Healthy Donkeys Research Articles

Clinical and biomechanical evaluation of three bioscaffold augmentation devices used for superficial digital flexor tenorrhaphy in donkeys (Equus asinus): An experimental study

The present study was designed to carry out an in vivo and in vitro comparative evaluation of three bio-scaffold augmentation devices used for superficial digital flexor tenorrhaphy in donkeys. Twenty-four clinically healthy donkeys were assigned for three treatment trials (n=8) using one of three bioscaffold materials (glycerolized bovine pericardium xenograft, tendon allograft and allograft with glycerolized by bovine pericardium). In addition, eight clinically healthy donkeys were selected to serve as control. Clinical signs of each animal were scored and the sum of all clinical indexes was calculated at each time point of the experiment. Four donkeys from each group were euthanized at 45 and 90days postoperatively, respectively, for biomechanical and histopathological evaluation of treated superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT). The failure stress in allograft shielding group significantly increased compared to the corresponding values of the other groups at 45 (62.7±6.5Nmm−2) and 90 (88.8±3.5Nmm−2) days postoperatively. The fetlock angle in the allograft shielding group at both 45 (112.8°±4.4) and 90 (123.8°±1.1) days postoperatively showed a significant increase (p<0.05) relative to the values of the other groups and a significant decrease (p<0.05) when compared to normal angle (125°±0). However, the histomorphological findings revealed no remarkable changes between the treatment groups. In conclusion, the failure stress, fetlock angle and histomorphological findings may provide useful information about the healing characteristics of SDFT tenorrhaphy. The bio-scaffold augmentation devices, either xenogenic or allogenic, provide good alternative techniques accelerating SDFT healing with minimal adhesions in donkeys.

Effect of packing on changes in erythrocyte osmotic fragility and malondialdehyde concentration in donkeys administered with ascorbic acid

Experiments were performed with the aim of investigating the effect of packing on erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in donkeys, and the effect of ascorbic acid (AA). Twelve apparently healthy donkeys raised under the traditional extensive system served as experimental subjects. Six donkeys administered orally with AA (200 mg/kg) and subjected to packing were used as experimental animals, whilst six others not administered with AA served as controls. Blood samples were collected pre- and post-packing from all the donkeys for the determination of MDA and EOF. At 0.3% Sodium Chloride (NaCl) concentration, the percentage haemolysis was 93.69% ± 2.21% in the control donkeys and the value was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher than the value of 71.31% ± 8.33%, recorded in the experimental donkeys. The post-packing MDA concentration obtained in the control donkeys was 39.62 µmol ± 4.16 µmol, and was not significantly different (P &gt; 0.05) from the value of 35.97 µmol ± 2.88 µmol recorded in the experimental donkeys. In conclusion, the increase in haemolysis obtained in the donkeys suggested that packing induced oxidative stress, which was ameliorated by AA administration.

Total and free iodothyronines profile in the donkey (Equus asinus) over a 12-month period

Several studies show the correlation between thyroid function and reproductive activity in horses, but no data are available in donkeys. The aim of this study was to determine physiological thyroid changes occurring in 10 pregnant and 14 barren donkeys over a period of 12 months. Blood samples were collected monthly from the jugular vein of pregnant and barren donkeys from June 2008 to June 2009. No significant differences (P&lt; 0.05) in iodothyronine concentrations were observed between pregnant and barren donkeys in the same month. Seasonal total thyroxine (T4) and free triiodothyronine (fT3) patterns remained unmodified, regardless of physiological state, with the lowest T4levels at September and the highest at February, and the lowest fT3levels at June and the highest at July, in both pregnant and barren donkeys. Ranges of total triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations in pregnant donkeys over a 12 months period ranged from 1.57 to 2.90 nmol/l, T4from 31.01 to 63.67 nmol/l, fT3from 3.15 to 15.52 pmol/l and free thyroxine (fT4) from 22.47 to 33.69 pmol/l. Mean T3concentrations in barren donkeys over a 12 months period ranged from 1.64 to 3.37 nmol/l, T4from 42.95 nmol/l and 61.90 nmol/l, fT3from 3.15 to 11.19 pmol/l and fT4from 25.46 to 35.06 pmol/l. This is the first study that provided a seasonal thyroid hormonal profile in healthy barren and pregnant donkeys.

