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Management and phenotypic characterization of donkeys of Rajasthan

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 Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 83 (8): 793–797, August 2013/Article

Management and phenotypic characterization of donkeys of Rajasthan

YASH PAL1, R A LEGHA2, NIRANJAN LAL3, ANURADHA BHARDWAJ4, MAMTA CHAUHAN5,
SANJAY KUMAR6, R C SHARMA7 and A K GUPTA8

National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, Haryana 125 001 India

Received: 23 January 2013; Accepted: 8 April, 2013

ABSTRACT
The donkey, a very important draught animal of Rajasthan, is mostly used by nomadic pastoralists in brick kilns for
carrying bricks and in pneumatic wheel cart for rural and urban transport. The study was conducted to know the socio-
economic role in the life of donkey keepers of the region, housing, feed and fodder, health management of donkeys
adopted by them and to phenotypically characterize local donkeys available in different regions of Rajasthan. Small
sized light and dark gray donkeys of Rajasthan play important role in providing draught power in pastoral migration
and other draught operations. The donkeys are very hardy and surefooted. Zebra marking on legs and dorsal stripes on
back could be seen. Donkeys are of many coat colours but light and dark gray is more prevalent, accompanied by
shoulder crosses, dark ear markings, white muzzles, eye rings, white bellies and inner legs. In adult donkeys, body
length was almost equal to height and width. Mean body length, height at withers, heart girth, knee height and height at
hock of adult donkeys were 97.57±0.579, 97.55±0.584, 101.74±0.670, 31.64±0.275, 40.14±0.281, respectively. Hooves
of donkeys are small and round with upright pasterns. Donkey owners were offering soya straw, gram straw, groundnut
straw, rice straw, moth straw and dhania jiri as dry roughage. Vaccination, insurance and use of disinfectants were not
adopted by any of the donkey owner. The donkey works hard for a long time but its role is not appreciated. Donkeys are
the major source of livelihood of the donkey keepers studied. Majority of the owners were not aware about the symptoms
of estrus jenney and their jennies were getting pregnant through the natural covering during grazing.

Key words: Phenotypic Characterization, Biometric, Donkeys, Management, Rajasthan

During the last 2 livestock census (2003, 2007), a sharp these are mainly used in carting. These are capable of thriving
decrease in equine population from 1.56 million to 1.18 in hot climate (Pal et al. 1998, Pal et al. 2000) and can survive
million was recorded in India due to their decreased demand, even in adverse conditions such as scarcity of feed (Gupta
indiscriminate and un-systematic breeding, poor health and et al. 1999, Pal and Gupta 2004, Pal and Gupta 2004a). These
managemental practices etc. Donkey population in particular, animals are indiscriminately used by their owners for carrying
decreased from 0.65 to 0.44 million between last 2 census heavy loads through pneumatic carts both on coal tar roads
(http://dahd.nic.in/dahd/statistics/animal-husbandry- and sandy routes without much attention towards their health
statistics.aspx). But, about 0.10 million donkeys are available and feeding aspects. A need was felt for their systematic and
in Rajasthan. Donkeys are known as the beast of burden. scientific evaluation including generation of base line data
These are unclassified and recognized as local and non- on physical and phenotypic characteristics, feeding, housing
descript donkeys. These animals have very good draught- and health management, socio-economic impact analysis and
power, immunity and stress bearing capabilities (Rattan et reproductive efficiency so that efforts may be made for
al. 1998, Gupta et al. 2000). These animals are the only source registration of these area specific donkeys.
of livelihood for a particular section of the society which
MATERIALS AND METHODS
includes poorest of poor countrymen (nomadic tribes etc).
In Rajasthan, donkeys are used mainly as pack animals while Donkeys available in different areas including Churu,
in Sardarsahar, Churu, Rajgarh, Sikar, Ratangarh, Jhunjhunu Rajgarh, Ratangarh, Sardarsahar, Bikaner, Sikar, Jhalawar,
Baran, Kota as well as those assembled during health camps
Present address: 1,4-8 Principal Scientist (yashpal and equine fairs were included in this study. Information on
@scientist.com). 2Equine Production Campus, Post Box no 80, the performance traits and various management practices
Bikaner, Rajasthan 334 001. 3Central Avian Research Institute, followed by donkey owners were collected by personal
Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh. interview using a structured questionnaire. The physical
21
794 PAL ET AL. [Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 83 (8)

