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Ethological and Physiological Parameters Assessment in Donkeys Used in Animal Assisted Interventions
Michele Panzera1,2, Daniela Alberghina2, Alessandra Statelli2
1Centro Universitario Specializzato per gli Interventi Assistiti con gli Animali, Università degli Studi di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy.
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.
