Reference Ranges for Hematological and Biochemical Profile of Martina Franca Donkeys.
Authors: Trimboli Francesca, De Amicis Ippolito, Di Loria Antonio, Ceniti Carlotta, Carluccio Augusto
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Reference Ranges for Hematological and Biochemical Profile of Martina Franca Donkeys The Martina Franca donkey, Italy's largest and increasingly endangered donkey breed, lacked established reference intervals for clinical assessment, necessitating this comprehensive profiling of 81 healthy animals across three age groups (foals, young stock aged 1–3 years, and adults over 3 years). Researchers measured a full haematological panel including red and white cell parameters alongside major serum biochemistries to generate breed-specific reference ranges and quantify age-related variations. Age significantly influenced multiple parameters: red cell indices (RBC count, RDW and HDW all decreased with age whilst MCV and MCH increased), selected leucocyte populations (eosinophils, monocytes and basophils), and numerous serum analytes including electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium), liver enzymes (ALP, GGT), renal markers (creatinine), glucose and cholesterol—notably, albumin dipped in young animals before rising again in older donkeys. For practitioners supporting conservation breeding programmes or managing individual Martina Franca donkeys clinically, these breed and age-specific reference values are essential; interpreting results against generic donkey or equine ranges risks misclassification of genuinely healthy animals as abnormal, potentially triggering unnecessary intervention or excluding valuable breeding stock from programmes based on erroneous clinical assessment.
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Practical Takeaways
- •When evaluating hematological and biochemical parameters in Martina Franca donkeys, use breed-specific reference ranges rather than general donkey or horse values for accurate clinical assessment
- •Account for age when interpreting blood work in this breed—foals, young donkeys, and adults show distinct patterns in several parameters that reflect normal physiological development rather than disease
- •Monitor electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium) and hepatic/renal markers more carefully in older Martina Franca donkeys as these parameters naturally decrease with age in this breed
Key Findings
- •Age significantly affects hematological parameters in Martina Franca donkeys, with RBC count, RDW, and HDW decreasing with age while MCV and MCH increase
- •Biochemical parameters show age-related changes including decreases in Na+, K+, Cl-, Ca2+, phosphorus, ALP, GGT, creatinine, glucose, and cholesterol with aging, while AST and total serum protein increase
- •Some immune parameters (eosinophils, monocytes, basophils) demonstrate age-linked variations, whereas total WBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet counts remain stable across age groups
- •Martina Franca donkeys exhibit breed-specific reference ranges that differ from other donkey breeds and horses, requiring breed-specific clinical interpretation