Physiological, Hematological and Biochemical Responses in Non-Descript Indian Donkeys Working With Different Pack Loads in Brick Kiln Simulated Conditions

Quantifying the Impact of Mounted Load Carrying on Equids: A Review

“…Physiological indicators such as heart rate [ 21 , 24 , 28 , 41 , 42 ], rectal temperature [ 21 , 28 , 41 ], respiratory rate [ 21 , 28 ], hematocrit [ 21 , 28 ], cost of energy [ 43 , 44 ], and muscle factors [ 24 , 45 ] have been studied in relation to the loading capabilities of horses and donkeys. However, the number of studies is not sufficient for detailed knowledge of the effect of load on physiological parameters of equids.…”

“…In donkeys walking at speeds of 0.42 to 0.55 ms −1 (for a maximum duration of 6 h), pulse rate increases by 18.87, 21.44, and 20.38 (min −1 ) with increasing mounted load from 40%, 50%, and 66% BW, respectively. However, the pulse rate again decreased with a load of 66% BW [ 28 ]. The ability to regain normal heart rate (resting heart rate) shortly after exercise is an important tool for equine fitness assessment [ 46 ] and may be a more accurate measure of load-carrying capacity than absolute heart rate.…”

“…A rise of 0.3 °C, 0.2 °C, and 0.1 °C superficial temperature of the back of the trunk, front of the trunk, and neck of horses occur with an increase in load to 20% BW as compared to 10% [ 41 ], but it has been shown that cow’s superficial temperature decreases in acute stress conditions [ 49 ]. Donkeys show an increase in rectal temperature of 1.63 °C, 1.03 °C, and 1.77 °C with mounted loads of 40%, 50%, and 66% bodyweight, working at speeds of 0.42 to 0.55 ms −1 (for a maximum duration of 6 h), respectively [ 28 ].…”

“…This explains why a horse moves slower carrying than pulling a given weight at a specific gait [ 27 ]. However, research results are conflicting [ 11 , 25 ], and many different measures have been used to assess weight carrying capacity [ 10 , 19 , 20 , 24 , 28 ], making direct comparisons between studies challenging.…”

“…In India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nepal, donkeys carry 100–120 kg, 120–135 kg, 125–150 kg, and 60–80 kg (on average) of bricks on their back during a single trip, respectively [ 12 ]. For comparison, the mean live weight of Pakistani donkeys is 115 kg (range, 67–153 kg) [ 40 ] and the weight of indigenous Indian donkeys ranges between 110–142 kg [ 28 ]. Every day, equids carry tons of weight, which likely exceeds their natural weight carrying capacity.…”