After two months we purchased a Jack. 2. And no indication they had even been there. Would you suggest daily exercise? The bacteria, viruses, and parasites will continue to increase until they cause severe health problems for your animal. Am I doing something wrong? Could the Jack have infected my Jennet with something. My farrier has not looked at her yet so the actual cause of the separtation is not known. What is a group of 12 or more cows called?, The answer to this question is not as straightforward as one might think. 2. If the donkey consumed grain and had some discomfort (mouth feel/comfort, bitter taste, perhaps mild gas, maybe mild ulcer??) We are looking for And were as to why we lost our donkeys after changing from 10 to 12. Finally, of course, the best thing for him is to also get plenty of exercise he needs to be burning off more calories than he is consuming! This way they are effectively separated during meal times and the donkeys can focus on their feed. Feed and monitor weight gain with grass hay and pasture time. Does that mean that goat feed should always be off the menu? Whats the best food to feed a donkey, for example, and what will happen if you provide goat feed to a donkey? Feeds Made for Other Animals Arent Suitable for Donkeys. We noticed the very next day the Jack doing the same. I hope this information is helpful, and best of luck with the donkeys! These signs and symptoms usually start at 7 to 9 years of age. The question is, however, why is protein bad for donkeys? Hi Tracy, Thanks for the question! The hay should amount to 1.5 - 1.8% of your donkey's weight . However, ionophores are EXTREMELY toxic to equines. Please note, if they are rescue donkeys who are underweight, theyll probably need more than hay and a simple supplement to get back into condition. He is on pasture with my horse and Im trying to figure out if I should separate him and put him in a smaller area to put him on a diet but not sure what to do to get that weight down. Think about the height of the feeder, or even something with a lip that the horse can get their head over to eat but the donkey cant. And Ive given him about a half a container a couple times and hes fine. Most likely, its a dominance / pecking order thing, or possibly just a really bad habit shes picked up along the way. What would you suggest? He was abandoned in a pasture and the people we are getting him from have been nursing him back to health as he was underweight and full of open sores. Most donkey owners who keep goats and donkeys together report that their donkeys seem to enjoy the goats feed and love to compete with them for it. Could thus have been something else. 1. In short, the best feed to give your donkey is feed made for donkeys, so their specific needs are always met, and they dont get too much of anything that can harm their health. However, Ive seen many including my own do fine on grassy pastures. A cow can eat a banana that is up to 8 inches long, There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, including the size of the acreage, the climate, the terrain, the type of grasses, A rump roast is a cut of beef that comes from the hindquarter of the cow. After all of that and we get him back to our field, what should we feed him? If you cant separate him, then try a grazing muzzle to limit his access to pasture. He came from sale and was fine the first two weeks before introductions. Ability to digest forages may be impacted by the gut microflora that have developed in an individual. While not designed for equids, there should not be any ingredients in the dog food that would be detrimental. The main diet of goats consists of hay and pasture grasses. Medicated food for many other animals at sanctuaries contain Rumensin or Bovatec and other ionophores (antibiotics) to control disease. The term "corned" comes from the use of large kernels of rock salt, called "corns," to, If you're asking whether you can feed a baby deer cow's milk, the answer is no. It is important to monitor body condition and make sure the donkeys do not get overweight. Hello. The best companion for a horse depends entirely on the horse and the goat in question. Even if they eat a small amount of medicated goat feed, your donkey could suffer permanent damage to their heart and other major organs. Hi, For feeding him, yes, he can absolutely eat the same feeds generally donkeys just need less than horses do. In fact,, The porterhouse is a steak from the beef hindquarter. There are other healthy treats and snacks you can offer to your foals to supplement their feed but you should totally avoid feeding tomatoes and others from the nightshade family. The answer, unfortunately, is that even though donkeys will gladly eat goat food, they shouldnt because goat feed isnt healthy for them. Plus, goat feed usually has more protein than donkeys need and doesnt contain enough salt. Is it Good for Them? Roy J. I have goats and they are fed a pellet. I just cant phantom colic on both animals the same week. Also, don't feed the donkey with moldy meals. Moldy food is poisonous to your donkeys and is highly dangerous to their health. Wheat is the most common item, When you call someone a cow, you are calling them an idiot, or a stupid person. I sure could use some advise. A donkey is considered healthy if it is alert and active, has a shiny coat, and bright eyes. If you've adopted a donkey or one was given to you on your farm or homestead, you may have no earthly clue what to feed them. This bacteria is found in the environment, and can infect horses, donkeys, and other animals. Resources and insights for happy, healthy horses. I have spent every day working with him and he now comes to me and can be rubbed but he is still head shy and i cant get a collar on him. The former is a problem that negatively affects your donkeys blood, and the latter condition will affect its liver. Weight gain does require significantly