Management Recommendations for

Donkeys and Mules

Dr.Kedar Karki

Introduction

There are estimated to be 50 million donkeys (Equus asinus) and as many mules
worldwide. They can be used for such applications as riding, driving, flock
protection, companion, breeding, and training calves. Donkeys and mules are
not small horses. They have anatomical and physiological differences compared
to horses and their care requires special consideration. Structural differences
compared to horses mean that they require specialized tack and harness for
riding and driving (1).

Terminology

Jack: Male donkey

Jennet or Jenny (both pronounced the same): Female donkey
Donkey gelding: Castrated male donkey
Mule: The offspring of the mating of a jack with a mare (female horse)
Hinny: The offspring of the mating of a stallion (male horse) with a jennet

Mature animals can be further designated into the following classifications

based on height measured at the withers:
Miniature: under 36 inches
Small Standard: from 36.01 to 48 inches
Large Standard: over 48 inches and under 54 inches for females; over 48 inches
and under 56 inches for jacks and geldings
Mammoth: 54 inches or over for females and 56 inches or over for male

For more information on registration guidelines, contact the Canadian Donkey

and Mule Association.

Anatomical Differences Between Horses and Donkeys

A number of anatomical differences can challenge the first-time donkey owner

and their veterinarian. Two of these include:
 • an obscured jugular furrow (the place where blood samples are taken or
tranquilizers are given). The cutaneous coli muscle is much thicker than
in the horse and hides the middle third of the jugular vein. It is easier to
find the upper third of the jugular.
• The nasolacrimal duct of the donkey is located on the flare of the nostril
rather than the floor of the nostril as it is in the horse (2).

Behaviour

Donkeys and mules are known to be very stoic animals that are slow to show
pain and discomfort. While these characteristics may be desirable in many
cases, it can lead to problems identifying a sick animal.

The attributes we assign to a donkey being stubborn and having a lack of

intelligence are actually from their natural responses to new experiences and
logical interpretation of a situation. Being tough animals, they will kick easily
and swiftly (2). Donkeys and mules are very social animals and will benefit
tremendously from the companionship of other animals, such as horses, cattle,
sheep or goats.

Nutrition and Pasture Management

Donkeys and mules can survive on coarser pastures than a horse. Lush pastures
suitable for horses may be too rich in protein and energy and, therefore,
unsuitable for donkeys. Dry matter intake of feed as a percentage of body
weight should be 1.75%-2.25% to meet the metabolic demands for maintenance
for most donkeys and mules. Animals that are pregnant, nursing, growing, or
used for heavy work, will have additional feed requirements (rolled oats, grain,
hay or pasture) above their maintenance requirements (1).

Donkeys allowed to graze freely on rich pastures may be prone to obesity,

laminitis (founder) and hyperlipidemia (excess of fat in the blood). When
calculating the energy demands of your donkey, it is important to know that
their body weight cannot be estimated using a girth weight tape intended for
horses. Body condition scoring of donkeys will also require a different mind set
from that used with horses since donkeys deposit fat somewhat differently than
horses.

Donkeys can be alternated with cattle and sheep on pasture. This management
helps maximize pasture usage and reduces the occurrence of parasites, since
the parasites are not generally shared between species (1,3). Sheep and/or
cattle grazing pastures after donkeys consume the remaining grass along with
hatched larvae that have migrated from stool clumps up to the grass blades.
Donkeys commonly create an area where they can take dust and/or sand baths
during warm weather (4).

Donkeys and mules should always have access to clean water and a salt. Loose
salt is preferred over a salt block since they will consume a greater volume of
loose salt than from a block, especially in below zero degree temperatures.
Most animals will consume anywhere from 10 to 25 litres of water per day.
Snow will not provide these animals with enough water to meet their needs.
Care must be taken to ensure an unfrozen water supply in ambient
temperatures below 0°C.