characteristics and coat colours were recorded from 155 donkeys are also used by shepherds/nomadic tribes for
donkeys. Feeding, housing and management practices carrying their children, old family members and house-hold
adopted by donkey owners were recorded from 66 donkey belongings from one place to other with their animal herds.
owners of Jhalawar, Baran and Kota (South Eastern Physical characteristics: The small light and dark gray
Rajasthan) and 50 donkey keepers of Sardarsahar, Churu, donkeys are prevalent throughout the Rajasthan as well as in
Rajgarh, Sikar, Hanumangarh and Ratangarh (North Eastern other states like Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. These
Rajasthan). donkeys are very hardy and surefooted. Their body is well
For biometric indices, 74 adult male donkeys and 23 developed with fairly strong bones. The mane is short and
donkeys below 3 years of age were used for generating base stands straight up; they usually have a dorsal stripe (a stripe
line information for phenotypic characterization. Average age along their back) and a stripe along the shoulders. They have
of male adult donkeys was 5.76±2.12 years. Fifteen different very dominant eyebrow ridges and can be very stubborn.
biometric indices were recorded for phenotypic Lips are loose compared to horses. The legs are thin and
characterization of the breed viz. height at wither (HW), body covered with small coarse hairs. Zebra marking on legs and
length (BL), heart girth (HG), face length (FL) and width stripe on back was also seen. The body is solid, displaying
(FW), ear length (EL) and width (EW), hoof length (HoL) an alert attitude, the face is convex, the ears of donkey are
and width (HoW), fore (FLL) and hind (HLL) leg lengths, much longer than horses’ erect and, the eyes are black. The
height at knee (HK) and hock (HH), canon and pole were back is straight/sloppy and the tail is medium in length, thin
recorded. Data on different body measurements was with tasseled end and straight. Neck is short. Donkeys are
statistically analyzed using SPSS 7.1 software. well adapted to the ecology of the area. They are docile in
Physical characteristics and coat colours were expressed temperament. It is used to carry 24–30 bricks (60 to 75 kg)
in percentage/frequency. A donkey’s economic importance on its back in the plains and to pull 400–600 kg of load in
and socio-cultural role was discussed with the donkey cart. Age at first mating is 2–4 years depending upon feed
owners. This study is based on the information given by the availability and type of work.
donkey owners, and managemental practices were Body colour: Donkeys are having light gray, white and
documented along with phenotypic characteristics. dark gray coat colour accompanied by dorsal stripes on the
back, spots, dark ear markings, white muzzles, eye rings,
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
white bellies and inner legs. The body colour pattern studied
Donkey population: In different districts of Rajasthan on donkeys revealed that light gray and dark gray (70%) and
102,130 donkeys are available (Fig. 1). Maximum donkey white (30%) are the common colours.
population is in Barmer district followed by Jaisalmer,
Bikaner, Churu and least in Tonk district (http:// Body measurements
animalhusbandry.rajasthan.gov.in/livestock_census.aspx). Fifteen different biometric indices of 97 local non-descript
These animals are used for carrying different types of load donkeys (23 young and 74 adult) were recorded for generating
by their owners for earning their livelihood while 5–10% base line information for phenotypic characterization (Tables
1, 2).
Young stock: Average values for different biometric
indices namely, body length, height at withers, heart girth,
fore leg length, knee height, canon length, hind leg length,
height at hock, ear length, ear width, face length, face width,
pole, hoof length and width in young donkeys (23) are given
in Table 1.
Adult: For adult donkeys (74), average values of body
length, height at withers, heart girth, fore leg length, knee
height, canon length, hind leg length, height at hock, ear
length, ear width, face length, face width, pole, hoof length
and width are given in Table 2. In all these adult donkeys,
body length was almost equal to height at withers. Average
age of donkeys was 5.76±2.12 years. Height at withers
reported in the present study is slightly more than that
reported by Singh et al. (2007). This base line information
will be quite useful in registration of these donkeys as a
separate breed.
Feeding management: The donkey consumes all types of
Fig. 1. Donkey population in different district of Rajasthan. grasses and bushes, but prefers to graze on dub (Cynodon
22
August 2013] MANAGEMENT AND PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERIZATION OF DONKEYS 795

