Modulatory roles of melatonin on respiratory and heart rates and their circadian rhythmicity in donkeys (Equus asinus) subjected to packing during the hot-dry season

In mammals a central circadian clock is located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus, which regulates the innate physiological rhythms to the ambient 24-h light-dark cycle. Melatonin is an essential component of circadian rhythm. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of melatonin administration on the respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) and their circadian rhythmicity in donkeys subjected to packing (load carrying) during the hot-dry season. Twenty healthy pack donkeys, aged 2–3 years with average weight of 93 ± 2.7 kg were divided into two groups randomly for the experiment. Group 1 donkeys (packing with melatonin) were administered melatonin for seven days during the study and subjected to packing, while group 2 were packed without melatonin administration. Both groups of donkeys were packed three times within the week, one day apart, covering a total distance of 20 km on each experimental day. Meteorological parameters were recorded during the study period. RR and HR were measured pre- and immediately (15 min) post-packing. Continuous measurement of the parameters started 16 h later, after the last packing procedures for a period of 27 h at intervals of 3 h. Temperature-humidity index (THI) pre-packing (73.67 ± 0.7) was lower (P < 0.05) than that obtained post-packing (80.33 ± 1.2). The THI recorded during the continuous measurement was at its peak at 15:00 h (86), indicating that the afternoon hours were thermally stressful to the donkeys. The THI was strongly correlated with HR recorded in packing (without melatonin) compared to packing (with melatonin) donkeys. The RR and HR values in both groups of donkeys were significantly (P < 0.05) higher immediately after packing. However, the post-packing values of the parameters were not different (P > 0.05) between the two groups of donkeys. The mesor (adjusted arithmetic mean) and amplitude of RR and HR in packing (without melatonin) donkeys were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that recorded in packing (with melatonin) donkeys. In conclusion, melatonin reduced negative influence on the circadian rhythmicity (mesor and amplitude) of RR and HR in donkeys by exerting its anti-stress and antioxidant effects. The study has demonstrated the beneficial effect of melatonin and its administration may mitigate excessive respiratory and cardiac activities that may reduce the work output of donkeys during the hot-dry season.