vital parameters and erythrocyte osmotic fragility of donkeys during seasonal changes.
title_short Effects of age and circadian rhythm on vital parameters and erythrocyte osmotic fragility of donkeys during seasonal changes.
title_sort effects of age and circadian rhythm on vital parameters and erythrocyte osmotic fragility of donkeys during seasonal changes
url https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0313780
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