Animals (Oct 2020)

Ethological and Physiological Parameters Assessment in Donkeys Used in Animal Assisted Interventions

  • Michele Panzera,
  • Daniela Alberghina,
  • Alessandra Statelli

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10101867
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 10
p. 1867

Abstract

Read online

Background: Few studies have been performed to identify objective indicators for the selection of therapeutic donkeys or to assess their welfare during animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the response to the ethological test and the modifications of physiological parameters in donkeys subjected to AAI sessions. Methods: Thirteen donkeys were subjected to a behavioral evaluation during an AAI session. Heart rate, heart rate variability, and root mean square of successive difference values were detected. Results: Statistically significant changes in the tested parameters were observed during AAI sessions. Conclusions: In donkeys, there was a neurovegetative involvement during AAI sessions. Our data give a contribution to the evaluation of donkey welfare during AAIs.

Keywords