Donkey Research Articles

The determination of meat species by PCR-RFLP method using mitochondrial ND4 gene in pastırma, a traditional dry cured meat product

Pastirma is a high value, traditional, dry cured, and edible coated meat product. For economic and sociocultural reasons, it is important to know which meat species are used in pastirma. The present study aims to carry out the determination of the meat species in pastirma. A total of 144 pastirma samples were collected from different stores. After genomic DNA isolation, the total DNAs obtained were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specially designed novel primers amplifying the mitochondrial ND4 (MTND4) gene region, specific for cattle (Bos taurus), water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), horse (Equus caballus), and donkey (Equus asinus) species. For the identification of the meat species, gel purified 952 bp PCR products were digested with fast digest SaqAI restriction enzymes selected based on preliminary in silico analyses. The results of the present study revealed that all of the pastirma samples were made from cattle meat. Cross-reactions and false-positive identifications are serious problems in routine determination of the meat species in food control laboratories. It is important to perform fast, inexpensive determination with high sensitivity and specificity for the identification of meat species. This study has shown that meat species can be detected with high specificity in products such as pastirma, which uses large pieces of meat cuts.

Development of a Real-Time PCR Assay for the Detection of Donkey (Equus asinus) Meat in Meat Mixtures Treated under Different Processing Conditions.

In this study, a donkey-specific primer pair and probe were designed from mitochondrial cytochrome b gene for the detection of raw donkey meat and different processed meat mixtures. The PCR product size for donkey DNA was 99 bp, and primer specificity was verified using 20 animal species. The limit of detection (LOD) was examined by serially diluting donkey DNA. Using real-time PCR, 0.001 ng of donkey DNA could be detected. In addition, binary meat mixtures with various percentages of donkey meat (0.001%, 0.01%, 0.1%, 1%, 10%, and 100%) in beef were analyzed to determine the sensitivity of this real-time PCR assay. At least 0.001% of donkey meat was detected in raw, boiled, roasted, dried, grinded, fried, and autoclaved meat mixtures. The developed real-time PCR method showed sufficient specificity and sensitivity in identification of donkey meat and could be a useful tool for the identification of donkey meat in processed products.

Reference Values and Repeatability of B-Mode and M-Mode Echocardiographic Parameters in Healthy Donkey (Equus asinus)—The Guide to Assess Healthy Heart

Donkey (Equus asinus), the cheapest form of agricultural power in Egypt, is used principally as draught or pack animals and may also be ridden, or used for threshing, raising water, milling, and other work. The aim of the present study was to provide B-mode and M-mode echocardiographic reference ranges from a sample of population of donkeys (E. asinus) based on the probability theory and statistics. In the present study, B-mode and 2-dimensional guided M-mode echocardiography were performed on 44 clinically healthy donkeys (E. asinus) (22 males and 22 females), without any neither clinical nor echocardiographic evidence of cardiovascular diseases, aged 2–25 year old, and weighed 150–350 kg. The echocardiographic dimensions, including interventricular septum thickness at end diastole, interventricular septum thickness at end systole, left ventricular internal diameter at end diastole, left ventricular internal diameter at end systole, left ventricular posterior wall thickness at end diastole, and left ventricular posterior wall thickness at end systole were assessed. The cardiac function indices, including end diastolic volume, end systolic volume, stroke volume, ejection fraction, and fractional shortening were also measured. B-mode and guided M-mode echocardiographic examination of healthy donkeys revealed that both the interventricular septum thickness and the left ventricular posterior free wall were greater during systole than diastole. However, the left ventricular dimension during diastole was greater than systole. Furthermore, the recorded data of cardiac function indices, including end diastolic volume, end systolic volume, stroke volume, ejection fraction, and fractional shortening using B-mode echocardiography were closer to those recorded by guided M-mode echocardiography. To our knowledge, this is the first Egyptian study to report the echocardiographic reference ranges of donkeys (E. asinus) based on the probability theory and statistics, the coefficient of variation. The results of the present study can be used as standard and reference values for further echocardiographic studies in donkeys and represent a step in the identification, interpretation, and evaluation of cardiovascular disorders in such animals.

