Pycnogenol® supplementation improved the erythrocyte stability of packed donkeys during the late hot-dry season in Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract

Theaimofthis study was todetermine the effect of pycnogenol® (PYC) on erythrocyte stability of donkeys subjected to packing during the late hot-dry season. Ten donkeys, divided into two groups, served as experimental subjects. P-PYC group (n =5) was subjected to packing only, while P+PYC group (n =5) was administered with PYC (10 mg/kg) and subjected to packing. Erythrocytes obtained from each animal in the experimental groups were added into saline solutionofdifferent concentrations (0.9, 0.6, 0.4. 0.2, and0.0 g/100 ml). Erythrocyte osmotic fragility index (EOFI) was evaluated spectrophotometrically. The concentration of isoprostane was also determined. The mean EOFI was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in P-PYC group 3 and 7 days after packing at 0.6 g/100 ml, with values of 32.4±3.2 and 53.4±4.3%, respectively. However, there was no significant (P >0.05) difference in the MCF recorded in both groups, before, after, 3, and 7 days after packing. Percentage erythrocyte stability was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in P+PYC group, especially during, and 7 days after packing with values of 24.3±9.2 and −23.3±22.8%, respectively when compared with the values of 8.6±3.3 and −79.7±9.3% obtained in P-PYC group, respectively. Mean isoprostane concentration was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in P-PYC group when compared with the value in P+PYC group, 7 days after packing. In conclusion, environmental and packing stresses decreased stability of the erythrocytes in donkeys; however, PYC may have played an ameliorative role.

Description

Keywords

Erythrocytestability . Season . Isoprostane . Donkey

Citation

Erythrocytestability . Season . Isoprostane . Donkey

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