more intake than just maintaining weight. Considering that the average lifespan of a donkey is only 35 years, that's a very long time. Some good recommendations would include Nutrena SafeChoice Original https://www.nutrenaworld.com/product/safechoice-original-horse-feed or Nutrena SafeChoice Senior https://www.nutrenaworld.com/product/safechoice-senior-horse-feed. He comes up to me and trusts my hand around him but when I move towards him he spooks. If youve adopted a donkey or one was given to you on your farm or homestead, you may have no earthly clue what to feed them. My grandfather owns a min donkey it foundered a few months ago. I have been reading and researching what to feed her but think I should be giving her some supplements to get her to at least normal weight. What are the signs that a donkey is healthy? Its been about a week and is working wonderfully so far and the donks do not mind wearing the collars at all. Raspberry. Pasture grasses are not always available all year round though and they are sometimes fed commercially manufactured goat feed. I am currently giving her orchard grass hay and plan on getting a mineral block today. Below is a quick list of the trees and shrubs you should keep away from your donkey and what problems they can cause. If it is medicated, it should NOT be fed to a donkey. You have some great questions. I just brought a Jerusalem donkey from a owner who did not care for the donkey or train it to be halter or lead trained,the donkey came from poor conditions.her feet are not so good I been applying hoof stuff every other day.I feed her a little grass hay and a very little hand fill of Alfahfa once in the Am and then in the Pm. This acidity can kill the good bacteria in their intestines or force them into dormancy. (doesnt seem to overeat.) The cecum in a young donkey, like a young horse, is not fully functional and cannot adequately digest this type of forage. ANY help is greatly appreciated as were really trying to get the pasture built back up. It sounds like you are on the right track, exposing the donkey to adequate pasture, so kudos! Therefore, they would fare much better on hay. May want to consider offering a mineral as well. Over the course of his time with us hes lost a fair amount of weight & has become healthy & energetic, but he still has fat rolls along his neck & on his sides. Please if anyone can explain to me what I should watch for. Is it okay to just give them just pasture to eat off of and have Barley straw or hay to feed them on rainy days in the stalls I have for two? Donkeys evolved in fairly harsh environments where food was not always available and are fortunately a bit less prone to digestive disturbances than horses. Maybe he knows! Donkeys are generally more efficient that horses and generally require less intake to maintain or gain weight, so I would recommend starting at the low end of feeding rates. In short, the best feed to give your donkey is feed made for donkeys, so their specific needs are always met, and they dont get too much of anything that can harm their health. Since doing that we lost 2 donkeys. Being unsure, I didnt want to give it to her. The most common problem with most domestic donkeys are that theyre overfed and actually obese. Yes,, There is a lot of debate on whether cow's milk causes phlegm. It has some really great information for someone looking for donkey specifics https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/donkey-health-and-welfare. These products are fed at fairly low feeding levels. For example, if you make your goat feed at home (or on your farm) and dont fortify the ingredients with extra iron, protein, copper, and so forth, both your goats and your donkeys will have no problem eating the feed. While they are related to horses and considered an equid, the way their digestive system functions is much different donkeys have actually been compared to small ruminants in their capabilities to digest and utilize fiber. she yells all the time and chews on trees. There are a number of different approaches to feeding rescue horses, mules and donkeys. Generally as a rule we do not recommend feeding treats from the hand unless for training purposes as it can encourage your donkeys to bite. Donkeys, like horses, tend to be creatures of flight that might run from sudden movement or movement above eye level as that is movement that would be consistent with a predator such as a cougar. Old timers used to say that donkeys are very responsive to anything that made them uncomfortable and learn to graze very selectively, more so than horses. He passed that night. They get very fat easily. He will be in a pasture of Bermuda costal grass with the minis and holstein. An adequate quantity of clean, fresh water must be . Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. Very sorry to hear that you lost your mare. I would defer to veterinarian or farrier in this regard. Because of the different digestive system of the donkey, they might eat up the goats feed and be full without actually getting the important nutrients they require and this can lead to health problems later. It is also usually the most expensive part of the feed. Well we used to have goats but had to sell them. Im scared they will founder with this bounty, so I am considering a grazing muzzle , the question is can they freely drink water from their round troughs with the muzzle on ? Some donkeys will dominate grown horses. He gave him two different vaccines. He continues to eat hay, graze in the pasture, and drink plenty of water. Lastly, you can get a creep feeder. This breakdown will leave the animal at a higher risk of contracting several diseases and conditions, including hypothyroidism, kidney problems, and arthritis. Dental development is also limited. It sounds like you are making progress in getting them back from under-weight condition. Congratulations on your donkeys. The