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The horse welfare at markets includes fatigue, fear, fasting, dehydration and injuries. However, the scientific literature contains no readily-available information on the physiology responses of equids sold in livestock markets. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of holding in livestock markets on gas exchange, the acid-base balance, energy metabolism, and the mineral and water balance in 4 types of horses (Equus caballus), donkeys (Equus asinus) and mules ((Equus asinus × Equus caballus). To this end, a total of 1,438 equine were utilized, after classification into six groups, as follows: mules, donkeys, culled horses, charrería horses (Mexican rodeo horses), foals, and ponies. The time intervals evaluated were 1 and 5 h. During the study, the animals received only water ad libitum. The physiological blood indicators assessed were: PvCO2 (mm Hg) and PvO2 (mm Hg) pressure, pH, glucose (mg/dL), lactate (mg/dL), bicarbonate levels (mmol/L), hematocrit (%), Na+, K+ and Ca2+ (mmol/L). The animals that presented the most marked physiological alterations were the mules and donkeys. The mules that remained in the corrals for 1 h presented increases (P < 0.0001) in the values for pO2, glucose, hematocrit and blood pH, compared to reference values (RV), while the donkeys had increases (P < 0.0001) in glucose and hematocrit values. By the end of the first hour at the exhibition corrals the equine were dehydrated, suffered fatigue, and suffered metabolic and compensatory problems, probably due to the combined effects of a series of factors that include transport and inadequate handling.

ABSTRACT:The transport of weaned piglets is considered an important stress factor since the conditions involved in shipping affect the animals' health and welfare. The principal stressor factors that piglets experience during transport include: mixing with unfamiliar animals, overcrowding, heat, cold, temperature fluctuations, vibrations, and noise. It is well known that all these factors contribute to raising the level of stress caused by the weaning process; however, the additional effects attributable to transport immediately after weaning impact the physiology, metabolism and behaviour of piglets, predisposing them to delayed growth. For this reason, animal transport must be well-planned and take into account such aspects as preparation of the piglets, choosing the best route and vehicle type, assuring adequate vehicle design and maintenance, and providing sufficient space. Also important for assuring the welfare of the piglets during transport are sufficient rest time, appropriate access to food and water, defined measures for monitoring the animals during the trip, implementing means of disease control, and establishing the steps to be followed in case of an emergency.

This review's objective is to provide information on the mechanisms that buffaloes express during the thermoregulation process. Generally, the water buffalo is associated with warm and tropical climates. In these systems, the combination of high temperature, relative humidity, and radiation cause different physiological and behavioral changes, particularly during the summer months. Wallowing behavior in water or mud promotes heat dissipation through physical mechanisms, such as conduction, convection, and radiation. Furthermore, the provision of natural or artificial shades contributes to thermoregulation and maintains homeostasis. In production systems in cold climates, the wallowing behavior is inhibited by the water temperature, so it is important to keep the animals protected in stables to avoid the cold winds and rapid drops in temperature, causing increased illness pneumonia and sometimes death. Finally, in cold conditions, the animals require an appropriate diet since the use of energy is distributed mainly for the production of heat. Thus, heat stress and cold stress generates relevant problems in health, welfare, and productivity in water buffaloes. A comprehensive assessment of the severity of the resulting problems associated with thermal stress and specialty in cold stress in water buffaloes is necessary so far, and there's very little information about it in this species.

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