Examination of jackass (Equus asinus) accessory sex glands by B-mode ultrasound and of testicular artery blood flow by colour pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound: Correlations with semen production.

The accessory sex glands play a major role in the production of seminal plasma, and testicular artery blood flow seems to strongly influence testicular function. However, very little ultrasound imaging of these organs has been undertaken in donkeys. The present work reports the results of such examinations in five jackasses along the year. The accessory glands were inspected by B-mode ultrasound while the testicular artery blood flow was assessed by colour pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound. The testicular artery was examined at pampiniform plexus (PPT), supratesticular area (ST) and capsular artery (CA). Values were recorded for the total arterial blood flow (TABF), peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index (RI), pulsatility index (PI) and time average maximum velocity (TAMV). Semen was obtained and assessed for sperm concentration, viability, abnormalities and motility using a CASA system. The bulbourethral glands, prostate and ductus deferens ampullae were relatively larger than in the stallion. Bulbourethral glands and ampullae sizes were inversely correlated with sperm motility. An reduction in blood flow between the level the PPP and the CA was observed, helping to reduce testis temperature and oxygen pressure. Blood flow at the CA showed the strongest correlation with semen production. PI and RI were positively correlated with the CASA motility variable STR (p=.02, p=.06) and sperm viability (p=.01), while sperm concentration (p=.05) correlated inversely with PSV, EDV, TAMV and TABF. EDV also correlated negatively with the CASA variables VSL, LIN, STR and VAP (p≤.05). PI and RI were also negatively correlated with testis length (p=.0093, p=-.0438).

A Cross-Sectional Survey of Foaling-Related Parameters of Jennies (Equus asinus) Under Smallholder Farm Conditions in Northeast China

It is important to assess the reproductive efficiency and improve the reproductive management to promote the donkey population development. The overall foaling-related parameters of jennies under smallholder farm conditions in China were hardly under investigation. A cross-sectional survey of randomly selected 694 smallholder farms was conducted in 40 villages in the north, east, and south areas of Western Liaoning Province and Eastern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region between March and July, 2017. Foaling-related parameters were assessed such as the mean age at first foaling, foaling rate and foaling interval during 2014–2017. Only two-thirds of the adult jennies foaled during the 3-year survey period and delivered a foal every 1.9 years. The mean age at first foaling was 45.3 months. The lowest incidence of foaling rate was in coincidence with the peak of foaling. The overall mean values for the foaling rate and foaling interval were 75% and 500.5 days, respectively. Significant changes of foaling rates before the age of 15 years and foaling intervals in the first 8 parities were not observed. The results indicate that the jennies could maintain relatively fine foaling-related parameters under smallholder farm conditions in northeast of China. However, the foaling rates hardly remained high during the whole breeding season represented a major loss to the donkey breeding.

Anthelmintic resistance in strongylids (Nematoda: Strongylidae) parasitizing wild and domestic equids in the Askania Nova Biosphere Reserve, Ukraine

Resistance of strongylids in domestic horses to benzimidazole anthelmintics (BZ) has been detected worldwide; however, information on the presence of BZ-resistance in wild equids has not been published to date. The purpose of this study was to analyze the manifestations of the BZ resistance in strongylids in domestic and wild equids kept in the Askania Nova Biosphere Reserve, Ukraine. Four species of equids: domestic horses and Shetland ponies (Equus caballus), donkeys (E. asinus), plains zebras (E. burchelli) and Grévy’s zebras (E. grevyi) kept under semi-free conditions were examined using the Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) in order to detect the presence of resistance to the BZ anthelmintics. Analysis of long-term data (2009–2019) revealed a decrease in the efficacy of BZ drugs against strongylids in these four species of equids from 97.6% in 2009 to <75% in 2019. The efficacy of anthelmintic treatments was low in all species of equids: in plains zebras – 69.4%, Grévy’s zebras – 72.7%, horses – 66.4%, ponies – 61.1% and donkeys – 45.2%. Ten species of cyathostomins (Cyathostomum catinatum, Cylicocyclus nassatus, C. ashworthi, C. leptostomus, Cylicostephanus calicatus, C. goldi, C. longibursatus, C. minutus, Coronocyclus labiatus, C. labratus) were found after horse deworming with albendazole. Our results are the first detection of BZ-resistance in strongylids of wild equids kept under semi-free conditions in the Reserve.

Seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in Donkeys (Equus asinus) in Yobe south senatorial zone, Northeastern Nigeria.

ABSTRACTA cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors influencing the presence of Brucella spp. antibodies in donkeys in Yobe south senatorial zone, Nigeria. The study was aimed at determining the importance of Brucella spp. infection in donkeys (Equus asinus). A total of 200 sera samples from of 105 males and 95 female donkeys were collected and screened for brucellosis using the rose bengal plate test (RBPT) and the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). Data obtained were analyzed to determine associations and risk factors. The analysis revealed that 21.5% and 18.5% were seropositive by RBPT and iELISA respectively, with 22.0% and 20.0% of the male and female donkeys being seropositive by RBPT, and 19.0% and 17.9% of the male and female donkeys being seropositive by iELISA, respectively. There was a statistically significant association between donkey age and positive rate of iELISA for detecting Brucella infection. Though the positive rate was higher for males than females, there was no statistically significant association between sex and location of donkeys and the sensitivities of RBPT and iELISA for detecting Brucella infection. In conclusion, this study indicates that brucellosis exists with high seroprevalence particularly among male and adult donkeys and is of public health significance and economic importance because it can lead to infertility and abortion in the stock.

Ultrasonographic Characteristics of the Stifle Joint in Clinically Normal Donkeys (Equus asinus)

Stifle ultrasonography is a widely accepted diagnostic tool that has been used for diagnosing articular and peri-articular stifle injuries in horses. Limited information is available regarding the ultrasonographic appearance of the stifle joint in donkeys. The aim of the present study was to describe the normal ultrasonographic characteristics of the stifle joint in clinically normal donkeys. A descriptive study was done on 15 clinically normal donkeys (30 joints). Ultrasonographic examination was done in a systematic manner including both supra- and infra-patellar regions. The patella, patellar ligaments and tibial tuberosity were taken as palpable anatomical landmarks for localization of different stifle structures. A detailed description of the ultrasonographic appearance of the quadriceps muscle, supra-patellar pouch and femoropatellar joint was done through the supra-patellar approach. In infra-patellar approach, thepatellar ligaments, medial and lateral femorotibial joints, collateral ligaments, menisci, origin of peroneous tertius and popliteal tendon were described. Standardized, repeatable and reliable images were achieved from both approaches. Ultrasonography provided a clinically useful tool for diagnosing donkeys with stifle joint disease.

Detomidine and xylazine, at different doses, in donkeys (Equus asinus)

The effects of detomidine and xylazine in northeasters donkeys were compared. Six animals participated, randomly, of all experimental groups: xylazine 10%, 0.8 mg/kg (xylazine group 0.8 - GX0.8), 1.0 mg/kg (GX1.0) and 1, 2 mg/kg (GX1.2); and detomidine 1%, 0.02 mg/kg (Detomidine group 0.02 - GD0.02), 0.04 mg/kg (GD0.04) and 0.06 mg/kg (GD0.06) intravenous. Heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), mean arterial pressure (MAP), blood glucose, sedation, analgesia, ataxia, arrhythmias and urination were monitored. Duration of sedation was greater in the groups in which detomidine was administered. The muzzle-soil distance significantly reduced in all groups five minutes after the sedative administration, remaining smaller for a longer time in the GD0.06. Ataxia in GX1.0 was greater than in GX0.08 and GX1,2, being equivalent to GD0,04 and GD0,06. Analgesia lasted 30 minutes in GD0.06 and 10 minutes in the others. There was reduction of HR in GD0.02 and GD0.04 and atrioventricular block. There was a reduction in TR in GX1,2, GD0.02, GD0,04 and GD0,06. RR decreased in all groups. MAP increased in GD0.02, GD0.04 and GD0.06 five, 20, 30 and 10 minutes after administration of detomidine, respectively. Hyperglycaemia occurred for 120 minutes in all animals receiving detomidine. The frequency of micturition was higher in GD0.06 (2.2 ± 0.8) than in GX0.8 (0.8 ± 0.4). In northern Brazil, detomidine and xylazine promote short duration analgesia and cardiorespiratory alterations, but detomidine causes a greater sedative, hypertensive and hypothermic effect.

