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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Rec / Collar pressure mapping: An evaluation of seven collar types...
The Veterinary record2021; 189(8); e772; doi: 10.1002/vetr.772

Collar pressure mapping: An evaluation of seven collar types used on working donkeys in Europe.

Abstract: Working donkeys represent an important source of energy worldwide. Poor working conditions and equipment affect their ability to work. Poorly designed, ill-fitted harness causes inefficient transfer of power and leads to health and welfare issues. Using technology to assess different types of collars provides a better understanding of those that are most efficient for working donkeys. Methods: Seven different collars were tested using pressure pads. Contact area, median, maximum and peak pressures were obtained for the whole collar and critical points. Eight donkeys pulled 20% and 40% of their body weight, using each collar, under controlled conditions. Results: Contact area and pressures vary between collars and effort, with design and expansion capacity of the collars playing a major role. Simple collars designed specifically for donkeys performed well, with full collars designed for horses also having good results. Due to reduced expansion capacity and contact in the critical points, the breast collars were the least effective. Conclusions: Design, appropriate padding and manufacturing materials and adjustment capacity are key features for good collars, and such parameters are of paramount importance in terms of health and welfare for working donkeys.
© 2021 British Veterinary Association.
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Publication Date: 2021-08-05 PubMed ID: 34352122DOI: 10.1002/vetr.772Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

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.

The research article investigates the efficiency of seven different collar types used on working donkeys in Europe. The findings can potentially inform better design and practice to ensure the health and welfare of working donkeys.

Research Methods

  • The researchers tested seven different types of collars using pressure pads. These pads were able to provide data on the contact area, median, maximum and peak pressure for both the entire collar and specific critical points.
  • The study was conducted under controlled conditions. Eight donkeys were made to pull 20% and 40% of their body weight using each of the different collar types.

Research Findings

  • Results showed that the contact area and pressures varied between different collar types and the amount of effort required. The design of the collar and its expansion capacity appeared to play a significant role in these variations.
  • Simple collars that were specifically designed for donkeys performed well. Full collars designed for horses also yielded good results.
  • The least effective collars were the breast collars. These showed reduced expansion capacity and contact in critical areas.

Conclusions

  • The researchers concluded that good collar design should focus on several key features. These include the appropriate use of padding, the choice of manufacturing materials, and the ability to adjust the fit of the collar.
  • These parameters are critical in ensuring not only the efficiency of the collar but also the health and welfare of the working donkeys. Ill-fitted or poorly designed collars can lead to health issues and compromise the donkeys’ performance in their work.

Cite This Article

APA
Rodrigues JB, Garrett C, Norris SL, Albuquerque F, Queijo L, Cooke F, Judge A. (2021). Collar pressure mapping: An evaluation of seven collar types used on working donkeys in Europe. Vet Rec, 189(8), e772. https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.772

Publication

The Veterinary record
ISSN: 2042-7670
NlmUniqueID: 0031164
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 189
Issue: 8
Pages: e772

Researcher Affiliations

Rodrigues, João B
  • The Donkey Sanctuary, Research and Operational Support, Sidmouth, UK.
Garrett, Chris
  • The Donkey Sanctuary, Research and Operational Support, Sidmouth, UK.
Norris, Stuart L
  • The Donkey Sanctuary, Research and Operational Support, Sidmouth, UK.
Albuquerque, Francisco
  • Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, School of Technology and Management, Bragança, Portugal.
Queijo, Luis
  • Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, School of Technology and Management, Bragança, Portugal.
Cooke, Fiona
  • The Donkey Sanctuary, Research and Operational Support, Sidmouth, UK.
Judge, Andrew
  • The Donkey Sanctuary, Research and Operational Support, Sidmouth, UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Equidae
  • Europe
  • Horses

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Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Mellish M, Stull J. Working donkey welfare assessment and owner survey in Meru County, Kenya. Anim Welf 2025;34:e60.
    doi: 10.1017/awf.2025.10031pubmed: 40988865google scholar: lookup
  2. Merridale-Punter MS, Elias B, Wodajo AL, El-Hage CM, Zewdu H, Tesfaye R, Hailegebreal G, Sori T, Wiethoelter AK, Hitchens PL. Putting the cart before the horse: mixed-methods participatory investigation of working equid harnessing practices in three selected towns of the Oromia national regional state in Ethiopia. BMC Vet Res 2024 Mar 22;20(1):113.
    doi: 10.1186/s12917-024-03967-3pubmed: 38519893google scholar: lookup
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