Establishment of Reference Intervals of Hematological Parameters and Evaluation of Sex and Age Effect in the Miranda Donkey

Simple Summary The Miranda donkey is a Portuguese breed from northern Portugal that is considered endangered. Much research in different scientific areas has been conducted to help in these animals' preservation. Knowledge of hematological reference intervals is important for characterizing the breed, identifying the health status of the animals and helping veterinarians in the diagnosis of diseases and the follow-up of patients. This study aimed to determine the hematological reference intervals for healthy Miranda donkeys and to evaluate the interference of sex and age in these parameters. Only age interfered in the hematological values and should be considered when interpreting the results. The results described here can be used to assess the health of animals and herds, guide the diagnosis of diseases and assist in the selection of healthy animals for reproduction, contributing to the preservation of the breed. The Miranda donkey is an autochthonous Portuguese breed that is considered endangered. Several studies have been carried out on this breed, but to the authors' best knowledge, no studies have been conducted on their clinical pathology. The aims of this study were to determine the hematological reference intervals (RIs) in healthy Miranda donkeys and to estimate the influence of age and sex. Blood samples from 75 clinically healthy animals were analyzed for 22 hematological parameters on the IDEXX ProCyte Dx, an automated hematology analyzer previously validated for the species. The RIs were estimated following the ASVCP guidelines with the Reference Value Advisor software. Regarding sex, no significant differences were found between groups. Regarding age, significant statistical differences (p < 0.05) were observed for red blood cells, red cell distribution width, white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, platelets, plateletcrit (higher mean in young animals), mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, neutrophils and eosinophils (higher mean in adults). The RIs described here can be used to evaluate and monitor the health status of animals and herds, as well as to guide diagnoses or select fit and healthy animals for reproduction, contributing to the preservation of the breed.

Automated summary

The Miranda donkey is an endangered Portuguese breed, and research has been conducted to help preserve them. Understanding hematological reference intervals is crucial for characterizing the breed, identifying animal health, and aiding in disease diagnosis. This study aimed to determine reference intervals for healthy Miranda donkeys and evaluate the influence of sex and age. Only age affected the hematological values, and the results can be used to assess animal health, diagnose diseases, and select healthy animals for reproduction, contributing to breed preservation.