Molecular Characterization of Fasciola spp. from a Donkey (Equus asinus) Using Partial Sequencing of cox1 and nad1.

Background:Fasciola hepatica as an important parasite affects health of humans and animals in some tropical and subtropical areas of the world, including Iran. Little is known about the molecular diversity of Fasciola in Equidae. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the genetic polymorphisms among parasites.Methods:Eight adult Fasciola spp. isolates were collected from a working donkey after necropsy in Shiraz, southwestern Iran, in 2018. Primarily, various parameters were measured morphologically. Subsequently, DNA was extracted from each fluke and molecular markers of cytochrome C oxidase (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase 1(nad1) from individual Fasciola isolates were amplified using PCR assay and sequence data were employed for molecular and phylogenetic analysis. Genetic diversity between isolates was evaluated by comparing the sequences of these two mitochondrial regions.Results:Based on the morphological and analyzed mitochondrial sequences, all of eight donkey isolates (100%) were identified as F. hepatica. Moreover, nine and five nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in the cox1and nad1 region sequences, respectively.Conclusion:Accordingly, phylogenetic data revealed five and four haplotypes among donkey isolates based on the cox1and nad1 markers. Similarly, some of these haplotypes have been previously reported from different host species in Iran as well as all around the world.

Preliminary Studies on Hemato-Biochemical Profiles of Indigenous Free Ranging Donkeys (Equus asinus) In and Around Hassan, Karnataka, India

Preliminary Studies on Hemato-Biochemical Profiles of Indigenous Free Ranging Donkeys (Equus asinus) In and Around Hassan, Karnataka, India

Morphometric measurements of the feet of working donkeys Equus asinus in Egypt.

ABSTRACTWorking equids rely on sound, balanced hooves, but data describing the typical morphology of the legs and feet of working donkeys are currently lacking. To address this gap in knowledge, the front and hind feet of twenty healthy working donkeys were measured and compared. Hoof width, weight-bearing lengths, heel width, dorsal hoof wall length and lateral and medial heel length of the hoof wall were determined, as well as toe angle, heel angle, hoof pastern axis, coronary band angle and a measure of ‘ground surface size’. Viewed from the ground surface of the foot, front feet were more rounded and significantly larger than hind feet. Measures of medial-lateral balance and toe-heel angle ratio were within the recommended healthy guidelines for horses. Hoof pastern axis was broken forward for the studied animals, which supports previous research suggesting that a broken forward hoof pastern axis is normal for donkeys, although further study would be required to confirm whether this conformation is natural. Significant correlations were found between estimated body mass and hoof width in both the front and hind feet. These measurements provide valuable insight into the relationship between hoof and body characteristics, which may aid the development of guidelines for the trimming and management of working donkey hooves. Further study is, however, advised to confirm natural hoof conformation.

Prevalence and genotypic identification of Cryptosporidium in free-ranging and farm-raised donkeys (Equus asinus asinus) in Xinjiang, China.