Microbiological quality of raw donkey milk from Campania Region

Microbiological quality of raw milk from eight healthy donkeys reared in Campania Region was investigated. A total of 152 samples were analyzed in order to evaluate the milk safety status trough monitoring mesophilic total bacterial count (TBC) at 32°C and 20°C, psychrophilic TBC at 5°C, Enterobacteriaceae, Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and somatic cell count (SCC). The ranges for mesophilic bacteria at 32°C, 20°C and psy- chrophilic bacteria at 5°C were, respectively, 2.80–4.00 Log CFU/mL, 2.84–3.92 Log CFU/mL and 1.27–2.12 Log CFU/ml. Enterobacteriaceae showed a load ranging between 0.68–1.93 Log CFU/mL. No pathogenic bacteria were isolated. Estimated SCC values were always under 50.000 cells/mL. Additionally quantitative changes of bacterial population in raw bulk milk during eight storing days at 8°C and 3°C, were evaluated. Firstly, fresh bulk milk was contaminated by bacteria with a mean TBC at 32°C and 20°C of 2.71 Log CFU/mL and 2.64 Log CFU/mL, respectively, whereas TBC at 5°C and Enterobacteriaceae were not detected. After eight days of storage at 8°C, TBC at 32°C, 20°C and Enterobacteriaceae increased by three Log and TBC at 5°C by five Log. On the other side, after eight days of storage at 3°C no gradual Log increase was detected. Our results showed that donkey milk could be a good healthy ingredient for feeding where good hygienic procedures are applied and storage is kept at temperature lower than 3°C.

Determination of reference physiological values for working donkeys of Ethiopia

This study was undertaken with the aim of determining reference physiological values for working Ethiopian donkeys in four districts of Oromiya regional state by taking vital signs (body temperature, pulse and respiration rate) and gut sounds from a total of 130 apparently healthy donkeys. The mean values of body temperature obtained in this study for young, adult, and old donkeys were 37.90±0.74oC, 37.80±0.78oC and 37.70±0.63oC, respectively. For female and male donkeys it was 37.88±0.79oC and 37.83±0.73oC, respectively. The mean values of pulse rate per minute for young, adult and old donkeys were 55.40±9.93, 47.60±5.47 and 47.60±5.47, respectively. For female and male donkeys it was 51.62±11.32 and 49.69±8.59, respectively. Pulse rate and heart rate had strong correlation (r=0.824; p 0.05) difference in nostril movement, abdominal movement and tracheal sound between daytime (morning Vs noon), age group and sex. However, strong and positive correlation (r=0.80; p<0.000) was observed among the three sites of determining respiration. There was statistically significant difference (p<0.000) in gut sounds heard at the right para-lumbar fossa (RPF), left para-lumbar fossa (LPF) and lower flank regions (LFR) during the times of day: more frequent and stronger at noon than in the morning. There was also a significant difference (p<0.004) between young and old age groups in the value of RPF and LPF. The effect of age, sex and time of day on the references values should be taken into consideration in making physical clinical examination and interpreting physiological parameters.

Coagulation Profiles of Healthy Andalusian Donkeys are Different than Those of Healthy Horses

Coagulation disorders are frequently diagnosed, especially in hospitalized equidae, and result in increased morbidity and mortality. However, hemostatic reference intervals have not been established for donkeys yet. To determine whether the most common coagulation parameters used in equine practice are different between healthy donkeys and horses. Thirty-eight healthy donkeys and 29 healthy horses. Blood samples were collected to assess both coagulation and fibrinolytic systems by determination of platelet count, fibrinogen concentration, clotting times (prothrombin time [PT] and activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT]), fibrin degradation products (FDP) and D-Dimer concentrations. PT and aPTT in donkeys were significantly (P < .05) shorter than those of horses. In contrast, FDP and D-Dimer concentrations were significantly (P < .05) higher in donkeys than in horses. The coagulation parameters most commonly determined in equine practice are different in donkeys compared with horses. Thus, the use of normal reference ranges reported previously for healthy horses in donkeys might lead to a misdiagnosis of coagulopathy in healthy donkeys, and unnecessary treatments in sick donkeys. This is the first report of normal coagulation profile results in donkeys, and further studies are warranted to elucidate the physiological mechanisms of the differences observed between donkeys and horses.

