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Feeding Donkeys - Donkey (view source)
Revision as of 14:23, 24 January 2014
, 14:23, 24 January 2014no edit summary
It is extremely important when dieting donkeys to make feed changes gradually and to monitor them closely. Donkeys should be either weighed or condition scored weekly and records kept of their heart-girth measurements (charts for weight estimation and body condition scoring are available from The Donkey Sanctuary). Progress when dieting donkeys is slow and perseverance is very important, it often takes time for the first amounts of weight to be lost, however once this process begins weight loss should be gradual and not excessive. It is essential to know when it is time to stop dieting, donkeys store fat in very different areas to that seen in horses and invariably these fat pads (often seen on the crest, rump and flanks) do not disappear completely despite the animal being in an ideal condition. Although it is a difficult task, dieting donkeys gradually to attain a healthy body condition will have physical and psychological benefits for the animal and will almost certainly lead to the donkey’s life expectancy being extended.
It is extremely important when dieting donkeys to make feed changes gradually and to monitor them closely. Donkeys should be either weighed or condition scored weekly and records kept of their heart-girth measurements (charts for weight estimation and body condition scoring are available from The Donkey Sanctuary). Progress when dieting donkeys is slow and perseverance is very important, it often takes time for the first amounts of weight to be lost, however once this process begins weight loss should be gradual and not excessive. It is essential to know when it is time to stop dieting, donkeys store fat in very different areas to that seen in horses and invariably these fat pads (often seen on the crest, rump and flanks) do not disappear completely despite the animal being in an ideal condition. Although it is a difficult task, dieting donkeys gradually to attain a healthy body condition will have physical and psychological benefits for the animal and will almost certainly lead to the donkey’s life expectancy being extended.
* The food requirements of the donkey are generally lower than those of a similar sized pony, due to the donkey’s superior ability to digest food
* Donkeys fed to maintenance (neither gaining nor losing weight) require limited amounts of hay, free access to straw and an appropriate vitamin and mineral balancer
* A diet of 50 - 75% straw and 25 - 50% hay/haylage should be adequate for most healthy donkeys in temperate climates. The level of hay should be decreased in the spring/summer and increased in midwinter
* Body condition scoring should be used to fine-tune a donkey’s diet
* Restricting access to pasture is of paramount importance to donkeys in the spring and summer, free access to straw should always be available
* A plentiful supply of clean water should always be provided
===Further Advice===
===Further Advice===
Donkeys are a unique species that cannot be managed like other equines. They require specific diets, healthcare and daily care. Further guidance and resources on donkey care and welfare can be provided by The Donkey Sanctuary; the world’s largest donkey and mule charity working to improve welfare worldwide.
Donkeys are a unique species that cannot be managed like other equines. They require specific diets, healthcare and daily care. Further guidance and resources on donkey care and welfare can be provided by The Donkey Sanctuary; the world’s largest donkey and mule charity working to improve welfare worldwide.