Female Reproductive Anatomy - Donkey

General anatomy of the jenny’s genital organs. 1) ovary, 2) uterine horn, 3) broad ligament, 4) cervix, 5) vagina, 6) vulva, 7) prominent clitoris.(Image courtesy of The Donkey Sanctuary)

External genitalia of the jenny, showing the small and tight vulva with prominent clitoris and small perineal body. (Image courtesy of The Donkey Sanctuary)

The general anatomy of the reproductive organs in the jenny is similar to that of the mare. Some peculiarities of the anatomy of the reproductive tract have been reported that may be of importance for the practising veterinarian. Donkey breeds present a wide variation in size and disposition. Miniature and small African breeds may be challenging as far as per rectum palpation and ultrasonography of the reproductive organs. Techniques used for miniature horses may be adapted for the examination of these small individuals (Purdy, 2005; Tibary, 2004).

The jenny’s cervix is longer than that of the mare and is coneshaped. It protrudes into the vagina and forms a deeper fornix. This peculiarity makes manipulation of the cervix for uterine flushing or other techniques requiring access to the uterine cavity during dioestrus rather difficult. Also, the narrowness of the cervical canal may predispose to intra-partum or post-partum cervical laceration in cases of dystocia (Vendramini et al, 1998). The vulvar lips are small and usually very tight. Pneumovagina and urovagina are not common.

Anatomy of the cervix in the jenny: a) deep fornix (arrow), b) and c) excessive length and protrusion into the vaginal cavity. (Image courtesy of The Donkey Sanctuary)

References

• Tibary, A., Sghiri, A. & Bakkoury, M. (2008) Reproduction In Svendsen, E.D., Duncan, J. and Hadrill, D. (2008) The Professional Handbook of the Donkey, 4th edition, Whittet Books, Chapter 17

• Fielding, D. (1988). ‘Reproductive characteristics of the jenny donkey - Equus asinus: a review’. Tropical Animal Health and Production 20. pp 161-166.
• Purdy, S.R. (2005a). ‘Artificial Insemination for Miniature Donkeys’. in: Veterinary Care of Donkeys. N.S. Matthews and T.S. Taylor (eds). International Veterinary Information Service, Ithaca NY (www.ivis.org), 20 Apr, 2005; A2924.0405.
• Purdy, S.R. (2005b). ‘Ultrasound examination of the female miniature donkey reproductive tract’. in: Veterinary Care of Donkeys. N.S. Matthews and T.S. Taylor (eds). International Veterinary information Service, Ithaca NY (www.ivis.org), last updated: 11 May 2005; A2925.0505.
• Tibary, A. (2004). ‘Reproductive patterns in donkeys and minature horses’. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference, Orlando, Florida, 17-21 January. pp 231-233, 2004.
• Vendramini, O.K., Guintard, C., Moreau, J., and Tainturier, D. (1998). ‘Cervix conformation: a first anatomical approach in Baudet du Poitou jenny asses’. Animal Science 66. pp 741-744.

FEMALE REPRODUCTION - DONKEY

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