Table 2. Different biometric indices of 74 adult donkeys selected from different areas of Rajasthan (cm)

No. BL HW HG FLL HK Can HL HH EL EW FL FW P Ho L Ho W

Av 97.57 97.55 101.74 66.97 31.64 17.99 72.15 40.14 21.83 18.28 47.33 14.8 10.25 6.24 6.51
Range 87–108 88–109 91–120 60–76 26–40 14–22 53–84 33–49 18–26 16–21 40–58 13–18 13–Sep 8–May 9–May
SEM 0.825 0.631 0.957 0.541 0.349 0.355 0.579 0.426 0.226 0.245 0.394 0.218 0.171 0.159 0.087

Table 1. Biometric indices of young donkeys selected from different areas of Rajasthan (cm)

No. BL HW HG FLL HK Can HL HH EL EW FL FW P Ho L Ho W

Mean 92.59 93.87 96.98 65.3 31.18 17.7 70.32 38.36 21.89 18.02 45.73 13.89 9.75 5.57 6.05
Range 84.00– 87.00– 86.00– 61.00– 28.00– 16.00– 64.00– 30.00– 19.00– 16.00– 43– 10.00– 9.00– 4.50– 5.50–
104.00 160.00 106.00 70.00 39.00 22.00 75.00 44.00 25.00 21.00 51.00 19.00 11.00 7.00 7.00
SEM 1.493 1.142 1.731 0.978 0.632 0.642 1.048 0.771 0.409 0.443 0.712 0.394 0.309 0.352 0.151