Comparative studies on biochemical and cytological constituents of synovial fluids in some farm animals

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the difference in the synovial fluid constituents in cattle, buffaloes, camels, and donkeys. A total number of 20 clinically healthy adult male animals (cattle (N = 5), buffaloes (N = 5), camels (N = 5), and donkeys (N = 5) were subjected to study. Synovial fluid samples were collected from the metacarpophalangeal joint under complete aseptic conditions. The samples were examined physically, cytologically, and biochemically. Synovial fluid analysis revealed significant variations in specific gravity, total leukocyte counts, total proteins, albumin, globulins, glucose levels, and alkaline phosphatase activity among investigated animal species.

Effects of Intraarticular Tramadol Administration on Biochemical and Cytological Properties of Equine Synovial Fluid: Comparison with Lidocaine

Problem statement: Diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopic surgeries are procedures performed quite frequently in equine practice; and are considered to cause some degree of postoperative pain. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the equine synovial fluid biochemical and cytological changes following intra-articular administration of tramadol as a potential analgesic. Approach: Six adult healthy donkeys were selected after clinical examination. Synovial fluid samples were taken from both middle carpal joints after routine preparation. Tramadol 2 mg kg-1 and 100 mg lidocaine 2% were administered to the right and left joints respectively. Synovial fluid collection from the joints was performed at 12, 24, 48-192 h after medication. Cytological examination, total protein, glucose, specific gravity, Alkaline Phosphates (ALP), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), viscosity and quality of mucin clot were measured. Comparison of treatments was performed by nonparametric sign test and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Significance level was set to p≤ 0.05. Results: Neither detectable lameness nor special side effect was observed throughout the study. Mucin clot quality test and viscosity, the amount of total nucleated cell count, glucose, ALP and LDH revealed no significant differences between various sampling times between the tramadol and lidocaine groups (P>0.05). Neutrophil count, total protein, specific gravity and AST activity were significantly different. Conclusion/Recommendations: Despite the slightly different results compared to the lidocaine, it seems that the injection of tramadol into the middle carpal joint has no adverse effects on the synovial fluid composition in this joint and it can be considered a good analgesic after arthroscopic surgery with the lowest side effects in horses.

Parâmetros hematológicos de jumentas gestantes em diferentes períodos

The hematological parameters and total protein concentration in healthy donkeys during pregnancy, under grass handling conditions in tropical weather, were evaluated. Fifth-two Marchador Brasileiro breed healthy donkeys, ranging from 8 to 16 years old, were evaluated, 36 of which were pregnant. The animals were separated in four groups: non pregnant (control), pregnancy from 25 to 110 days (first phase), from 111 to 210 days (second phase), and from 211 to 340 days (third phase). Total protein, erythrocyte, and leukocytes counts; packed cell volume; hemoglobin concentration; hematimetric absolute rates of mean corpuscular volume (MCV); mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH); and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were evaluated. Total protein and eosinophils count decreased in the first phase. Red blood cells, hemoglobin concentration, and MCHC increased in the third phase of pregnancy. However, MCV and MCH decreased in the same phase.

Assessment of some anesthetic regimens for general anesthesia in equine

Fifteen healthy adult experimental donkeys weighted about (150 - 200 kg) were used in this study. These Animals were housed in Surgery Clinic of Mansoura Veteri­ nary Teaching Hospital and were premedicated intravenously with xylazine Hcl (1.1mg/1cg). In addition, eighteen animals (9 horses and 9 donkeys) anesthetizedfora variety of clinical surgical procedures. Five minutes later, anesthesia was induced and maintained with one of the following combinations. Xylazine Hcl (0.5 mg/ ml), guaifen­ e,sin (50 mg/ ml) and 1cetamine Hcl (2 mg/ ml) in 1 liter of warm dextrose 5% (group I), xylazine Hcl (0.5 mg/ ml), guaifenesin (50 mg/ ml) and thiopental sodium (4 mg/ ml) in 1 liter of warm dextrose 5% (group II) and xylazine Hcl (0.5 mg/ ml), midazolam (0.04 mg/ml) and 1cetamine Hcl (2 mg/ml) in 1 liter of dextrose 5% (group III). The anesthetic quality (induction, degree of analgesia, muscle relaxation, sedation and quality of re­ covery), cardiopulmonary effects, hematology, blood chemistry and blood gases were estimated in all groups. All compared anesthetic protocols showed smooth induction. The quality of sedation, analgesia and muscle relaxation in XGK and XMK groups were good to excellent. The quality of recovery was smooth and good to excellent in XGK and XMK groups, while it was moderate in XGT group. All compared anesthetic protocols are suitable to induce and maintairi appropriate safe state of anesthesia un­der field conditions in equidae

