Table 1.

A priori inclusion and exclusion criteria used to define the reference population for SAA RI determination.

Examples of inclusion criteria

Examples of exclusion criteria

Apparently healthy donkeys verified by physical examination, recent history, and routine hematological and biochemical screening. Juvenile and adult animals representing the target population (0.3–35 years). Both sexes and the represented breeds included. Animals raised under similar environmental and management conditions (e.g., pasture-based systems). No recent history of illness or medical treatment within the last 3 months.

Abnormal findings during clinical examination (e.g., fever, lameness, respiratory or gastrointestinal abnormalities). Current medication or recent therapeutic intervention. Marked preanalytical/sample-quality problems (e.g., hemolysis, lipemia, inadequate sample quality). Known systemic disease or physiologic state outside the target reference population.