Female Reproduction - Donkey
Female reproductive anatomy peculiarities
Uterine involution is still poorly studied in asinine species. One study on Catalonian jennies reported that gross uterine involution is completed by 22.5 ± 1.7 days post-partum (range of 18 to 27 days) (Dadarwal et al, 2004). Vaginal discharge (clear odourless lochia) was present for up to seven days and intrauterine fluid was detected by ultrasound for up to 18 days in some females.
Foal heat occurs 8.6 days after foaling, but periods of 2 to 69 days have been reported. Dardawal et al (2004) found that, on the day of parturition, several 10 to 15 mm follicles are present and by 5 to 12 days post-partum at least one follicle has reached 25 mm in diameter. Behavioural oestrus seems to be less pronounced with the first post-partum ovulation.
Most jennies will ovulate between 13 to 17 days post-partum. Extended periods of follicular activity without ovulation may be observed in some females. The interaction between post-partum cyclicity, body condition and lactation has not been investigated. In a study from 1957 in India, the mean interval from parturition to fertilization was found to be 162.5 ± 6.7 days (Kohli et al, 1957).
There are very few studies on nutritional requirements for optimal fertility, pregnancy needs and lactation. In one study, jennies lost abut 1% of their body weight at foaling and a further 0.5 to 1% during lactation (Eley and French, 1994).
Donkey neonate survival is often described as a major problem in developing countries. This high mortality may be due to poor rearing conditions (post-partum care) as well as poor colostral protection. The effect of nutrition and management on foal growth and survival has not been fully studied.
In a free-ranging population, jennies may continue to nurse their foals until ten months of age (French, 1998). Feed supplementation along with anthelmintic treatment during late pregnancy and lactation has been associated with better survival of foals in Ethiopia (Mengistu et al, 2005). This may be due to increased mammary function and prevention of failure of passive transfer.
References
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