Effects of levamisole on haematological and oxidative stress parameters in packed donkeys

Abstract Stress can be caused by psychological, physiological, environmental and physical factors. Strenuous exercise like packing in donkeys modifies haematologic parameters. The aim of the study was to investigate the ameliorative effects of levamisole on stress, in packed donkeys. 15 adult male donkeys aged between 4 – 5 years were selected for this study, divided into groups (A, B, C) of five donkeys each: Groups A and B donkeys were the apparently healthy group; while Group C donkeys were naturally infected with Strongyle spp. All the donkeys participated in load carrying (packing) of 40 kg for 10 km. Groups B and C were treated with levamisole at 7.5 mg/kg, while Group A received no treatment prior to packing. Blood was collected from all the groups for haemogram and oxidative stress biomarker analyses. No significant effect (P > 0.05) was observed between groups: A, B and C for: respiratory rate, pulse rate and rectal temperature; haemogram, and activities of malondialdehyde concentration, superoxide dismutase and catalase. Erythrocyte membranes were osmotically stable at 0.5% NaCl in the treated group in comparison to the controls. Packing of donkeys for 10 km did not induce significant changes in vital parameters, haemogram and biomarkers of oxidative stress, but levamisole improved erythrocyte membrane stability. It was concluded that packing for 10 km did not induce any significant changes in blood cellular components and biomarker of oxidative stress, but levamisole improved erythrocyte membrane stability.