Ethological and Physiological Parameters Assessment in Donkeys Used in Animal Assisted Interventions

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The study aimed to obtain scientific data useful for the development of methodologies and standardized protocols for welfare donkey monitoring during animal-assisted interventions (AAIs). For this purpose, on thirteen donkeys, ethological tests and physiological parameters (heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), and root mean square of successive differences (rMMSD)) were assessed during AAI sessions. The AAI sessions determined modifications of tested parameters. These preliminary results can be considered as a starting point for the investigation of the welfare in donkeys used in AAIs. ABSTRACT: Background: Few studies have been performed to identify objective indicators for the selection of therapeutic donkeys or to assess their welfare during animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the response to the ethological test and the modifications of physiological parameters in donkeys subjected to AAI sessions. Methods: Thirteen donkeys were subjected to a behavioral evaluation during an AAI session. Heart rate, heart rate variability, and root mean square of successive difference values were detected. Results: Statistically significant changes in the tested parameters were observed during AAI sessions. Conclusions: In donkeys, there was a neurovegetative involvement during AAI sessions. Our data give a contribution to the evaluation of donkey welfare during AAIs.