A Comparison Between Working and Nonworking Donkeys Welfare Issues in Nyala City, South Darfur, Sudan.
Abstract: In impoverished nations, donkeys help people make a living. The welfare of donkeys in Sudan is neglected compared with developed countries. However, there is no information available about donkey welfare in Nyala. This study aimed to assess the welfare of donkeys in Nyala. Donkeys were divided into two groups (n = 50), working and nonworking. The donkeys' physical, emotional, and clinical parameters and an owner's interview were assessed. There were significant differences in body condition scores: 37% and 47% of working and nonworking donkeys, respectively, had ideal body condition scores, while 13% of working donkeys were emaciated. Of the working and nonworking 33% and 19% had hoof problems, respectively. Fifteen percent of working donkeys had ocular discharge, and 25% had wounds. In working donkeys, 7% and 5% depressive and aggressive behavioral responses, respectively, were observed. Furthermore, there were significant differences in tools used for hitting donkeys, with 33% and 17% of owners using a stick and whip, respectively, for hitting working donkeys. Eighty-two percent of owners feed their donkeys one to three times daily (50% working and 32% nonworking donkeys), and free access feeding was only observed in 18% of nonworking donkeys. There were no significant differences (P > .06) in emotional parameters. We conclude that working donkeys suffer from multiple welfare problems more than nonworking donkeys in Nyala. More awareness, veterinary services, and research are needed to improve donkey care in Nyala.
Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Publication Date: 2022-08-27 PubMed ID: 36031030DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104110Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
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.
Cite This Article
APA
Adam SY, Ahmed AA, Musa HH, Fedail JS, Musa TH.
(2022).
A Comparison Between Working and Nonworking Donkeys Welfare Issues in Nyala City, South Darfur, Sudan.
J Equine Vet Sci, 118, 104110.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104110 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of One Health, Medical and Cancer Research Institute; Animal Welfare Center, Nyala, Sudan.
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Nyala, Nyala, Sudan; Biomedical Research Institute, Darfur University College, Nyala, Sudan. Electronic address: aabdallah@buan.ac.bw.
- Biomedical Research Institute, Darfur University College, Nyala, Sudan.
- Biomedical Research Institute, Darfur University College, Nyala, Sudan.
- Biomedical Research Institute, Darfur University College, Nyala, Sudan.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Equidae / physiology
- Animal Welfare
- Sudan
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Bukhari SSUH, Li CM, Kenéz Á, Steagall PV, McElligott AG, Parkes RSV. Donkey hair cortisol concentrations are associated with carrying heavy load and being beaten at work. BMC Vet Res 2025 Oct 6;21(1):582.
- Kithuka JM, Wachira TM, Onono JO, Ngetich W. The burden of brucellosis in donkeys and its implications for public health and animal welfare: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Vet World 2025 Feb;18(2):367-378.
- Khamis TA, Shawaf T, El-Deeb W, Almubarak A, Al-Ali MA, Almuaqqil M, AlAiyan A, Homeida AM. Preliminary study on heart response and locomotor parameters in Donkeys (Equus asinus) during exercise using fitness tracker (Equimetre). Sci Rep 2024 Sep 27;14(1):22211.
- Yang B, Liu S, Cheng J, Qu H, Guo Y, Ji C, Wang Y, Zhao S, Huang S, Zhao L, Ma Q. Pharmacokinetics of Enrofloxacin in Plasma, Urine, and Feces of Donkey (Equus asinus) after a Single Intragastric Administration. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024 Apr 12;13(4).
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
