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Animals
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Current Research on Donkeys and Mules
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Current Research on Donkeys and Mules

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Equids".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 December 2024 | Viewed by 7760

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Alejandro Pérez-Écija

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad de Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain
Interests: donkeys; mules; clinical pathology; hematology; pathology; internal medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The following Special Issue is dedicated to the most recent and cutting-edge research on donkeys and mules. Historically, both species have been scientifically neglected, and few studies have focused on their idiosyncrasies and specific characteristics. While novel uses (milk and meat production, assisted therapy, pet/companion animals) have expanded the traditional purposes of donkeys and mules (packing, agriculture work), their populations are shrinking worldwide, and many breeds are considered endangered. In this Special Issue, we aim to highlight species-specific findings in physiology, welfare, behavior, internal medicine, epidemiology, pathology and pharmacology, along with any research showcasing new applications for these species (such as milk and meat production). Comparative studies with other equids are also of interest, that we might determine if current knowledge can be extrapolated to donkeys and mules. Both reviews and original articles are welcome. With the growing public interest in these animals and the thriving scientific community supporting these long-forgotten species, we hope to be able to preserve and maintain their populations. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Alejandro Pérez-Écija
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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Keywords

  • donkeys
  • mules
  • internal medicine
  • behavior
  • pathology
  • clinical pathology
  • welfare
  • physiology
  • pathogens
  • milk
  • pharmacology

