Changes

[[Image:Poor donkey.jpg|left|250px]][[Image:Fat donkey.jpg|right|250px]][[Image:Moderate donkey.jpg|left|250px]][[Image:Obese outline donkey.jpg|right|250px]]

[[Image:Poor donkey.jpg|left|250px]][[Image:Fat donkey.jpg|right|250px]][[Image:Moderate donkey.jpg|left|250px]][[Image:Obese outline donkey.jpg|right|250px]]

When feeding donkeys, it is important not to forget that animals are individuals and their responses to scientifically formulated rations are not entirely predictable. An active or more excitable donkey may need more food than a more sedentary or phlegmatic field-mate. To fine-tune diets to the donkey’s individual requirements, body condition scoring is a useful tool. Regular monitoring of body condition is also important and should be carried out monthly, particularly in early summer when there is abundant pasture and in winter when extra fat may be used to maintain body temperature.

When feeding donkeys, it is important not to forget that animals are individuals and their responses to scientifically formulated rations are not entirely predictable. An active or more excitable donkey may need more food than a more sedentary or phlegmatic field-mate. To fine-tune diets to the donkey’s individual requirements, body condition scoring is a useful tool. Regular monitoring of body condition is also important and should be carried out monthly, particularly in early summer when there is abundant pasture and in winter when extra fat may be used to maintain body temperature.

[http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary] has developed a system which uses a five-point scale to assess body condition. Body condition score systems rely on the operator developing a practised eye and hand to detect small changes in the subcutaneous fat covering. It is also important for the operator to maintain objectivity when carrying out scoring to avoid the temptation to over- or

[http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary] has developed a system which uses a five-point scale to assess body condition. Body condition score systems rely on the operator developing a practised eye and hand to detect small changes in the subcutaneous fat covering. It is also important for the operator to maintain objectivity when carrying out scoring to avoid the temptation to over- or

under-score to get a more personally acceptable result. It may be better to ask a friend or member of the family to carry out the scoring if you are having trouble maintaining objectivity.

under-score to get a more personally acceptable result. It may be better to ask a friend or member of the family to carry out the scoring if you are having trouble maintaining objectivity.

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==References==

==References==

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