Donkey and Goat Milk Intake and Modulation of the Human Aged Immune Response

In a group of 14 healthy aged subjects, donkey and goat milk was administered respectively, for a period of one month. Cytokine profile [interleukin (IL)-12, IL-10, IL-1beta, IL-8, IL-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-alpha] was assessed before and after milk intake by means of a cytometric bead array test. Data demonstrated that IL-12 was undetectable, while IL-10, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha were released in very low amounts. Quite interestingly, IL-8 was increased by donkey milk administration, while same cytokine was dramatically decreased following goat milk intake. Same pattern of response was noted with IL-6 even if levels of these cytokine were lower than those detectable in the case of IL-8. Taken together, these findings indicate that administration of donkey milk in the aged host is able to upregulate the immune response, while goat milk seems to reduce the exaggerated acute phase response in elderly.

Values for Triglycerides, Insulin, Cortisol, and ACTH in a Herd of Normal Donkeys

Reference ranges for triglycerides, insulin, cortisol, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) are used in diagnosing hyperlipemia and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) in the donkey. Values are currently compared to reference ranges of the horse so as to diagnose disease. Previous studies found differences between hematological, serum biochemical, and hormone values of the horse and donkey. We suspected that similar differences existed between horse and donkey triglyceride, insulin, cortisol, and ACTH levels. Blood samples were drawn from 44 healthy mammoth donkeys and 1 miniature donkey, ranging in age from 3 weeks to 21 years, and varying in sex and pregnancy status. All but one donkey scored 3 of 5, “ideal,” body condition scoring. Samples were tested for triglycerides, insulin, cortisol, and ACTH levels. A marked difference was found between horse and donkey normal values for triglycerides, insulin, and ACTH. The mean values and standard deviation in the tested population were 66.4 ± 34.2 mg/dL for triglycerides, 2.1 ± 2.05 μU/mL for insulin, and 66.7 ± 20.7 pg/mL for ACTH. The reference ranges in the horse are 14–77 mg/dL for triglycerides, 4.9–45.5 μU/mL for insulin, and 18.7 ± 6.8 pg/mL for ACTH. Cortisol levels were similar in the two species, a 4.0 ± 1.2 μg/dL for donkeys being within the reference range for the horse, 2.9–6.6 μg/dL. Values were not correlated to age. The sample size prevented us from determining any correlation according to sex or pregnancy status. Differences between horse and donkey triglyceride and ACTH values may be significant for accurately diagnosing and treating hyperlipemia and PPID, respectively, in the donkey.

ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF STREPTOCOCCUS EQUI SUBSPECIES EQUI FROM EQUINE WHICH SUFFER FROM STRANGLES

400 swabs were collected from 200 horses (100 apparently healthyand 100 diseased ones) and 200 donkeys (100 apparently healthy and100 diseased ones). These samples were taken from abscess at lymphnodes, nose and rectum of equine animals.The incidence of Strept. equi sub. sp. equi was 52 (26%) in 200 horsesand 32 (16%) in 200 donkeys. This incidence of this microorganismswas 25 (12.5%) and 20 (10%) in diseased horses and donkey,respectively while, in an apparently healthy ones, it was 27 (13.5%)and 12 (6%) in horses and donkey respectively.The rate of isolation of Strept. equi sub. sp. equi was 27 (51.92%) and12 (37.5%) in apparently healthy horses and donkey while, indiseased ones, it was 25 (48.8%) and 20 (62.5%) in horses anddonkeys respectively.The isolates of Strept. equi sub. sp. equi were sensitive to ampicillin,with activity percent (95.24%) then to tetracycline (83.33%),streptomycin (83.33%) and gentamycin (83.33%), on other hand theywere less sensitive to erythromycin (35.91%), kanamycin (41.67%)and lincomycin (35.71%).

