Supplementary feeding of Working donkeys : influence of plane of nutrition on body condition and levels of blood metabolites

Abstract

Observations on effects of nutrition and draft stress were made on a total of 11 donkeys divided 
in two groups (G1 = 5 animals; G2 = 6 donkeys) for a period of 22 weeks. Donkeys in G1 (non 
supplemented) were maintained in a traditional grazing pattern, i.e. allowing them to graze on 
low quality unimproved pastures from 7.00 a.m. to 4.30 p,m. The second group (G2, 
supplemented) were grazed in the same manner but upon return from grazing they received 1.8 
kg of concentrate containing about 15 MJ DE/kg DM and 17.7% Crude Protein. Body weight 
and condition scores were recorded once every two weeks. 
On day 145 and for 3 weeks thereafter all donkeys were assigned.to draught work of pulling 
loaded carts, the loads weighing 3 times their body weight. Data on blood levels of Glucose, 
Non-esterified fatty