The Effect of Epicatechin-(4β-8)-Catechin on Some Biomarkers of Fatigue in Packed Donkeys (Equus Asinus) during the Dry Season in Northern Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Overworking and overloading of donkeys may cause fatigue. The experiment aims to determine the effects of epicatechin-(4β-8)-catechin (EEC) on some fatigue biomarkers in packed donkeys during the dry season. 10 jacks, aged between four and five years were used for the study. Five were given EEC in feed seven days before packing (test), while another five were given feed only (control). Blood samples collected for biochemical analyses were analyzed for superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), creatine kinase (CK) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). The SOD activity increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the test group during the cold-dry season after packing. The values of TAC during the packing period were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in test group during the hot-dry season. The TNF-α concentration was higher (P > 0.05) in the control group especially one-hour on route. The CK activity was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the control donkeys during the hot-dry season. In conclusion, packing donkeys during the dry season resulted in fatigue, but EEC served as an anti-fatigue agent.

KEYWORDS:

• Donkeys
• fatigue
• oxidative status
• inflammation
• packing
• welfare

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the National Animal Production and Research Institute, Shika, Nigeria for the provision of donkeys used in this study.