The prevalence and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium in donkeys is poorly understood. Here, 680 fecal specimens were collected from 178 free-ranging and 502 farmed donkeys in Xinjiang, China. Cryptosporidium was identified using PCR amplification of the small subunit of ribosomal DNA. Cryptosporidium-positive isolates were subtyped using PCR analysis of the 60 kDa glycoprotein gene (gp60). The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 2.4% (16/680), with 3.2% (16/502) in farmed donkeys and 0% (0/178) in free-ranging donkeys. Cryptosporidium hominis (n = 13), C. parvum (n = 1) and Cryptosporidium horse genotype (n = 2) were identified. The C. hominis isolates belonged to two subtypes, IkA16 (n = 9) and IkA16G1 (n = 4). The subtype of C. parvum was IIdA15G1, whereas the two Cryptosporidium horse genotype isolates were of subtype VIaA15G4. The predominance of C. hominis in donkeys suggests that these animals are infected through human contact.

Potential dual expansion of domesticated donkeys revealed by worldwide analysis on mitochondrial sequences.

Molecular studies on donkey mitochondrial sequences have clearly defined two distinct maternal lineages involved in domestication. However, domestication histories of these two lineages remain enigmatic. We therefore compared several population characteristics between these two lineages based on global sampling, which included 171 sequences obtained in this study (including Middle Asian, East Asian, and African samples) plus 536 published sequences (including European, Asian, and African samples). The two lineages were clearly separated from each other based on whole mitochondrial genomes and partial non-coding displacement loop (D-loop) sequences, respectively. The Clade I lineage experienced an increase in population size more than 8 000 years ago and shows a complex haplotype network. In contrast, the population size of the Clade II lineage has remained relatively constant, with a simpler haplotype network. Although the distribution of the two lineages was almost equal across the Eurasian mainland, they still presented discernible but complex geographic bias in most parts of Africa, which are known as their domestication sites. Donkeys from sub-Saharan Africa tended to descend from the Clade I lineage, whereas the Clade II lineage was dominant along the East and North coasts of Africa. Furthermore, the migration routes inferred from diversity decay suggested different expansion across China between the two lineages. Altogether, these differences indicated non-simultaneous domestication of the two lineages, which was possibly influenced by the response of pastoralists to the desertification of the Sahara and by the social expansion and trade of ancient humans in Northeast Africa, respectively.

Detection of bacterial populations colonizing the genital tracts of jennies and their changes during the oestrous cycle

The aim of this study was to help improve the management of assisted reproduction of donkeys and to extend the existing information on the fertility of donkeys by qualitative and quantitative assessment of bacterial contamination of the jennies’ genital tract in connection with the perineum formation and oestrous cycle phases. Ten female donkeys were included in the study and were repeatedly rectally palpated and sonographically examined during the oestrous cycle. Samples were taken from the fossa clitoridis and around the cervix for microbiological examination. Each jenny was sampled twice, always at different stages of the cycle, both in the oestrus and in the dioestrus. In addition, samples from the endometrium were taken in oestrus for both microbiological and cytological examination. After collection, the samples were examined in a microbiological laboratory. There were 62 different species of microorganisms found belonging to 19 different bacterial genera. The presence of agents of mares’ infectious metritis Taylorella equigenitalis was not found in any of the samples. The outcome of our study is an initial mapping of the microbial colonization of the endometrium and the genital tract in jennies with correct formation of the perineal region. The hypothesis that the level of bacterial contamination was related to the oestrous cycle was not confirmed. The practical significance of the study lies mainly in the description of the composition, amount and changes of microbiota in healthy individuals during their oestrous cycle, which allows the evaluation of the risk of developing infection during the active oestrous cycle in connection with mating.

