A Comparison Between Working and Nonworking Donkeys Welfare Issues in Nyala City, South Darfur, Sudan.

This research explored the welfare conditions of working and nonworking donkeys in Nyala city, South Darfur, Sudan. The study found that working donkeys endured more welfare problems than nonworking ones, emphasizing the need for better veterinary services, awareness, and research for improved care.

Introduction and Objective

• The main objective of the study was to evaluate the welfare status of working and nonworking donkeys in Nyala city, South Darfur, Sudan.
• This research was conducted due to the lack of available information on donkey welfare in the region, despite the critical role they play in the economy, particularly in less affluent areas.

Methodology

• The researchers divided the donkeys into two groups comprising of 50 each: one of working donkeys and another of nonworking donkeys.
• Several factors associated with the donkeys’ wellbeing were assessed, including their physical, emotional, and clinical parameters.
• The researchers collected information from donkey owners through interviews, and tools used for disciplining the donkeys were also recorded.

Results

• The body condition scores showed that while 47% of nonworking donkeys were in the perfect body condition, only 37% of working donkeys were rated similarly. Furthermore, 13% of working donkeys were assessed as being emaciated.
• There was a higher prevalence of hoof problems and ocular discharge among working donkeys compared to nonworking donkeys. Working donkeys also had a higher incidence of wounds.
• The behavioral assessment of the donkeys revealed 7% depressive and 5% aggressive reactions among the working group.
• The practice of disciplining donkeys using a stick or whip was more common among owners of working donkeys.
• Food provision varied, with 82% of owners feeding their donkeys between one to three times a day. Notably, 50% of working donkeys and 32% of nonworking donkeys were in this category. However, free access to food was only observed among 18% of nonworking donkeys.
• No significant differences were found in emotional parameters between working and nonworking donkeys.

Conclusion

• The study concluded that multiple welfare issues predominately affect working donkeys over nonworking ones.
• The authors advocate for more awareness, veterinary care, and research to enhance the standard of donkey care in Nyala.