Electrocardiographic parameters in the clinically healthy Zamorano-leones donkey

Limited information exists regarding electrocardiographic parameters in clinically healthy donkeys. The study was carried out in 75 healthy adult animals (40 females and 35 males) using the Einthoven standard II and base-apex leads. The P wave showed usually a bifid shape deflection. The QRS complex of the donkeys appeared in several forms: QR and R were the most frequent in limb lead II, and QS and QR in the base-apex lead. Most T waves presented a simple negative configuration in lead II and biphasic shape in the base-apex one. Mean heart rate value was 52 beats per minute. The direction of the QRS vector in lead II had a mean value of 91.4°. We observed a lack of detected arrhythmias. Statistically significant differences were observed between sexes for several parameters. The electrocardiogram of Zamorano-leones donkey differs in several duration, amplitude and morphologic parameters from that of several breeds of horses and donkeys. This fact justifies obtaining values for a specific breed against which to compare values for the same breed.

ANATOMICAL STUDIES ON THE VENOUS DRAINAGE OF THE INTESTINAL TRACT OF THE DONKEY (EQUUS ASINUS)

The venous drainage of the intestine was carried out on 8 apparently healthy adult donkeys. The age and sex of the animals were not considered in this study. The venous drainage of the intestinal tract were done by the ordinary routine methods as well as the cast preparation. The venous blood of the intestinal tract is mainly achieved by the V. Portae through its peripheral tributaries. In addition to the caudal rectal of the internal iliac vein. A comprehensive description of the origin, course and distribution of the veins of the intestinal tract were studies. The results obtained were discussed with those of other authors in the horse and other domestic animals.

The Relationship Between KCl Infusion and Changes of ECG, Electrolytes of Plasma and K Content of Donkey's Red Blood Cells

Sudden marked increases in the serum potassium concentration, up to 8 to 9 meq L(-1), are the result of transcellular movement of potassium and are associated with profound electrocardiographic abnormalities and fluid shifts. Electrocardiographic changes associated with hyperkalemia have been described in the cat, the dog, the horse and are well documented in man. Since there is no research about the effects of hyperkalemia on electrocardiogram of donkey, the purpose of this study was to induce the experimentally hyperkalemia in donkey and studying the relationship between KCl infusion and changes of ECG, electrolytes of plasma and K content of donkey's red blood cells. This research was carried out in seven clinically healthy female donkeys, injected with 0.35 molar potassium chloride solutions to jugular vein. Results indicated that potassium content of RBC at 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 min, blood potassium level at 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 min, blood calcium at 60, 75, 90 and 105, increased significantly and blood magnesium decreased significantly at 135 min. Electrocardiographic changes were first degree A-V block, wandering pacemaker, inversion of negative to positive T-wave, flattening of the P-wave, ventricular premature beat, sinus arrest, bradycardia and sinus tachycardia.

The Effects of Verapamil Hydrochloride on Electrocardiographic (ECG) Parameters of Domestic Donkey (Equus asinus)

Verapamil hydrochloride, a calcium channel blocker, has been used in domestic animals. Its effects on electrical activities of the heart of donkeys were studied in this preliminary research work. This experiment was carried out on 10 healthy donkeys ranging in age from 4 to 7 years and mean body weight of 155 ± 18.6 kg. The electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded on a base apex lead before (for 3 days), during, and after verapamil injection (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 minutes). Verapamil hydrochloride (0.3 mg/kg body weight) was given via catheterizaion as an intravenous bolus over 2 minutes. Heart rate, rhythm, ECG morphology, amplitude, durations, and intervals were measured and taken into consideration and values were compared. Results showed that heart rate was significantly increased at the time of injection from 55 ± 10.7 before injection to 77.61 ± 12.6 beats per minute after injection (P < .05). Duration of P and T waves; P-R interval, and also P-R segment were increased (P < .05). However, duration of QRS complex, P-P and R-R intervals, and S-T segment were significantly decreased after verapamil injection (P < .05). Sinus arrest (2 cases), bradycardia (1 case), and wandering pacemaker (1 case) were recorded before treatment and verapamil injection did not affect these arrhythmias, except in one case in which sinus arrest disappeared. However, after injection of verapamil, four types of arrhythmias (wandering pacemaker [WPM], sinus tachycardia, 1st degree AVB, and 2nd degree AVB) were recognized. These arrhythmias (with the exception of tachycardia) can be related to the increase of vagal tone activity that might be attributed to the negative effect of verapamil on SA and atrioventricular block [AV] nodes.

