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In ruminants, another source of EAA is derived from the digestion of microbial protein that is produced as a by-product of fibre digestion. A similar process occurs in donkeys, although the microbial-derived EAA cannot be digested or absorbed before they are excreted in the faeces. However, the ability of donkeys to thrive and grow on the very low protein forages found in many tropical countries does provide some anecdotal evidence that processes of protein digestion and metabolism in donkeys are more complex than is currently perceived.

In ruminants, another source of EAA is derived from the digestion of microbial protein that is produced as a by-product of fibre digestion. A similar process occurs in donkeys, although the microbial-derived EAA cannot be digested or absorbed before they are excreted in the faeces. However, the ability of donkeys to thrive and grow on the very low protein forages found in many tropical countries does provide some anecdotal evidence that processes of protein digestion and metabolism in donkeys are more complex than is currently perceived.

As a general rule, once the energy requirements of an animal are satisfied by the diet, then the protein requirements tend also to be satisfied. This has been confirmed by recent studies at the Donkey Sanctuary which measured the digestible crude protein (DCP) requirements for adult donkeys at 26 ± 1.3 g DCP per 100 kg bodyweight per day (Wood ''et al'', 2005). In practice, this amount of DCP would be comfortably supplied from the diet based on hay and ''ad libitum'' straw that was suggested in the [[Energy Requirements - Donkey|energy requirement section]].

As a general rule, once the energy requirements of an animal are satisfied by the diet, then the protein requirements tend also to be satisfied. This has been confirmed by recent studies at the Donkey Sanctuary which measured the digestible crude protein (DCP) requirements for adult donkeys at 26 ± 1.3 g DCP per 100 kg bodyweight per day (Wood ''et al'', 2005). In practice, for healthy, mature animals this amount of DCP would be comfortably supplied from the diet based on hay and ''ad libitum'' straw that was suggested in the [[Energy Requirements - Donkey|energy requirement section]]. However, growing, breeding, ill or elderly donkeys will have a higher protein requirement that may not be met by a simple straw and hay diet. A multi-supplement containing EAAs should be provided.

==References==

==References==