Performanee evaluation of donkeys in arid zone of India

Abstract

Survey was carried out on 630 donkeys of Rajasthan and 243 donkeys of Haryana to evaluate the work performance and management practices. Donkeys were mainly (91 %) reared by poor and socially low caste households and mostly (56%) used them as carrier with sheep and goat flocks. The average herd size of donkeys was 2.86 and the average working hours were 6.7±0.8 h, ranged from 6-10 h/day. As a carrier donkeys covered 17.4±2.3 km/day (8 to 34 km) with a speed of 2 to 4 km/h whereas, distance covered by donkeys used in cart ranged from 15-30 km/day with an average speed of 6.1 km/h. Donkeys carried 60 to 90 kg weight as pack animal and 100 to 500 kg in a cart. During working days donkeys were provided 1-3 kg concentrates mixture whereas, carrier donkeys were managed under free range grazing on zero input. Sedentary working system was common (71%) in Rajasthan whereas migratory system was prevalent (54%) in Haryana. Grey, Roan (blended of brown, grey and light grey), brown and light grey (white) were common colours of donkeys with an observed frequency of 38, 28, 26 and 8%, respectively. The average age at first foaling and foaling interval were 1670±65 and 495±53 days respectively. The average height at withers, body length and heart girth were 92.08±0.57, 96.82±0.56 and 100.78±0.58 cm, respectively. Height and leg conformation were the main criteria of donkey's selection and purchase. Incidence of varying degree of cow-hock was observed in 45% donkeys. Wounds and abrasions were common (37%) in working donkeys. Efforts are needed to enhance the potential of donkeys through selection, adequate feeding, health and harness.