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May the force be with you: an investigation into logging methods using donkeys

dc.contributor.authorRodrigues, João Brandão
dc.contributor.authorGarrett, Chris
dc.contributor.authorNorris, Stuart
dc.contributor.authorAlbuquerque, Francisco Braga
dc.contributor.authorQueijo, Luis
dc.contributor.authorCoelho, João Paulo
dc.contributor.authorCooke, Fiona
dc.contributor.authorJudge, Andrew
dc.date.accessioned2023-02-22T09:58:44Z
dc.date.available2023-02-22T09:58:44Z
dc.date.issued2023
dc.description.abstractWorking equids represent major sources of energy worldwide, and assume an increasingly important role in line with increasing requirements for sustainable energy. The effectiveness of their contributions relies on welfare, especially in the case of donkeys that, due to their size, face more adverse working conditions compared to larger equids. In this study, heart rate and force exerted were monitored while logging using three methods: direct pull, sled, and vehicles. A swingle tree incorporating a dynamometer and data logger was developed for this project, allowing continuous recording of forces. It was hypothesized that logging techniques that suspend (partially or totally) the load from the ground, reduce the force exerted, thus reducing physical effort. This study also aimed to understand if heart rate can be used as an alternative proxy measure when pulling different loads using different methods. Results showed that the greatest force was measured during direct pull (369.66 N), requiring 20% greater force compared to the sled (299.10 N, P <0.001), and 60% greater force than the vehicle (125.11 N, P <0.001). The sled required an additional 58% of force compared to the vehicle (P <0.001). This determines vehicles are the best option for reducing the force exerted by donkeys. Affordability and skills needed to work with this technique, however, are important considerations. Sleds represent a user-friendly solution; reducing the force needed when compared to direct pull, requiring less skills and equipment. The dynamometer proved an excellent method for force monitoring. Heart rate as a proxy measure for force didn’t provide accurate data for lighter loads. Increasing load weight, followed by the increasing force requirements, correlation and explanatory power became greater, indicating that with heavier logs, or methods that display greater force requirements, heart rate may be used as a proxy method for force, but further studies are needed. Keywords: Working donkeys, dynamometer, logging techniques, heart rate, animal welfare.pt_PT
dc.description.versioninfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionpt_PT
dc.identifier.citationRodrigues, João Brandão; Garrett, Chris: Norris, Stuart; Albuquerque, Francisco, Queijo, Luís; Coelho, João Paulo; Cooke, Fiona; Judge, Andrew (2023). May the force be with you: an investigation into logging methods using donkeys. Austral Journal of Veterinary Sciences. 55, p. 23 - 33pt_PT
dc.identifier.doi10.4067/s0719-81322023000100023
dc.identifier.issn0719-8000
dc.identifier.issn0719-8132
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10198/27077
dc.language.isoengpt_PT
dc.peerreviewedyespt_PT
dc.rights.urihttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/pt_PT
dc.subjectEnergy worldwidept_PT
dc.subjectAgroforestrypt_PT
dc.subjectDonkeyspt_PT
dc.titleMay the force be with you: an investigation into logging methods using donkeyspt_PT
dc.typejournal article
dspace.entity.typePublication
oaire.citation.endPage33pt_PT
oaire.citation.startPage23pt_PT
oaire.citation.titleAustral Journal of Veterinary Sciencespt_PT
oaire.citation.volume55pt_PT
person.familyNameQueijo
person.familyNameCoelho
person.givenNameLuís
person.givenNameJoão Paulo
person.identifierR-001-EXZ
person.identifier.ciencia-id9310-5CB5-7BA1
person.identifier.ciencia-idD61E-A586-7D4A
person.identifier.orcid0000-0002-6445-4330
person.identifier.orcid0000-0002-7616-1383
person.identifier.ridJ-6887-2013
person.identifier.scopus-author-id55137039300
rcaap.rightsrestrictedAccesspt_PT
rcaap.typearticlept_PT
relation.isAuthorOfPublication85efb15b-2f3e-4315-bdd3-f898797a4a52
relation.isAuthorOfPublication2861f33b-b49a-421d-9bfa-92b4304d2668
relation.isAuthorOfPublication.latestForDiscovery85efb15b-2f3e-4315-bdd3-f898797a4a52

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