Exploration of the Relationship between air Quality as an Environmental Factor on well-being and performance of working Oxen in semi-arid climate of Nigeria

Abstract

Smallholder farmers in arid and semi-arid climates rely on draught animals, highlighting the importance of understanding the welfare and well-being of the draught animals. This study was carried out to investigates the interplay between air quality, physiological responses, and work performance of oxen in semi-arid conditions. The Air Quality Index (AQI) ranges from 28.64 to 48.26, averaging 39.02. Respiration rates vary from 17.06 to 21.45 bpm (mean: 19.07 bpm), while pulse rates range from 26.90 to 86.42 bpm (mean: 54.03 bpm). Rectal temperatures span from 33.47°C to 41.25°C (mean: 37.41°C). Field capacity ranges from 1135.63 kg to 2373.99 kg, with an average of 1737.04 kg, and ploughing efficiency from 0.46 m²/min to 2.28 m²/min (mean: 1.24 m²/min). Draught Animal Power (DAP) varies from 11.35 mW/ha to 46.36 mW/ha, averaging 20.77 mW/ha. The results showed that weak correlations exist between AQI and pulse rate, ploughing efficiency, and DAP (p<0.05), but not with respiration rate and rectal temperature (p>0.05). The study concluded that further research on air quality and physiological responses and performance of oxen are warranted as part of comprehensive animal welfare and management strategies for working oxen under semi-arid climate conditions.