Importance of Donkeys

What is the importance of donkeys to humans? Donkeys have been used for centuries for labor, and they continue to play an essential role in many parts of the world. Donkey welfare is a critical issue that doesn’t seem to be up for debate, regardless of opinion on whether or not donkeys and mules should be working in different sectors of the economy. The welfare of any working animal needs to be placed at the forefront of any discussion, as their well-being directly impacts ours. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.

As of 2006, more than 41 million donkeys have been recorded worldwide. China had the most donkeys, with 11 million, followed closely by Pakistan, Ethiopia and Mexico. As of 2017, however, the Chinese donkey population was reported to have dropped to 3 million, with African people carrying out even worse due to rising trade and demand for donkey products in China.

Attributes of Donkeys

Donkeys may be pretty intelligent, careful, friendly, playful, and eager to learn.

Donkeys have an excellent memory and are always eager to learn. They solve problems at the same pace as dolphins and dogs. Donkeys remember both good and bad experiences for a very long time. Negative or painful experiences may impair a donkey’s behaviour for years, so being a considerate and caring handler is essential.

Donkeys have served as working animals for at least 5,000 years in different parts of the world. They are reliable for various tasks.

Uses of Donkeys

In underdeveloped countries, about 96% are used principally as pack animals or for draught work in transport or agriculture.

Donkeys collect water for the household and family livestock, transport goods to market and take children to school. Donkeys also carry pregnant women to hospitals in different parts of the world.

Donkeys are considered the cheapest source of farm power.

Donkeys are ridden, or used for ploughing, raising land, and milling.

Donkeys are standard in the developed world due to their usefulness in protecting sheep as a tool for donkey rides for tourists.

Donkeys are pets in some developed countries.

Some donkeys are milked or raised for meat. Donkey meat is considered a delicacy in China, with certain restaurants specializing in it. Approximately 3.5 million donkeys and mules are slaughtered each year for meat worldwide. Italy, which mostly consumes equine meat in Europe and where donkey meat is a crucial ingredient in some local dishes, has the highest consumption of equine meat in Europe.

In the past, donkey skin was used by people to produce parchment paper.

The donkey was sometimes relied upon to carry gear for Italian soldiers and, in extreme cases, could be eaten.

Myths about donkeys

Some people perceive donkeys to be stubborn. Some factors may affect your donkey’s behaviour; Pain, fear, not understanding the required behaviour, and the behaviour or attitude of the handler. Ensure that you explore the root cause of why your donkey is stubborn and that they might be hiding under their body language.

Some people believe that donkeys are not affectionate. Donkeys that have been neglected or abused may develop an instinct to fear humans; hence people conclude that donkeys are not loving. Some factors may make donkeys distant from their owners, for instance, fear of negative past experiences and the handler’s attitude. If donkeys are treated with kindness by humans who have handled them since their childhood, they reciprocate the affection to us.

Some people believe that donkeys lack charisma. Donkeys need positive human contact to feel more comfortable and radiate a positive presence. Negative experiences with humans can make donkeys reluctant to approach one another, which directly relates to their self-preservation instinct and long-term memory. This may cause some to interpret this as shyness or a lack of charisma. Not having much charm may indicate some underlying issues: Negative experiences with people, Pain, Fear, Discomfort and Lack of mental stimulation. Donkeys are usually enthusiastic and joyful; if you notice any changes in behaviour, ensure you check the factors contributing to the changes in behaviour.

Is it true that donkeys are curious? Some people believe that donkeys possess a natural curiosity. Improving the living conditions of an individual donkey will help enhance this natural curiosity. If friendly and open environments embrace this individual, you’ll find that donkeys will commence to investigate their surroundings and be more willing to try new things.

Women work with donkeys around the world to support whole communities. Why is the value of donkeys not recognized? Donkeys play very vital roles in society today. They are of significant importance.

Housing for donkeys

Housing for donkeys should be kept very basic. The shelter is sufficiently suitable for use based on the season and climate. The protection should have at least a roof. It should preferably have three closed sides with the open side facing away from the prevailing wind directions. The shelter space should be big enough to lie down, and the floor should not be damp or cold. Barbed-wire enclosures should not be used for keeping donkeys. Several donkeys crash themselves by attempting to break through or jump over something. Water and hay should be placed within the stable when the donkey eats during the night. This will keep the donkey from drying out, allowing for productive work in the morning.

Feeding your donkey

Donkeys usually take care of their bodies efficiently by using the feed for food but tend to perform better when we take care of them and offer them good food.

Donkeys that have more food are healthier, produce more, and save money in the long run. Donkeys with rugged intestinal tracts aren’t as susceptible to colic as horses and can efficiently absorb the moisture from their food.

Donkeys are fed with fresh grass (grazing), hay, and byproducts. A mixed ratio will satisfy all the necessary minerals, trace elements, and vitamins.

The containers used to give the donkeys water should be kept washed. Donkeys should be allowed to drink enough water as they may require and should drink without being rushed.

Donkeys can drink from streams and ponds as long as the water is safe for drinking and does not contain parasites.

The significance of water should never be underestimated. You can put a donkey into a crippling state without it for long periods, and death can occur in more extreme circumstances.

Challenges Donkeys Face

Donkeys and mules in some tourist hotspots are forced to carry overweight passengers, making them very tired.

Some donkeys are denied access to shade, water and rest for hours after walking for long distances.

Donkeys are denied water, and enough feeds water at times, depriving them of the freedom from thirst and hunger.

Poor quality saddles and bridles are used when tourists are riding them, and safety guidelines are regularly ignored, placing tourists at risk of injury.

Donkeys travel long distances in harsh climates and rugged environments.

But careful study not only of the environment but on other social attributes and cultural history can shed light on the value of such animals, and people can grow a stronger bond with them.

“Without the donkeys, the family will have no food, and the children won’t go to school; they don’t have another means of transport,” adds Johnson Lyimo, founder and director of the Meru Animal Welfare Organization (MAWO)

How to protect donkeys?

Build shelters to protect donkeys in villages with large donkey populations near the bush, therefore more exposed to robbery.

Pass information to people through leaflets and local radio stations on the importance of protecting donkeys.

Educate yourself about donkey welfare and how you can help improve it.

Regulate the working hours of donkeys and at least give them one day off work each week to get proper rest.

Stipulate the maximum age and weight of the writers of donkeys to ensure that they don’t carry overweight passengers, which as a result, might injure them

Donkeys need regular medical checks through a veterinarian to establish that they’re qualified to work. The veterinarian must confirm that the donkey is suitable and should remain fit for at least six more months.

Ensure donkeys are healthy to feed and given enough water before they begin their duties—good feed results in a happy, healthy animal.

Many water points are drying out or are becoming scarce. Donkeys travel long distances to access water. Although weakened by hunger, they have to work even harder for their owners in the local communities.

Working donkeys in underdeveloped countries have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years; in developed countries, their life spans maybe 50 years.

In conclusion, donkey welfare is a critical issue that doesn’t seem to be up for debate, regardless of opinion on whether or not donkeys and mules should be working in different sectors of the economy. The welfare of these animals needs to be improved, and this can only happen with better regulation and more education on how to care for donkeys properly.

Eco Clubs of Kenya and partners work tirelessly to reduce the suffering of working and domestic donkeys. These animals provide communities with their livelihood all across the world. Please help us protect our donkeys by donating to https://ecoclubsofkenya.co.ke/donate.