• amiatino
• cortisol
• donkey
• welfare

A study was conducted to investigate welfare status in domestic during lactation phase. Three types of analyses were carried out: (1)hair cortisol extraction (HCC) (2)behavioral analysis, (3)complete blood count (CBC). Behavioral data were obtained from all jennies waiting for milking. HCC and CBC from 24 jennies at 1 month lactation (1ML), 6 month lactation (6ML), 10 month lactation (10ML). The data obtained reveals an expected HCC tendency throughout the sampling period (lactation period): it means higher levels pre partum periods with the peak in the 1° month after delivery that a decline within the months, till the end. Behavioral data were grouped based on their biological meaning and than analyzed with BORIS Software. Most behaviors represented are inherent to a relaxing and neutral context. Social friendly interaction has been observed as well as negative interactions (aggressive behaviors), although the last one are confined in particular circumstances. The same is for stress behaviors. As HCC, also haematological parameters reflect physiological standards, typical of lactating phase. In conclusion it may be stated that jennies enrolled in this study live in good welfare conditions because modification in physiological profile do not correspond to response to stressful situation but to physiological modification caused by particulary phase the jennies were in: lactation.