Welfare Concerns for Mounted Load Carrying by Working Donkeys in Pakistan

Abstract

Working donkeys (Equus asinus) are vital to people's livelihoods. They are essential for carrying goods, however, globally, overloading is one of the primary welfare concerns for working donkeys. We studied mounted load carrying by donkeys and associated factors in Pakistan. A cross-sectional study of donkey owners (n = 332) was conducted, and interviews were undertaken based on a questionnaire. Owners estimated that the median weight of their donkeys was 110 kg [interquartile range (IQR) 100–120 kg], and that they carried a median mounted load of 81.5 kg (IQR 63–99 kg). We found that 87.4% of donkeys carried a load above 50% of their bodyweight ratio (BWR), the median BWR carried was 77.1% (IQR 54.5–90.7%), and 25.3% of donkeys carried above 90% BWR. Donkeys that were loaded at more than 50% BWR were more likely to adopt sternal recumbency compared to donkeys loaded with less weight (P = 0.01). Donkeys carrying construction material were more likely to carry more than the median BWR, when compared to domestic loads (P < 0.001). Younger donkeys aged between one and 5 years carried more than the median BWR compared to those aged over 15 years (P = 0.03). For the models with donkeys carrying median BWR and above 90% BWR, those working in peri-urban and urban areas were more likely to carry a greater BWR than donkeys working in rural areas (P < 0.001; P < 0.001, respectively). For donkeys carrying more than 90% BWR, mixed breed donkeys carried higher loads compared to other breeds of donkeys (P < 0.001). Overloading based on current recommendations (50% BWR) was common, with the majority (87.4%) of donkeys reported to carry more than the recommended 50% limit. This survey provides evidence of on-the-ground working practices and factors associated with mounted load carrying, which is critical for developing evidence-based recommendations for loading, in order to improve the welfare of working donkeys.

Hoof morphometry in a population of lame and nonlame working donkeys in Pakistan

“…This study also assessed donkeys for lameness while still harnessed for logistical reasons. Donkey owners in the region have low incomes, with a median daily income of US$3.87, 37 so interruptions to the working day were kept to a minimum. However, this limits the lameness assessment as features such as harness wounds, cart design and load and load symmetry were not accounted for.…”

“Not All Who Wander Are Lost”: The Life Transitions and Associated Welfare of Pack Mules Walking the Trails in the Mountainous Gorkha Region, Nepal

“…Although equids may appear mature at two years old, putting any equids to work before their bodies are mature (at ideally 5–6 years old), puts strain on their bones and joints [ 57 , 68 ]. This excessive loading results in gait and hoof abnormalities, joint and other load related injuries, ataxia, and results in negative behaviour patterns such as aggression, avoidance and apathy [ 70 , 71 ].…”

Ultrasonography of the normal donkey tarsus (equus asinus)

“…Domestic donkeys tend to be classified by their size rather than breed into Miniature Mediterranean donkeys (36 inches or less), standard donkeys (36.01–48 inches), large standard donkeys (Jennets, 54 inches and Jacks, 56 inches) , and Mammoth Stock donkeys (over 56 inches) 3 . Donkeys have precious role in developing countries, particularly in rural zones, as a draught or riding animals and are often subjected to various injuries due to the nature of environment in such areas 4 , 5 . Consequently, musculoskeletal disorders and lameness are common sequellae 6 .…”