Bazzano Marilena, Arfuso Francesca, Bonfili Laura, Eleuteri Anna Maria, McLean Amy, Serri Evelina, Spaterna Andrea, Laus Fulvio
School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Matelica, Italy.
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy.
Animals (Basel). 2022 Oct 16;12(20):2793. doi: 10.3390/ani12202793.
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.
根据联合国粮食及农业组织（FAO）的报告，全球骡的数量约为900万头。这种公驴和母马的杂交后代主要用于驮运，因为它们被认为是强壮耐劳的动物。大多数人认为，与马相比，骡子更不容易生病和疲劳。因此，本研究的目的是调查野外工作对工作中的骡子生化变量和血清淀粉样蛋白A的影响。在野外工作8小时前后，从10头健康的雌性工作骡子身上采集血样。根据统计分析，发现野外工作对骡子的电解质水平有显著影响（p < 0.05），钠、氯和钙水平升高，同时对血尿素氮和肌酐也有影响。经过一天的野外工作后，血清钠、氯、钙、尿素和肌酐浓度升高，这表明身体水分和肾血流量减少。然而，由于没有与一组未运动但在类似环境条件下饲养的骡子进行比较，所以不确定这些变化是否可归因于运动。此外，运动后血清淀粉样蛋白A（SAA）浓度没有变化，这表明所进行的工作并未导致全身性炎症。