dactylon) grass. Mean herd size per donkey owner was providing concentrate (1.100±0.490kg) to their donkeys
5.29±0.50 (range 1 to 25) and 1.22±0.06 (range 1–2) donkey comprising moth (Vigna aconitifolia), bajra (Pearl millets)
in SE Rajasthan and NE Rajasthan, respectively. Donkey and gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum). Ahmed et al. (2008) also
keepers of NE Rajasthan were maintaining less number of reported that donkeys in Nigeria were maintained with little
donkeys and were using them in carting operation whereas or no feed supplementation in the form of straw, house hold
in SE Rajasthan, donkeys were maintained for carrying pack waste or grains. Geggry (gur) was provided regularly to their
loads. Majority of donkey owners of SE Rajasthan were donkeys by 51.52% and 48% of the respondents of SE and
maintaining their donkeys on soya (Glycine max) straw being NE Rajasthan, respectively. Mean quantity of gur offered to
the main crop of that region, while others were providing each donkey was 111.46±10.52g (range 100–250g) and
gram straw, groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) straw and dhania 258.33±2.39g (range 150–500g)/day, in SE and NE
jiri (Coriandrum sativum). Majority of donkey owners of Rajasthan, respectively. Concentrate feeding and feed
NE Rajasthan were maintaining their donkeys on moth (Vigna supplementation in the form of gur is offered more in NE
aconitifolia) straw being the main crop of that region, while Rajasthan to meet the energy requirements as the donkeys
others were providing gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) straw, of this region pull heavy loads in carts. Most of the equine
groundnut straw and wheat straw. In both the regions, owners were supplying common salt to donkeys but no
donkeys were offered leguminous forages which are rich mineral mixture was provided in both the regions. Generally,
source of protein than grasses and straws for daily wear and there is great loss of salt and minerals through sweat in
tear loss (Aganga et al. 2000). Donkeys are left for grazing working donkeys therefore working donkeys should be
after work and stall fed during night in SE Rajasthan whereas offered with mineral mixture and common salt to replenish
in NE Rajasthan, donkeys are mostly stall fed. The average the sweat loss of minerals and sodium. Donkey keepers
dry roughages provided to each donkey were 4.697±0.053 provide water twice a day during winter and 3–4 times during
(range 3 to 5 kg) and 4.140±0.100 kg (range 3 to 5 kg) SE summer and adopt natural breeding methods.
and NE Rajasthan, respectively. In SE Rajasthan, majority Housing management: In Rajasthan, donkeys generally
of donkey owners (74%) did not offer green fodder to their are not kept in proper houses. Only 19.70% donkey owners
donkeys but let them loose for grazing after work whereas of SE and 8% of NE Rajasthan, who are economically sound
some owners provided 1–4 kg green fodder daily in SE provide pucca house for their donkeys otherwise donkeys
Rajasthan. In NE Rajasthan, 64% respondents were offering were housed in kutcha or thatch houses. Singh et al. (2007)
locally available green fodder (2.750±0.190kg/day/animal). also reported that about 80% donkeys were kept in groups in
Only 39.4% of the owners provided concentrate (rice bran, an open bara (wooden enclosure) without roof and proper
wheat bran and gram) to their donkeys in SE Rajasthan. gate. Pal and Legha (2008) also observed that 44% of mule
Majority of the respondents of SE Rajasthan were not producers of Haryana, Uttrakhand and UP provide kutcha
providing concentrate to the donkeys. However, donkeys thatch shed to their equines. Equines are very sensitive
used for heavy work were offered 684±213g concentrate animals; benefits of rearing of equines on kutcha floor are
comprising rice husk, kala matar (Pisum sativum), barley well established. Pucca floor is a major cause of laminitis in
(Hordeum vulgare), bajra (Pearl millets) and gram during equines. Majority of the equine owners (80.30%) use equine
stall-feeding per donkey per day. Aganga et al. (2000) dung for composting by mixing it with dung of other species
reported that donkeys seldom need any additional feed as in SE Rajasthan, whereas in NE Rajasthan, dung was of no
free-range animals. All the owners of NE Rajasthan were use probably due to less quantity of dung from their limited
23
796 PAL ET AL. [Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 83 (8)