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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8 pages, 1101 KiB  
Article
Albinism and Blood Cell Profile: The Peculiar Case of Asinara Donkeys
by Maria Grazia Cappai, Alice Senes and Giovannantonio Pilo
Animals 2024, 14(18), 2641; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14182641 - 11 Sep 2024
Viewed by 708
Abstract
The complete blood cell count (CBC) was screened in a group of 15 donkeys, of which 8 were of Asinara breed (oculocutaneous albinism type 1, OCA1) and 7 of Sardo breed (gray coat). All donkeys were kept under same management and dietary conditions [...] Read more.
The complete blood cell count (CBC) was screened in a group of 15 donkeys, of which 8 were of Asinara breed (oculocutaneous albinism type 1, OCA1) and 7 of Sardo breed (gray coat). All donkeys were kept under same management and dietary conditions and underwent periodic health monitoring in the month of June 2024, at the peak of the positive photoperiod, at Mediterranean latitudes. One aliquot of whole blood, drawn from each individual into K2-EDTA containing tubes, was analyzed for the complete blood cell count through an automatic analyzer, within two hours of sampling. Data were analyzed and compared by one-way ANOVA, where the breed was an independent variable. All animals appeared clinically healthy, though mild eosinophilia was observed in Sardo donkeys. The red blood cell line showed peculiar traits for Asinara donkeys, which displayed significantly higher circulating red blood cell numbers than gray coat Sardo donkeys (RBC, 5.19 vs. 3.80 1012/mL ± 0.98 pooled-St. Dev, respectively; p = 0.017). RBCs also exhibited a smaller diameter and higher degree of anisocytosis in Asinara donkeys, along with lower hematocrit value, albeit within physiological ranges. Taken all together, such hematological profile depicts a peculiar trait of the red blood cell line in albino donkeys during the positive photoperiod. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Donkeys and Mules)
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10 pages, 291 KiB  
Article
Coagulation Profile of the Healthy Miranda’s Donkey
by Grasiene Silva, Felisbina L. Queiroga, Zélia Cruz, Amana Maia and Ana C. Silvestre-Ferreira
Animals 2024, 14(14), 2031; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14142031 - 10 Jul 2024
Viewed by 719
Abstract
Miranda’s donkey, originating in northern Portugal, is an autochthonous breed that is deeply intertwined with the region’s culture and economy. Knowledge of the physiological characteristics of the breed is important for its preservation, and several studies have been carried out, but none have [...] Read more.
Miranda’s donkey, originating in northern Portugal, is an autochthonous breed that is deeply intertwined with the region’s culture and economy. Knowledge of the physiological characteristics of the breed is important for its preservation, and several studies have been carried out, but none have focused on its coagulation profile. The aim of this study was to establish reference intervals (RIs) for coagulation in healthy Miranda’s donkey and to assess the influence of sex and age. Blood samples from 75 clinically healthy animals were analyzed for seven coagulation parameters: four using IDEXX ProCyte Dx and three using Start® 4-Diagnostica-Stago. The RI values were calculated following the ASVCP guidelines and with the Reference Advisor V.2.1 software. To analyze the influence of sex and age, SPSS version 29 was used. No significant differences were found between sexes (p > 0.05), but statistically significant differences were found between ages (p < 0.05) for platelet count and plateletcrit (both higher in young animals). The RIs described here can help monitor health and guide the diagnosis and treatment of diseased Miranda’s donkeys, contributing to their preservation. Our study encourages further research on coagulation in donkeys and the use of different methodologies to obtain information for veterinarians working with this species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Donkeys and Mules)
9 pages, 594 KiB  
Article
Complete Blood Count and Biochemistry Reference Intervals for Healthy Adult Donkeys in the United States
by Erin L. Goodrich and Julie L. Webb
Animals 2024, 14(14), 2018; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14142018 - 9 Jul 2024
Viewed by 862
Abstract
Previous hematologic and serum biochemistry reference interval (RI) values have been established for donkeys in various geographic regions, life-stages, or for specific donkey breeds. The last extensive investigation establishing RIs for adult donkeys in the United States (U.S.) was published over three decades [...] Read more.
Previous hematologic and serum biochemistry reference interval (RI) values have been established for donkeys in various geographic regions, life-stages, or for specific donkey breeds. The last extensive investigation establishing RIs for adult donkeys in the United States (U.S.) was published over three decades ago. We aimed to establish updated robust RIs using a reference population of apparently healthy adult donkeys from across the U.S. Standard sized (n = 102), miniature (n = 17), and mammoth (n = 1) donkeys from four different states were enrolled, with 20% of the study population including donkeys captured directly from the wild in Death Valley National Park, CA. RIs were established in accordance with the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. The findings will assist practitioners with the interpretation of their complete blood count and biochemistry panel results in U.S. donkeys. This study also highlights a comparison of results for some important analytes in U.S. donkeys compared to U.S. horses and previously established donkey RIs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Donkeys and Mules)
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13 pages, 1997 KiB  
Article
Allergic Dermatitis in Pêga Breed Donkeys (Equus asinus) Caused by Culicoides Bites in the Amazon Biome, Pará, Brazil
by José Diomedes Barbosa, Maria Hilma Soares Sodré, Camila Cordeiro Barbosa, Paulo Sérgio Chagas da Costa, Carlos Magno Chaves Oliveira, Tatiane Teles Albernaz Ferreira, José Alcides Sarmento da Silveira, Eryca Ceolin Lamego, Milena Carolina Paz, Rossela Damasceno Caldeira, Paulo César Magalhães Matos, Analiel Serruya, Felipe Masiero Salvarani and Natália da Silva e Silva Silveira
Animals 2024, 14(9), 1330; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091330 - 29 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1287
Abstract
An allergy to bites from Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) occurs because of a hypersensitivity reaction caused by the inoculation of insect salivary antigens during the bite, resulting in immune-mediated dermatitis. To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have focused on allergic dermatitis [...] Read more.
An allergy to bites from Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) occurs because of a hypersensitivity reaction caused by the inoculation of insect salivary antigens during the bite, resulting in immune-mediated dermatitis. To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have focused on allergic dermatitis in donkeys in Brazil. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinicopathological, and therapeutic aspects of allergic dermatitis in donkeys and to identify the insects involved in its epidemiology. This study reported the occurrence of dermatitis in 17 animals. The clinical signs were restlessness and severe itching. Skin lesions were found on the head, depigmented areas of the muzzle and cheeks, flanks, pelvic and thoracic limbs, and the scrotal sac. The lesions were characterized by areas of alopecia with crusts accompanied by serosanguineous exudates. Histologically, the lesions were characterized as moderate superficial dermatitis with irregular epidermal acanthosis and pronounced diffuse orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis. In total, 378 Culicoides specimens were collected, with Culicoides ocumarensis Ortiz being the most abundant species. The combined application of copaiba oil and a multivitamin emulsion exhibited potential for topical treatment of allergic dermatitis caused by insect bites in donkeys. Our study revealed an association between allergic dermatitis in donkeys and Culicoides. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Donkeys and Mules)
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16 pages, 1214 KiB  
Article
External Hoof Measurements of Untrimmed and Unshod Mules in Northern Thailand
by Thawijit Phannithi, Aree Laikul, Watcharapol Pathomsakulwong, Porrakote Rungsri, Tawanhathai Apichaimongkonkun, Krisana Watchrarat and Worakij Cherdchutham
Animals 2024, 14(8), 1197; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14081197 - 16 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1093
Abstract
External hoof characteristics, balance, and conformation have been extensively studied in horses; however, mules remain understudied in these aspects. This study evaluated the size, shape, and symmetry of untrimmed and unshod forelimb hooves, compared the symmetry between forelimb hooves and stratified external forelimb [...] Read more.
External hoof characteristics, balance, and conformation have been extensively studied in horses; however, mules remain understudied in these aspects. This study evaluated the size, shape, and symmetry of untrimmed and unshod forelimb hooves, compared the symmetry between forelimb hooves and stratified external forelimb hoof measurements based on the body condition score of mules raised in the foothill plains of northern Thailand. The forelimb hooves of 38 mules were photographed and 33 parameters, including angular and linear measurements, were analyzed. A multivariate analysis was used to explore the influence of sex, age, and body condition scores (BCS) on angular, linear, and area parameters. Additionally, one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test was used to compare these parameters across different BCS groups. Despite the absence of shoeing and trimming, these mules exhibited optimal left–right forelimb hoof symmetry, with no significant (p < 0.05) differences in: outer wall length and inner wall length (OWL–IWL: Left 0.11 ± 0.66 cm; Right −0.12 ± 0.43 cm); sole length and sole width (SLS–SW: Left 1.65 ± 0.76 cm; Right 1.46 ± 0.89 cm); dorsal hoof wall length and heel length (DHWL–HL: Left 4.00 ± 0.80 cm; Right 3.81 ± 0.72 cm); and frog length and frog width (FL–FW: Left 3.88 ± 1.13 cm; Right 3.82 ± 0.18 cm). However, significant (p < 0.05) differences were observed within each body condition score group for forelimb hoof measurements for DHWL, IWL, heel separation (HS), heel bulb distance (HBD), SW, FW, and FL, while sex and age had no significant differences across the study variables. These findings provide valuable insights into mule welfare and management, contributing to understanding of the interplay between overall health and hoof conformation in the study area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Donkeys and Mules)
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12 pages, 277 KiB  
Article
Serum Biochemistry Parameters of the Endangered Miranda’s Donkey Breed: Reference Intervals and the Influence of Gender and Age
by Grasiene Silva, Ana C. Silvestre-Ferreira, Belen Leiva and Felisbina L. Queiroga
Animals 2024, 14(5), 805; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14050805 - 5 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1228
Abstract
Miranda’s donkey is an endangered, autochthone breed from Northern Portugal. Understanding the physiological and pathological conditions of Miranda’s donkey is crucial for the conservation of the breed. Our study aimed to establish reference intervals (RIs) for blood biochemistry parameters and to evaluate the [...] Read more.
Miranda’s donkey is an endangered, autochthone breed from Northern Portugal. Understanding the physiological and pathological conditions of Miranda’s donkey is crucial for the conservation of the breed. Our study aimed to establish reference intervals (RIs) for blood biochemistry parameters and to evaluate the influence of gender and age on these parameters. Blood samples from 75 clinically healthy animals were analyzed for 21 blood biochemistry parameters using Respons® 920 and Start® 4-Diagnostica-Stago. RIs were calculated according to the ASVCP guidelines, utilizing Reference Advisor software V. 2.1 and the statistical program SPSS version 29 to analyze the effects of gender and age. Significant gender-related differences (p < 0.05) were observed in cholesterol, chlorine, creatinine (CREA), glucose (GLU), sodium, and triglycerides (with higher values in females) and in aspartate aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase (CK), gamma-glutamyl transferase, potassium, magnesium (Mg), and urea (with higher values in males). Age-related differences (p < 0.05) were noted for alkaline phosphatase, CK, fibrinogen, GLU, and phosphorus (higher in young animals) and for globulin, Mg, and total protein (higher in adults). The RIs described here are invaluable for assessing and monitoring the health status of individual animals and herds. Our study highlights the importance of considering gender and age in the interpretation of biochemical parameters, providing critical insights for the conservation and management of this endangered breed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Donkeys and Mules)

