Biochemical blood parameters in Balkan donkeys (Equus asinus) in Bulgaria

Аnton Rusenov1 and Nikolina Rusenova2
1 Department of Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
2 Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

Abstract

Rusenov, A. & Rusenova, N. (2025). Biochemical blood parameters in Balkan donkeys (Equus asinus) in Bulgaria. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 31(5), 1046–1052

The Balkan donkey is an autochthonous breed, traditionally raised by livestock breeders on the Balkan Peninsula. Its population in Bulgaria is decreasing, ageing, and even threatened with extinction. Therefore, the awareness of the physiological and pathological conditions of the Balkan donkey is essential for the conservation of the breed.
The present study aimed to investigate a large number of blood biochemical parameters in healthy Balkan donkeys in Bulgaria and to determine their gender- and age-related changes. Blood sera from 73 clinically healthy Balkan donkeys were collected to assay 20 biochemical blood parameters using a Mindray BS-120 biochemical analyzer and an Electrolyte Analyzer/Caretium: XI–921A. Statistical analysis of the gender and age effects on the measured variables was performed with the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test.
Regarding gender, significant differences were observed in the following biochemical parameters: Glu, CREA, TG, TP, ASAT, ALAT, ALP, Ca, and Cl. Additionally, significant differences were noted in age for LDH.
The study emphasizes the need to consider animal gender and age when interpreting blood biochemical parameters about the protection of animal genetic resources.

Keywords: Balkan donkeys; Bulgaria; healthy; blood; biochemical parameters
Abbreviations: Total protein (TP); albumin (ALB); creatinine (CREA); urea (UREA); glucose (Glu); cholesterol (CHOL); triglycerides (TG); total bilirubin (TBili); aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT); alanine aminotransferase (ALAT); alkaline phosphatase (ALP); creatine kinase (CK); gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT); lactate dehydrogenase (LDH); calcium (Ca); phosphorus (P); magnesium (Mg); potassium (K); sodium (Na); chlorides (Cl)

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