Donkey Feeding Recommendations
By Dr. Stephanie Wood (Ph.D., PgDip., BSc (Hons), RNutr, R. Anim. Tech.)
Donkeys have evolved to thrive in harsh desert environments that have limited amounts of poor quality grass and browse. To cope with such environments, they developed superior nutritional capability compared to horses and ponies, and are able to digest foods to a greater extend, particularly fibrous plant fractions. Donkeys also expend less energy when walking compared to horses, further reducing their energy requirements.
The ideal diet for donkeys is high in fibre and low in energy. Their superior digestive efficiency allows them to gain more energy and nutrients per kilogram of food eaten compared to ponies of the same body weight. This is why feeding donkeys like small ponies results in them gaining weight and becoming obese, with an increased risk of developing metabolic issues and hyperlipaemia.
How much should a donkey be fed?
Donkeys have a slightly lower intake requirement than horses and ponies, and a considerably lower digestible energy (DE) requirement. This means that foods low in energy should be fed, with a DE content of 5–7 MJ DE/kg DM being ideal.
Research supports the following recommendations for maintenance requirements. Body weight and fat score should be used to determine if the diet needs to supply more or less energy, particularly for donkeys performing exercise as there is limited data available to provide recommendations for working donkeys.
Donkeys are affected by wet, cold weather more than horses and ponies as their coat is not water resistant, therefore they often require more energy in winter to maintain body weight. This also means that they should be given access to shelter to keep their coat dry. They are also sensitive to changes in weather which can result in digestive disturbances, so maintaining a consistent diet and making any changes gradually, are recommended.
Protein, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids
Research into the protein requirements of donkeys is extremely limited, however they are thought to be more efficient at utilising dietary protein than horses. Diets should contain 3.5 – 7.5% crude protein and supply the same essential amino acids as for horses.
There has been no research to determine the vitamin and mineral requirements of donkeys, therefore it is recommended to feed a balancer or broad-spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement at amounts recommended for the donkey’s body weight.
Fresh pasture is a good source of essential fatty acids however their levels are reduced in preserved forages. No data is available on the essential fatty acid requirements of donkeys, but those with access to grazing are likely to meet their requirements. Those that do not have access to fresh pasture should have essential fatty acids added to their diet in the form of linseed oil or algae oil, fed at amounts recommended for their body weight.
Ideal foodstuffs and example diet for maintenance of body weight
The dry matter and energy requirements of most donkeys can be met by feeding a diet of hygienically clean straw and grass hay, supplemented with vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids (where required). Feeds high in energy, starch and sugar should be avoided.
The proportion of straw and hay should be adjusted according to body weight changes and to meet DE requirements for maintenance.
Regular assessment of fat stores is recommended using the Donkey Fat Score Guide available from the Equine Science Academy.
Managing grass intake
Unless grazing is extremely poor quality and sparse, grass intake should be managed to control energy and sugar intake. Strip grazing, limiting the grazing area and reducing grazing time are three methods for controlling grass intake, although it is highlighted that donkeys will compensate for restricted grass intake when allowed, so keeping them on grazing that has a low herbage mass is recommended.