[Normal values of the hematological, biochemical and enzymological indices of the donkey]

Studied were a total of 85 (33 male and 52 female) donkeys of the Martina Franca breed of the domestic ass, aged from one to twelve years. Stated are the results for the normal values of hemoglobin, hematocrit, ESR, total erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, leukocyte formula, blood sugar, cholesterin, urea, total protein and protein fractions, some micro- and macroelements, and enzymes as tabulated in four diagrams. No differences have been established with regard to sex. It has been found that with young animals the normal values of hemoglobin and erythrocytes are lower than with adult ones. With aging the total count of leukocytes shows a lowering trend, while the percent of neutrophiles rises. The lymphocyte profile of the white blood picture of this breed animals has been shown to be combined with eosinophilia. The amount of total protein with young donkeys is lower than with older ones, however, the albumin-globulin ratio remains unchanged. It is also stated that the concentration of inorganic phosphorus and calcium is in reverse correlation with the age of the animals--inorganic phosphorus is higher and calcium is lower in young animals, and vice versa. So far as the enzyme activity is concerned the values of the investigated enzymes are generally lower in donkeys than in horses.