Morfometría del burro criollo de la región de Zozutla, Puebla, México

En México el burro es una especie con importancia económica en las zonas rurales, ya que se utiliza como medio de transporte y carga, siendo una ayuda indispensable al campesino marginado, que vive en regiones remotas y mal comunicadas. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue el de caracterizar la morfometría del burro criollo de la región de Zozutla, Puebla. México. Se estudiaron 25 asnos hembras y 25 asnos machos, de 2 a 3 años. A cada uno de los animales de estudio, aplomados correctamente y accediendo a los mismos por su flanco izquierdo, se les tomaron sus medidas corporales o variables zoométricas de naturaleza cuantitativa, por medio de la cinta métrica y el pelvímetro: alzada de la cruz (AC), alzada dorso (AD), alzada grupa (AG), alzada pelvis (AP), alzada palomillas (APa), alzada nacimiento cola (ANC), diámetro longitudinal (DL), diámetro dorso esternal (DDE), diámetro entre encuentros (DEE), diámetro bicostal (DB), anchura grupa (AnG), longitud grupa (LG), perímetro torácico (PT), perímetro rodilla (PR), perímetro caña (PC), perímetro menudillo (PM), perímetro cuartilla (PCu), perímetro corona (PCo),perímetro corvejón (PCor), longitud oreja (LO), longitud cabeza (LC), anchura cabeza (ACa), profundidad cabeza (PCa), longitud cara (LCa) y anchura cráneo (ACr). Los resultados obtenidos a partir de las 26 variables de medición biométricas proporcionaron los datos importantes para diferenciar los burros criollos hembras de los machos, y fueron agrupados en conjuntos específicos en base a las variables de estudio, proporcionando en los animales las aptitudes funcionales. Los resultados demostraron que las variables muestran diferencias altamente significativas (P&lt;.0001) en las mediciones de los animales de estudio. En esta investigación los animales criollos, fueron de talla pequeña, los cuales presentaron una deficiente alimentación y un nulo manejo sanitario de los animales.

Mortality and Operational Attributes Relative to Feral Horse and Burro Capture Techniques Based on Publicly Available Data From 2010-2019

Management of excessive feral horse (Equus ferus caballus) and burro (Equus asinus) populations in the United States and globally has been a controversial subject for decades. I reviewed all available US federal feral horse and burro daily gather reports from 2010 to 2019 to extract equine species, technique (bait trapping or helicopter gathering), reason (emergency or other), number gathered, number of mortalities, and mortality attributes (acute or chronic/pre-existing condition, specific cause). I found 70 reports (bait trapping burros n = 10, bait trapping horses n = 24, helicopter gathering horses n = 21) from 9 states (AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WY) representing 28,821 horses and 2,005 burros. For bait trapping, 100 animals died (4 burros, 96 horses) with 16 acute causes (1 burro, 15 horses) and 84 chronic/pre-existing causes (3 burros, 81 horses). For helicopter gathering, 268 horses died with 62 acute causes and 206 chronic/pre-existing causes. Mortality ratios did not differ by capture technique (P > .05) for broken necks, emaciation, acute causes, or chronic/pre-existing causes. The most common mortality-causing problems were structural deformations, club foot, blindness, and emaciation. The more horses gathered per day resulted in a greater proportion of chronic/pre-existing mortalities for both trapping techniques, but only an increase of acute mortalities for helicopter gathering. The slope suggests 1 acute mortality for every 300 horses gathered. The capture mortality rate across all gathers [1.1% (368 mortalities out of 30,826 horses and burros captured)] is below a general threshold of 2% suggested for wildlife studies.

Поза всадника по археологическим и этнографическим данным

Goals. The article analyzes and interprets two specific body postures typical for mound Scytho-Sarmatian burials of Eurasian steppes. The postures were traced among ones buried face up in a horizontal position, being distinguished by straddled legs (‘dancing pose’) or one leg placed aside (‘pose of attack’). Materials. The specific postures are not a mass phenomenon, and tend to characterize burials of nomadic nobility. Some earlier works provide different hypotheses interpreting the mentioned fact. The study is based on V. Obelchenko’s assumption — regarding 2nd-1st century BC Sogdian mounds — the straddled legs posture resulted from that dead individuals used to be delivered to their graves mounted on horsebacks. The ritual of delivering the dead mounted on horsebacks in Eurasian steppes is evidenced by a gold plaque from the Siberian Collection of Peter I depicting three corpses mounted onto saddles: one sitting supported up and two others with their heads lying on the horses’ shoulders. The ‘pose of attack’ is evidenced by the 2nd-3rd century Bakhchysarai Stela believed to be a Sarmatian trace in the Crimean peninsula. The width of the bottom of the Siberian Ice Maiden’s skirt might also attest to that as a noble woman she could have mounted sideward on solemn occasions, and is likely to have been delivered to the burial site in a similar position. Additional arguments have been borrowed from funeral rites of the Turko-Mongols directly and indirectly indicating horse mounted transportation of the dead. The one side legs seat is illustrated by present-day women’s donkey mounting in southern regions (Uzbekistan, Turkey) and a 17th-cenury European artist’s canvas depicting a peasant woman on a donkey. Conclusions. So, the paper concludes the ‘dancing’ and ‘attacking’ poses of the buried are associated with horse (saddle) mounted transportation of the dead pursuant to the ancient tradition of Eurasian nomads that survived till historical times.

