Nutrient Requirements of Donkeys

Donkeys are most commonly compared to horses. While the two do have some resemblance in appearance, function, and demeanor, the care of a donkey is not necessarily the same as that of a horse. A donkey's nutritional and health needs differ. The amounts of mineral, protein, and water required of the animal's body are not met in the same way as they are with horses. In most cases, a donkey can adequately receive all of its nutrients from natural feeding, grazing and water.

  1. Minerals and Vitamins

    • Minerals and vitamins are especially important for young, growing donkeys and working donkeys. Many minerals can exit a donkey's body in the form of sweat. These minerals can be replaced by donkey owners through vitamin and mineral lick blocks. A block created of a combination of salt and dicalcium phosphate is a good choice. Always ensure that the block is intended for donkeys or horses. Feeding a block recommended for other types of livestock may offer the wrong amounts of minerals. Mineral salts can also be purchased as a loose feed.

    Protein

    • The amount of protein needed in a donkey's diet depends on the lifestyle of the animal. Mother and hard-working donkeys require more protein for health. Giving a donkey appropriate amounts will help reduce the likelihood of disease and enhance growth. However, too much protein causes obesity and a neck roll. The donkey's body cannot efficiently store amino acids. Therefore, they need to continuously be fed. While straw and grass provide some amino acids, legume forage gives more essential amino acids. Some feeds are too high in protein for donkeys. Good hay is often sufficient. If a feed is used, look for one with 10 percent to 12 percent protein.

    Water

    • Donkeys require less water intake than many other animals, with the exception of camels. Adult donkeys typically need less than 35 liters of water daily. They can do well on as little as 18 liters. Donkeys can survive without water for up to three days. A donkey can recover from dehydration of 25 percent weight loss once water is obtained. It is important to refresh a donkey's water trough daily because it will not drink dirty water even if its body is dehydrated. If water is not continuously available for the animal, offer the donkey water once or twice a day. They should not be given extremely cold water when their bodies are hot after working.