Donkeys, an endangered species, have recently gained a new application with the use of their milk to feed humans with allergic processes. The Ragusana donkey breed from Sicily is used to produce milk for humans with allergic diseases. In order to evaluate the hygienic, nutritional and management measures on a farm of Ragusana donkeys, complete blood counts, extended biochemical profiles and serum protein electrophoresis, as part of metabolic profile test (MPT), were performed in Ragusana donkeys. Fifty-four donkeys were studied and grouped according to their age, (1) 29 females and a single stallion (n = 30), (2) young females, 1 - 3 years old (n = 10) and (3) young of both sexes under 1 year old (n = 14). The RBC count, RDW value, Lymp, and Mono counts, and PDW values were statistically greater in donkeys under one year old than in adult donkeys, while the Seg Neu count was lower. The CPK, ALP, iPhos, and HCO3, values were statistically higher in the group of donkeys under 1 - year of age than adult donkeys while Cl and LDH values were statistically lower in donkeys under 1 - year than adult donkeys. Additionally, statistically significant increased values for CPK, ALP, Alb, Chol, iPhos, HCO3, and UIBC in young donkeys under 1 year when compared with young donkeys, 1 - 3 years were observed. A statistically significant decreased value for Urea and an increased value for Crea in young donkeys, 1 - 3 years old were found as compared to adults. The serum protein fractions recognised by electrophoresis were: albumin, alpha globulin (subdivided into alpha-1 and alpha-2-globulins), beta globulin, and gamma globulin. In the alpha-1-globulin region three small peaks were constantly noticed, and alpha-2-globulins were statistically different between the three groups being greater in young donkeys under 1 year of age. The results obtained were used both to establish reference ranges and a data bank for the farm of Ragusana donkeys for future needs in assessing the metabolic status and health of the animals. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2005.
