Donkey welfare assessment in north-east Portugal

Abstract

The well-documented versatility of donkeys (Equus africanus asinus) means that issues concerning their welfare can vary depending on how they are mainly used and their geographic location. The present study is the first assessment of donkey welfare to be systematically conducted in the Iberian Peninsula. This area is characterised by the coexistence of high levels of mechanisation and industrialisation, and human populations with low levels of formal education, still making use of donkeys in their daily work. This study aims to evaluate the main welfare problems affecting donkeys within this context. The welfare assessment was carried out in accordance with the first level of the AWIN protocol for donkeys. Only 37.6% of the animals evaluated showed all positive indicators, with no physical problem detected while the remaining 62.4% revealed at least one negative health indicator. Body Condition Score (BCS) was one of the main concerns, with around half of the donkeys exhibiting an inadequate body condition. Dental evaluation revealed similarly concerning results, with 62.8% of the animals assessed requiring treatment. Indications of hoof neglect were noted in 39.5% of the animals evaluated with a 9.84% incidence of lameness. Skin problems affected 26.7% of individuals. Only 41% of the animals displayed positive results for all behavioural indicators. Aside from BCS, the most prevalent problems were sub-optimal behaviour, pain reaction to cheek palpation, hoof disease and integument alterations. These issues should be prioritised, both as regards this specific donkey population and the education of their caretakers.

Welfare Assessment of Pack Donkeys in Amaru, Zaria Ancient City, Kaduna State, Nigeria

“…The prevalence of donkeys showing indications of thermal stress was found to be low (5.3 %) in the present study. This is consistent with assertion by C r u z [9].…”

“…However, it is also crucial to note that the tests were carried out by someone unfamiliar with the donkeys, which may result in a negative reaction. The low prevalence of donkeys with no social contact is similar to what C r u z [9] reported.…”

“…The current study discovered that 26.3 % of the donkeys assessed had some level of hoof neglect, which is similar to the results seen in the United Kingdom and Northeast Portugal [8,9]. Hoof care is essential for optimal wellness since they bear all of the body's weight.…”

“…The prevalence of the ideal body condition (57.9 %) is comparable to M o l t u m o et al [24] in Ethiopia, who reported a prevalence of 54.1 %. The absence of donkeys with BCS 4 (fat) contrasts with the report by C r u z [9] of a considerable number of donkeys with BCS 4 (fat). The difference may be attributed to a difference in management practises, working and environmental conditions, type of work, and working load.…”

“…There was a low prevalence of avoidance behaviour in the present study. This is comparable to study by K u m a r et al [16] work but different from that by C r u z [9]. Various authors described this behaviour as a result of the owner's improper handling [29].…”