Surreal illustration of Pêga donkey in serene landscape with floating blood test tubes representing biochemical health.

Donkey Health: What Blood Tests Reveal About Your Pêga Breed

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unlock the secrets to your Pêga donkey's well-being through understanding their serum biochemical profile."

For donkey owners, ensuring the health and well-being of their animals is a top priority. The Pêga breed, known for its strength and resilience, is a significant part of Brazil's equine population. Understanding the factors that influence their health is essential for providing proper care.

Like humans, donkeys undergo routine blood tests to assess their overall health. These tests, known as serum biochemical profiles, provide valuable information about organ function, metabolism, and potential health issues. However, interpreting these profiles requires an understanding of the specific characteristics of the Pêga breed.

A recent study investigated the serum biochemical parameters of Pêga donkeys in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, analyzing blood samples from 123 animals of different ages and sexes. The study revealed important insights into how these factors influence key health indicators, providing a valuable resource for donkey owners and veterinarians.

Decoding the Blood Test: Key Health Indicators in Pêga Donkeys

Surreal illustration of Pêga donkey in serene landscape with floating blood test tubes representing biochemical health.

The study evaluated a range of serum biochemical elements, including proteins, minerals, and enzymes. These elements provide insights into various aspects of a donkey's health, such as:

Age plays a significant role in the serum biochemical profile of Pêga donkeys. The study divided the animals into five age groups, revealing distinct patterns in several key indicators:

Total protein: Group 4 (49-72 months) showed the highest values, indicating optimal protein levels during this stage of life.
Albumin: Group 2 (7-12 months) had lower levels, potentially due to stress after weaning, which can reduce food intake.
Cholesterol: Group 1 (≤6 months) exhibited higher levels, reflecting a diet rich in milk and intense metabolic activity during rapid growth.
Phosphorus: Group 1 also had higher phosphorus concentrations, linked to the anabolic action of growth hormone and a milk-based diet.
Calcium: Group 2 showed lower calcium values, possibly due to reduced mineral intake and high demand during active bone growth.
Magnesium: Older donkeys (Groups 4 and 5) had higher magnesium values, indicating adequate mineral intake in mature animals.

In addition to age, sex also influenced certain serum biochemical values:

Females had higher levels of total protein, globulins, and triglycerides, reflecting the physiological demands of pregnancy and lactation.
Males showed higher values for the A:G ratio, calcium, phosphorus, and creatine kinase (CK), indicating greater muscle mass and bone development.

These findings highlight the importance of considering both age and sex when interpreting blood test results in Pêga donkeys.

Taking Control of Your Pêga Donkey's Health

By understanding the influence of age and sex on serum biochemical values, donkey owners and veterinarians can make more informed decisions about their animal's health care.

Regular blood tests, interpreted in the context of these factors, can help detect potential health issues early on, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.

This knowledge empowers owners to provide targeted nutrition, adjust management practices, and ensure their Pêga donkeys thrive throughout their lives. It is important to consult with a veterinarian to establish appropriate reference ranges for your donkey and interpret blood test results accurately.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-5121, Alternate LINK

Title: Serum Biochemical Profile Of Pêga Breed Donkeys In The State Of Minas Gerais

Subject: General Veterinary

Journal: Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: João B.F. Santos, Maurício M. Franco, Robson C. Antunes, Ednaldo C. Guimarães, Antonio V. Mundim

Published: 2018-06-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is a serum biochemical profile, and why is it important for my Pêga donkey?

The serum biochemical profile provides insights into the health of your Pêga donkey. These blood tests reveal information about organ function, metabolism, and any potential health concerns. The study focused on the Pêga breed, highlighting that understanding these profiles is essential for proper care. The assessment includes analysis of key elements like proteins, minerals, and enzymes to provide a comprehensive health evaluation.

How does age impact the blood test results of my Pêga donkey?

Age significantly affects the serum biochemical profile of Pêga donkeys. For instance, donkeys in Group 4 (49-72 months) often show the highest levels of total protein. In contrast, Group 2 (7-12 months) may have lower albumin levels due to weaning stress. Cholesterol levels are higher in Group 1 (≤6 months) because of a milk-rich diet and rapid growth. Phosphorus levels also tend to be higher in Group 1. Calcium levels can be lower in Group 2, while older donkeys (Groups 4 and 5) may show higher magnesium values. Therefore, age-specific reference ranges are crucial for accurate interpretation.

In what ways does sex affect the blood test results of my Pêga donkey?

The sex of a Pêga donkey influences several serum biochemical values. Females generally have higher levels of total protein, globulins, and triglycerides because of the physiological demands of pregnancy and lactation. Conversely, males may exhibit a higher A:G ratio, calcium, phosphorus, and creatine kinase (CK) levels, which can indicate greater muscle mass and bone development. Considering both age and sex provides a more accurate understanding of a donkey's health.

What are the key health indicators that are assessed through blood tests in a Pêga donkey?

Key health indicators in a Pêga donkey's blood tests include total protein, albumin, cholesterol, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. Total protein levels reflect overall protein status, which can be influenced by factors like age and physiological state. Albumin levels are vital for assessing liver function and nutritional status. Cholesterol levels provide insights into metabolic activity and dietary intake. Phosphorus and calcium levels indicate bone health, and magnesium levels can indicate mineral intake. By analyzing these elements, a veterinarian can evaluate different aspects of the donkey's health, such as organ function, metabolic processes, and overall health.

Why is it important to understand the serum biochemical profile when caring for Pêga donkeys?

Understanding the serum biochemical profile of Pêga donkeys is crucial for their health management. The data helps donkey owners and veterinarians make informed decisions about care. The study highlights the importance of considering age and sex when interpreting the test results. This can lead to more accurate diagnoses and the timely implementation of necessary interventions, ultimately improving the overall well-being of Pêga donkeys.