Review

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18 pages, 3895 KiB  
Review
Reproductive Disorders in Donkeys: Current Evidence and Update
by Zixuan Wang, Shenming Zeng, Yantao Wang, Tao Wang, Honglei Qu, Yiping Zhu and Jing Li
Animals 2024, 14(17), 2494; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14172494 - 28 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1056
Abstract
Reproductive disorders in donkeys present a significant challenge to their health and welfare, impacting their roles in agriculture, conservation, and companionship. With the development of large-scale donkey farming in recent years, reproductive disorders have become a limiting factor for the expansion of the [...] Read more.
Reproductive disorders in donkeys present a significant challenge to their health and welfare, impacting their roles in agriculture, conservation, and companionship. With the development of large-scale donkey farming in recent years, reproductive disorders have become a limiting factor for the expansion of the donkey population. In general, donkeys suffer from a similar array of diseases like horses, but little is known about the specificities of donkey reproductive disorders. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the pathogenesis, distribution, presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of a diverse array of reproductive disorders affecting donkeys. There are similar infectious and non-infectious causes for infertility and pregnancy loss in jennies compared with mares, but a difference in disease susceptibility does exist, which may be attributed to genetic influence, pathogen specificity, the environment, and reproductive management practices. Diagnostic and treatment plans need to be tailored towards the particularities of donkey reproductive disorders to increase donkey populations and to enhance the standard of care for this species. Enhancing reproductive health in donkeys not only ensures their sustainable use but also promotes their welfare and longevity in diverse human–animal interactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Donkeys and Mules)
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