Abstract

Establishment of Some Biochemical Parameters and their Variation in West African Donkeys� Breed

Author(s): Adama Sow, Miguiri Kalandi, Aissatou Bathily, Constant Rakiswende Roamba, Poda G and Dione MM

The aim of the study was to determine some biochemical parameters of clinical importance in donkeys in West Africa (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Senegal). For this purpose, 690 donkeys were sampled from 14 different localities in the West African region. Serum samples from animals were analyzed by using commercial kits to determine biochemical parameters. The reference values of parameters obtained from donkeys in West Africa were in the same order of magnitude as those found in European and Latin American donkeys or donkeys in the Middle East except for aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Creatinine. There were significant (p<0.05) variations in parameter values according to geographic locations, nutritional status (body condition score), and age of donkeys. However, the values of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and AST varied by sex. This study provided reference values of the biochemical parameters which will be very useful to the clinicians whose interpretation will allow a good veterinary healthcare and the welfare of the donkeys like all the working animals.