What donkeys do

They may do this work in addition to domestic use. We work to ensure animals are cared for, managed and used with respect to their welfare. Sadly, animals do suffer from welfare issues as a result of their contribution to society. We develop capacity and mobilise resources in all of the locations in which we work to improve the welfare of working equine animals now and in the future.

Google Tag Manager. Roles of working horses, donkeys and mules. This is as true in the UK as it is in our centres in Morocco and Mali, where donkeys are cared for and trained by our expert staff. Welfare issues Donkeys in developing countries can have tough lives because of poor welfare standards if their owners do not have the following resources available in their communities: Knowledge of how best to care for their working donkeys Safe and proper equipment to work donkeys without causing injury Access to farriery services for general donkey hoof care Free or affordable veterinary services available if their donkey becomes ill or injured.

SPANA is here for working animals In countries across Africa and the Middle East we provide a range of services to empower the owners of donkeys to provide a higher level of care for their animals. You may also be interested in. What do donkeys eat? Discover what the best food is to feed donkeys. Read More. Rubbish dump donkeys Vet Hannah Davies took her first trip to Mali to see our work helping donkeys on the rubbish dumps of Bamako. What is a mule? Barley straw is an ideal feed for your donkey.

This is because donkeys need high fibre diets with a low amount of protein and carbohydrates. Make sure that fresh barley straw is available at all times wherever your donkey is during the day and at night. In terms of how much straw to feed your donkey, it needs to eat about 1. Wheat straw should only be given to younger donkeys with good teeth as it is more difficult to chew. Feeding on grass is great alongside straw for the majority of the year.

In the winter and other colder months, donkeys should eat hay or haylage. Feed your donkey hay or haylage two to three times a day. It is best not to feed straw or hay to a donkey with dental problems.

This is because these feeds require significant chewing, which may be difficult for a donkey with teeth problems. Instead feed them chaff, chop or grass pellets. These require less chewing and make choking less likely. Contact your veterinarian for further advice.

To avoid this, pour some loose salt into a separate container to other food or give a little at night.