Ultrastructure of adult Gasterophilus intestinalis (Diptera: Gasterophilidae) and its puparium

This research was conducted to identify the most common equine stomach bot fly by using light and scanning electron microscopy. Third instar larvae (n = 200) of Gasterophilus intestinalis were collected from stomach of slaughtered donkeys (Equus asinus) at Giza Zoo abattoir, Egypt, in July 2017 (the donkeys chosen were from Giza; Egypt). One hundred only were full mature 3rd instar larvae (the mature 3rd instar was active and has brown bands on its dorsal surface) which were incubated at 32 °C and 80–85% Relative Humidity (RH), for the development of adult. The following pupal parameters were recorded: prepupal period, number of pupated larvae, pupal period, and number of emerged adult and determination of adult sex ratio. Morphological description of pupae, puparium and adults were provided using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The length of prepupal duration was five days and about 90% of the collected G. intestinalis larvae successfully pupated with pupal duration lasting for 21–25 days prior to emergence of the adult stage. Adults sorted according to sex show a female to male ratio of 8:1 (i.e. 80 females to 10 males). The pupae of G. intestinalis were brown to black in color. The adult head, thorax, abdomen, legs and wings of male and female were morphologically described using light and SEM. This research fully describes the adult G. intestinalis male; female and its puparium to distinguish it from other specific myiasis producing flies within its family.

Comparative Effect of Epidural Administration of Xylazine or Dexmedetomidine on Echocardiographic Dimensions and Cardiac Indices in Clinically Healthy Donkeys (Equus asinus)

The aim of the present study was to assess and compare the changes of the echocardiographic dimensions and cardiac function indices after epidural injection of xylazine or dexmedetomidine in clinically healthy donkeys. In an experimental prospective randomized cross-over study, 10 healthy adult donkeys were injected with saline solution, xylazine (0.20 mg kg−1), and dexmedetomidine (0.005 mg kg−1) into the epidural space between the second and third coccygeal vertebrae. Echocardiographic dimensions as well as cardiac function indices were assessed using a 2–3.9 MHz sector transducer, at the left paracostal ultrasonographic window, at zero, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 minutes after administration of these medications. Epidural injection of xylazine or dexmedetomidine produced moderate sedation, complete bilateral perineal analgesia, and mild ataxia in all studied donkeys. There was a significant (P < .05) decrease in the interventricular septum thickness at end systole 60 minutes, stroke volume 30–120 minutes, fractional shortening 120 minutes, and ejection fraction 90–120 minutes after administration of xylazine or dexmedetomidine when compared with saline solution. Left ventricular end diastolic volume was significantly (P < .05) increased 60 minutes following epidural injection of dexmedetomidine compared with xylazine and saline solution. There was a significant (P < .05) increase in the left ventricular internal diameter at end diastole 90–120 minutes and left ventricular end systolic volume 60–180 minutes after administration of xylazine or dexmedetomidine in comparison with saline solution. In conclusion, epidural use of xylazine or dexmedetomidine in donkeys induced mild and transient effect on echocardiographic dimensions as well as cardiac function indices. Therefore, care should be taken when such medications are to be administered into the epidural space in donkeys with a pre-anesthetic cardiovascular compromise.