number of donkeys. In veterinary practices use of (51.5% of SE Rajasthan and 54% of NE Rajasthan) feed the
disinfectants is recommended as these play significant role colostrum to the foal within 1h of foaling whereas rest of the
in controlling different infections and infectious agents for owners provided colostrum to the foals after 2 h. Average
good health of the animals but in both the regions ‘No age of foal at weaning was 5 months (range 4–6 months).
bedding and disinfectant’ was used. Socio-economic status: Donkeys are used equally by rural
Health management: Regularly grooming of donkeys, at and urban carters, nomads and pastoral people in Rajasthan.
least once a day, was reported by most of the owners. In SE Rajasthan, out of 66 donkey owners interviewed, 98%
Although hoofs cleaning were reported by the donkey owners were OBC (kumhars) and rests were of minority community
but shoeing and trimming of hoof as well as hair clipping indicating that a few people of minorities were involved in
were not common practices in both the regions. Regular this enterprise while in NE Rajasthan, 52% donkey owners
trimming of hoof to keep in shape is a must which is lacking belonged to minority community. Singh et al. (2007) reported
in both the regions. There is a need to vaccinate the equines that donkeys were mainly (91%) reared by poor and socially
as prophylactic measures. But, vaccination was not in practice low caste households. Average age of donkey owners was
in any of the part in Rajasthan as none of the equine owners 40.36±1.60 years (range 18–67) and 38.7±1.55 years (range
ever vaccinated their donkeys. Vaccination, insurance and 18–65) in SE and NE Rajasthan, respectively; indicating
use of disinfectants were not adopted by any of the respondent people of middle age group took keen interest in owning
in the study indicating the least awareness among the donkey donkeys. Literacy (%) among the donkey owners was 41
owners about the importance of vaccination, insurance and and 16%, in SE and NE Rajasthan, respectively; indicating
disinfectants. Insurance of livestock including horses is must low literacy among the SC and minority class. Mean family
to protect the horse owners against livestock losses but size was 6.56±0.33 (range 2 to 19) and 4.82±0.28 (range 1–
donkey keepers were least bothered about the insurance of 10) in SE and NE Rajasthan, respectively. Majority of donkey
donkeys being the low cost animal. Similar observations were owners (77% in SE Rajasthan and 80% in NE Rajasthan)
also reported from other states including Haryana, Uttar were landless and remaining were having average land
Pradesh and Uttrakhand (Pal and Legha 2008). holding as 4.93±0.82 (range 1–10) and 1.28±0.6 bigha (range
Sometimes, the owners put the donkey on work even if it 2–20) in SE and NE Rajasthan, respectively, indicating
is wounded. In such situations, donkey must be put out of farming was not a major source of their livelihood. Only
work till it recovers. Physical cruelty, wounds and low-quality 51.51% of donkey owners of SE Rajasthan were maintaining
feeding material are the common problems of the donkey. It other livestock, viz. cow, goat, buffalo, mule etc. along with
is time to help the donkey by mobilizing donkey owners to the donkeys. In NE Rajasthan, 62% of donkey owners were
give proper attention and care to this neglected animal. maintaining only goat as other livestock along with the
Only 20% (13/66) of donkey owners were practising donkeys. Goat was being maintained to meet out the milk
deworming occasionally by locally made masalas or using demand of the family as well as it could be maintained on
therapeutic medicines in SE Rajasthan, but in NE Rajasthan, least input. Majority of horse owners of Rajasthan generally
deworming was being done as curative measure. Pal et al. maintain other livestock, but this trend was not seen in donkey
(2011) also reported that deworming of horses was being owners may be due to scarcity of feed and fodder and other
done as curative measures in Spiti valley, whereas deworming resources with the donkey owners. Also majority of donkey
of equines was a common practice among the equine owners owners are landless, which may be another reason of
of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand (Pal and Legha maintaining less number of other livestock by the donkey
2008). About 60% of the donkey owners were treating their owners.
donkeys using indigenous technical knowhow (ITK). No Economic importance: Out of the total respondents, 44%
navel treatment after foaling was done by most of the in SE Rajasthan and 38% in NE Rajasthan were taking work
respondents. Importance of equine health is well understood from their donkeys for 5–6 h and 56% in SE Rajasthan and
by the equine owners, but the facilities they avail are mainly 62% in NE Rajasthan for 7–8 h. Average rest of 92.73±13.37
curative rather than preventive. The sick equines are taken min (range 30–120) and 93.6±4.51 min (range 30–120) was
to veterinary hospital for treatment. Majority of respondents given in between work to the donkeys in SE and NE
were availing veterinary facility extended by State Govt or Rajasthan, respectively. Non-working days were observed
NGO and seemed to be well satisfied with the services of as 6.03±0.25 days (range 3–12) and 6.96±0.36 days (range
provided by both the organizations. In similar type of study, 4–16)/month, in SE and NE Rajasthan, respectively. Higher
Pal et al. (2011) also reported that horse owners of Spiti valley number of non-working days indicates more number of non-
were well satisfied with the services of veterinary hospital income days for the donkey keepers. Increase in these days
and the free supply of veterinary medicines they received was mostly due to the religious beliefs of the owners when
for their horses. they do not go for work and this ultimately affects their
Colostrum provide passive immunity against various income. The donkey works hard for a long time but its role
diseases during neonatal period. Most of the equine owners is not appreciated. Average income per donkey per day of
24
 August 2013] MANAGEMENT AND PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERIZATION OF DONKEYS 797

donkey owners was Rs 75.0±1.89 and Rs 187.2 ±7.74 in SE cryopreserved by custom freezing. Indian Veterinary Journal
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