Conjunctival fungal flora in healthy donkeys

To identify and quantify ocular fungi from healthy donkeys living in the center of Italy. One hundred and two Amiata donkeys were examined. Conjunctival swabs from both eyes were seeded onto Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) and malt extract agar (MEA), and incubated at 25 degrees C over a 10-day period. Filamentous fungi identification was achieved to the genus level; yeast colonies were identified for macro-micromorphologic and physiological characteristics. Eighty-one donkeys out of 102 (79.4%) were positive for fungi; 47/102 (46.1%) had positive cultures from both eyes. Most frequently recovered fungal genera were Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Cladosporium spp., Acremonium spp. Different fungal genera and/or species were recovered from the same donkey in 43 cases (42.1%). Yeasts were isolated from five subjects; the yeasts were never associated with molds. The number of colony forming units (CFU) ranged from 1 to 100. Aspergillus was the most commonly isolated fungal genus (33%). This result agrees with the findings of similar surveys carried out in horses. There was a remarkable presence of fungi and perfect forms. These observations may be explained by the optimal conditions for presence and development of fungi in the conjunctival fornix microenvironment in Amiata donkeys.

PREVALENCE OF ANTIBODIES TO SPOTTED FEVER GROUP RICKETTSIAE IN HUMANS AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS IN A BRAZILIAN SPOTTED FEVER-ENDEMIC AREA IN THE STATE OF SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL: SEROLOGIC EVIDENCE FOR INFECTION BY RICKETTSIA RICKETTSII AND ANOTHER SPOTTED FEVER GROUP RICKETTSIA

In serum samples obtained from all the healthy humans, horses, dogs, and donkeys present on three farms in the Pedreira Municipality, an endemic area for Brazilian spotted fever, an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) detected antibodies against Rickettsia rickettsii in 17 (77.3%) horses, 5 (31.3%) dogs (titers ranging from 64 to 4,048), and none of 4 donkeys or 50 humans. Five canine and eight equine sera with high antibody titers to R. rickettsii were also tested by IFA against R. bellii, R. akari, and R. africae antigens. Sera from two horses and two dogs that showed similar high antibody titers against two rickettsial antigens were evaluated after cross-absorption. Sera from seven horses and two dogs contained antibodies specific for R. rickettsii, and one dog serum had antibodies against a Rickettsia species very closely related to R. africae. The latter may have been caused by infection with the recently identified COOPERI strain.

Reference values on hematologic parameters of the Brazilian donkey ( Equus asinus) breed

Thirteen hematologic measurements were performed on 38 healthy donkeys of the Brazilian breed (32 females and 6 males) aged 3 to 19 years. Mean ±SD (minimum-maximum) values were as follows: red blood cells (RBC) 6.82 ± 0.67 (5.46-8.17) × 106/μL; packed cell volume (PCV) 37.63 ± 2.76 (32.00-44.00) %; hemoglobin (Hb) 12.87 ± 0.98 (10.70-14.50) g/dL; mean corpuscular volume (MCV) 55.45 ± 4.06 (48.90-62.70) fL; mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) 18.85 ± 1.14 (17.40-21.60) pg; mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration 34.20 ± 1.24 (31.50-36.40) g/dL; white blood cells (WBC) 8.22 ± 1.49 (4.60-11.50) × 103/μL; bands 1.77 ± 2.00 (0.00-9.00) %; segmented neutrophils 41.18 ± 5.98 (30.50-53.20) %; lymphocytes 50.53 ± 6.25 (35.30-63.50) %; monocytes 1.57 ± 1.30 (0.00-4.60) %; eosinophils, 4.64 ± 2.17 (1.00-10.00) %; basophils 0.33 ± 0.58 (0.00-2.90) %. It was demonstrated that values of some blood parameters of the Brazilian donkey breed were similar to results obtained for other donkey breeds. The results of this study serve as reference ranges for donkey populations and can be useful for health control, which in turn helps in the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases.