Comparative physiological and biochemical studies in equids under short-term feed deprivation stress

Comparative feed deprivation studies were carried out in donkeys, mules and ponies to assess the effect of short-term (3 days) total feed deprivation stress on various physiological and biochemical indices in them. Physiological responses and blood biochemical parameters were evaluated during control, feed deprivation and recovery periods. All the equids in the 3 groups were observed to be calm and inactive during feed deprivation period with significant reduction in water intake as compared to the predeprivation period. Rectal temperature, respiration and pulse rate decreased markedly in ponies, while in mule's only pulse rate decreased. Activity of alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) increased significantly during feed deprivation, while sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) decreased significantly only in mules while in donkeys and ponies their activities were almost same. Activities of isocitrate dehydrogenase and ponies respectively. Cholesterol and blood urea nitrogen increased significantly (P < 0.05) in all the groups. Physiological and biochemical indices resumed normal levels during recovery period. Donkeys were observed to be more hardy than mules and ponies under short-term feed stress.