Shelter

Donkeys and mules originated as desert animals and are well adapted to
warmer climates. They can do well in cooler climates, but they do require
shelters or barns in the colder and wet weather. Indoor housing or run-in sheds
are needed during periods of weather extremes, especially for donkey mares
and their foals. The coat of a donkey does not provide the protection needed
and the foals can become chilled easily. Donkeys tend to grow longer, coarser
coats that lack the protective undercoat that horses have in the winter (4).

Hoof Care

Hoof care for donkeys and mules is required every 6-8 weeks. There are
differences in the conformation of the donkey hoof compared to the horse. In
general, the hooves are more upright, tougher, and more elastic than those of a
horse. The bulbs of the donkey hoof are less developed and the fusion of the
bulbs of the heel is less complete. The heels are naturally long. The pastern
angles are greater than the horse. The frog of the donkey hoof is not meant to
be weight-bearing (5). Overall, mules will have varying degrees of resemblance
to either donkeys or horses (6).

Genetics and Breeding

Horses have 64 chromosomes, while donkeys have 62. When horses and donkeys
are mated, the mule offspring have 63 chromosomes. The gestation period in
donkeys is 12 months on average, but it may vary from 11 to 14 months.
Despite being considered sterile, mare mules and mare hinnies will have estrus
cycles. These cycles can be regular, or erratic and variable. Female hinnies and
mules can be used as embryo transfer recipients but care must be given to
compatibility of donor and recipient. There have been documented cases of
fertility in the female mule but not the female hinny (7). A report from
Morocco indicates that a mule mare produced a foal with 62 chromosomes. The
cells of the mule mare were a mosaic, some carrying 63 chromosomes while
others carried 62. The foal has 62 and is believed to be fathered by a donkey.
This is the fourth female mule to be confirmed to be fertile (8).

Intact male donkeys and mules can be quite "stallion-like" or aggressive in

behaviour. If they are not being used for breeding purposes or as a teaser, it is
highly recommended that they be castrated. Castration must be performed by
a veterinarian.

Parasites

Donkeys and mules can also be infested by ectoparasites (skin parasites) such
as flies, lice, ticks, mites and warbles. Refer to Lice on Horses for further
information.

The internal parasites that affect donkeys and mules are typical for other equid
species and, therefore, the recommendations for control and treatment are
those that we use for horses. However, lungworms are reported to be more
common in donkeys than horses. A comprehensive parasite control program
should include pasture management and environmental sanitation, and regular
anthelmintic wormer administration. Performing routine fecal egg counts will
help to determine the efficacy of treatment and control programs.
Anthelmintics should be chosen conscientiously and their use should be rotated
slowly to decrease the occurrence of resistance. A slow rotation of wormers is
recommended (the same wormer over the course of a year or more). Your
veterinarian can help to determine the correct parasite control program for
you.

Vaccination

The use of horse vaccines for donkeys and mules is necessary because there are
no vaccines specifically developed for them. Protocols for a vaccination
program are usually adapted from those recommended for horses. The chance
of adverse reactions to vaccines are assumed to be the same as in horses. It is
important that donkeys and mules are vaccinated to aid in controlling the
spread of disease.

Summary

The above recommendations are intended to introduce basic concepts of

management for your donkey or mule. For more information on donkey, mule
and horse care and management.

References
1. Svendsen ED. The Professional Handbook of the Donkey. England:
Sovereign Printing Group, 1989.
2. Burnham SL. Anatomical differences of the donkey and mule.
Proceedings of the 48th Annual AAEP Convention 2002: 102-109.
3. Peregrine A. (2003) Personal communication.
4. The Donkey. Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
5. Fowler J. Trimming donkey feet. Equine Veterinary Education 1995; 7:
18-21.
6. Jackson J. Naturally shaped hooves. Mules and More 1998; 8 (12): 68-69.
7. Taylor TS, Matthews NS, Blanchard TL. Introduction to Donkeys in the US,
Elementary Assology. Texas A&M University College of Veterinary
Medicine
8. Kay G. A foal from a mule in Morocco. Vet Record 2003;152 (3): 92.