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[[Image:Late term jenny donkey.jpg|right|thumb|300px|<small><center>Late term pregnant female showing mammary development and ventral oedema. Although this development takes place primarily in the last 48 hours of pregnancy, it may be present in some females up to two weeks before parturition. (Image courtesy of  [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]

[[Image:Late term jenny donkey.jpg|left|thumb|300px|<small><center>Late term pregnant female showing mammary development and ventral oedema. Although this development takes place primarily in the last 48 hours of pregnancy, it may be present in some females up to two weeks before parturition. (Image courtesy of  [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]

[[Image:Parturition stage 3 jenny donkey.jpg|right|thumb|200px|<small><center>Stage 3 of parturition: This stage usually lasts around one hour but may take up to six hours. (Image courtesy of    [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]

'''The length of pregnancy is 365 to 376 days''' but extreme variations ranging from 340 to 395 days have been reported (Kohli ''et al'', 1957; Tibary and Bakkoury, 1994; Macusoe ''et al'', 2004). Male foetuses are carried on average one day longer.

'''The length of pregnancy is 365 to 376 days''' but extreme variations ranging from 340 to 395 days have been reported (Kohli ''et al'', 1957; Tibary and Bakkoury, 1994; Macusoe ''et al'', 2004). Male foetuses are carried on average one day longer.

'''Parturition presents in the classical three stages:'''

'''Parturition presents in the classical three stages:'''

 

* '''Stage 1:''' (preparation for labour) Characterized by increased restlessness, isolation from herd mates and frequent alternation between standing and lying down.

* '''Stage 1:''' (preparation for labour) Characterized by increased restlessness, isolation from herd mates and frequent alternation between standing and lying down.

'''Parturition can be induced''' by the administration of small doses of oxytocin. Criteria for induction of parturition are similar to those described for the mare, that is, pregnancy length >340 days, evidence of mammary development and waxing, change in pre-colostrum electrolyte and no abnormalities (Pashen, 1980).

'''Parturition can be induced''' by the administration of small doses of oxytocin. Criteria for induction of parturition are similar to those described for the mare, that is, pregnancy length >340 days, evidence of mammary development and waxing, change in pre-colostrum electrolyte and no abnormalities (Pashen, 1980).

==References==

==References==

* Pashen, R.L. (1980). ‘Low doses of oxytocin can induce foaling at term’. ''Eq. Vet. J.'' 12. pp 85-87.

* Pashen, R.L. (1980). ‘Low doses of oxytocin can induce foaling at term’. ''Eq. Vet. J.'' 12. pp 85-87.

* Tibary, A., Bakkoury, M.(eds). (1994). ‘Particularités de la reproduction chez les autres espèces équines’. ''Reproduction équine, Tome I: La jument.'' Actes Editions 1994. pp 385-400.

* Tibary, A., Bakkoury, M.(eds). (1994). ‘Particularités de la reproduction chez les autres espèces équines’. ''Reproduction équine, Tome I: La jument.'' Actes Editions 1994. pp 385-400.