EVALUATING THE ANTI-STRESS POTENTIAL OF PROPOFOL IN ROAD TRANSPORTATION WELFARE USING BIO-MARKERS IN WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS

Abstract

Sixteen apparently healthy West African dwarf bucks were used in the study. They were randomly grouped into four with four animals each.  Group one untreated non transported (non stressed control) control,  group two  was administered with  propofol at 5mg/Kg intramuscularly , group three was administered with ascorbic acid 500mg/kg intramuscularly  and group  four  non treated stressed control. Animals were carefully loaded in an open vehicle. The floor of the vehicle was cushioned to avoid the animals from sliding and injury. Then animals were subjected to a journey of 2hours at a speed of 40 kg/hr. Blood for haemotological analysis for full blood count was collected in bottles containing EDTA (ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid). While samples for assay of antioxidative enzymes were collected in bottles containing lithium heparin. The blood was also analysed superoxide dismutase (SOD), malonyldialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione -s- transferase (GST) respectively, using commercial Randox® kit. The  packed cell volume (PCV) showed significantly (P<0.05) higher PCV in the groups treated with propofol, ascorbic acid and none-stress control midway into the journey. The  neutrophils lymphocytes  ratio (N: L) levels in was significantly higher at prior the journey. The levels of MDA were significantly (P<0.05) higher prior and at the end of the journey phases in the propofol treated group. The ascorbic acid group showed significantly (P<0.05) higher level of MDA at the mid phase of the journey. While the GST levels prior to journey were significantly (P<0.05) higher compare to the other phases in the propofol and ascorbic acid treated groups and none treated stressed control. In the SOD level was significantly (P<0.05) higher prior stage of the journey in the propofol treated group. this infer that propofol possess antistress effect and could be used to improve animal welfare at transportation. Conclusively, the propofol possess antistress effect that is similar in mechanism to ascorbic acid and could be used in amelioration of stress in short term stress in animals. It however advised that the withdrawal period of the drug is adhered to prevent residue of drug in the meat product.