Pycnogenol® supplementation improved the erythrocyte stability of packed donkeys during the late hot-dry season in Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pycnogenol® (PYC) on erythrocyte stability of donkeys subjected to packing during the late hot-dry season. Ten donkeys, divided into two groups, served as experimental subjects. P-PYC group (n = 5) was subjected to packing only, while P+PYC group (n = 5) was administered with PYC (10 mg/kg) and subjected to packing. Erythrocytes obtained from each animal in the experimental groups were added into saline solution of different concentrations (0.9, 0.6, 0.4. 0.2, and 0.0 g/100 ml). Erythrocyte osmotic fragility index (EOFI) was evaluated spectrophotometrically. The concentration of isoprostane was also determined. The mean EOFI was significantly (P 0.05) difference in the MCF recorded in both groups, before, after, 3, and 7 days after packing. Percentage erythrocyte stability was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in P+PYC group, especially during, and 7 days after packing with values of 24.3 ± 9.2 and − 23.3 ± 22.8%, respectively when compared with the values of 8.6 ± 3.3 and − 79.7 ± 9.3% obtained in P-PYC group, respectively. Mean isoprostane concentration was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in P-PYC group when compared with the value in P+PYC group, 7 days after packing. In conclusion, environmental and packing stresses decreased stability of the erythrocytes in donkeys; however, PYC may have played an ameliorative role.