behavior you describe is consistent with an animal that is comfortable with people to the point of perhaps behaving as if it needs to protect the people from the other animals. In Nutrena, I would use either SafeChoice Original if it is a mature donkey, SafeChoice Mare & Foal if it is a young growing donkey, Senior if it is an old donkey or equivalent products. Our product, called Empower Balance, provides the protein, vitamins and minerals they need, and that might be lacking depending on hay quality, without the extra calories of a traditional horse feed. First, you'll, If you're looking for an organic way to fertilize your garden, cow manure is an excellent option. Donkeys don't need the extra iron and copper. I have 2.5 acres fenced in and was interested in getting two donkeys to maintain and keep the grass down. Generally, your donkey should be able to drink normally with the muzzle on. They require regular hoof trimming, worming, and vaccinations. If you had asked me this question a few, Athenos Feta Cheese is made from 100% real cow's milk. According, Making a powder horn from a cow horn is a simple process that can be done at home with a few tools and supplies. All these are effectively provided for in the feed. Lastly, you can get a creep feeder. If the teeth are OK, can use either a good quality grass forage (coastal, timothy, brome, Tifton etc.) You can feed a donkey any straw, although the experts at The Donkey Sanctuary maintain that barley straw is by far the best. It, According to the Black Cow Vodka website, the vodka is made at the Black Cow Dairy in West Dorset, England. 5. Either way, youll want to seek the help of a local trainer to alleviate whats happening there. If size is very different between your horse and donkey, you may want to explore a hay feeder that the horse can eat out of but the donkey cant kind of a reverse creep feeder. Their digestive systems arent used to processed animal or goat feeds. It's one of the most popular cuts of beef, and is known for being both juicy and flavorful., It's no secret that cow's milk is one of the most popular drinks in the world. We currently have five donkeys 1 (20+ yr. old) mammoth, 1 standard (around 14 y/o), a 9 y/o mini, 2 y/o mini & our new baby who was born in May (also a mini). I have researched what happened and I just want to ensure thus never happens again. Follow feeding rate as directed, typically 1 lb per 100 lbs bwt (for foals) with nursing, or possibly higher consumption especially if nursing isnt going well and compensatory gain in needed. The other has what looks like reverse string hault but no one knows what it is. If you've adopted a donkey or one was given to you on your farm or homestead, you may have no earthly clue what to feed them. I was told by the vet to never grain her, only round bales of hay. A heifer is a young female cow that has not yet had a calf. The, Cows are one of the most important animals in the agricultural industry. For feed, to get the proper nutrition in to them without increasing the calories significantly, wed suggest a ration balancer. Phosphorus is an essential mineral which functions with calcium and others to improve bone and teeth health and boost immune system functions. Nutrena SafeChoice Mare and Foal or Progressive ProAdvantage Grass or Premium Growth/Envision Classic if extra calories are still needed). Quickthorn. Especially, with the mother who currently has terrible feet. There is a LOT of sweet green grass. I always have but now Im wondering if thats really necessary. It depends on your individual needs and preferences. Is this correct? On average, cows stand in heat for about, Yes, a 9-month-old can have cows milk. You might want to Google donkeys as guard animals and use some of the training/behavior modification to help you train the donkey to understand that the dogs and the goats should be protected, not attacked. Are you able to feed him the goat feed? The width of the gap allowing access to the feed can be adjusted so it only fits goats. Donkeys are in general a bit more efficient at forage utilization that horses as they evolved on lower quality diets. Hand-made feed is a good example of that. Weve read conflicting reports and have gotten ourselves pretty confused! Never had a donkey before. All changes need to be gradual. Because rescue animals may also be salt starved and also have limited microflora in the gut, I recommend making loose salt available, starting with 2-4 ounces per head per day and working up to free choice and using a probiotic paste when introducing the animals to feed to help get the gut populated. I am nervous about how I am going to put the Jenny with my mare and having the still nursing baby with them both. Can Donkeys Eat Goat Feed? This has been a very successful product and is designed just for foals. Thanks for the question! I am not sure what you are describing with reverse stringhalt symptoms. Selenium would be a possible nutrient to keep an eye on, and also some goat minerals can be medicated, which you would not want to feed to a donkey. Some, According to the website Heifer International, cows can eat squash. Amazon Brand Kitzy Dry Cat Food, Whitefish and Pea Recipe (4 lb bag). Greg is also an accomplished video script writer known for his ability to take a complex subject and make it accessible for the layperson. Hes lucky to have you! Donkeys can eat goat pellets but it would not probably not give them all the nutrition they need. Search our database of over 12264 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. He gets timothy hay or orchard mix right now am wondering if Fescue grass or Bemuda would be better for him and also Feeding miniature horse feed from Purina he Hee haws constantly for a little feed. Here are some good tips to follow when feeding donkeys: I have had donkeys for the last 15 years finding it a real challenge to keep them fit. Taking time to select, grasp and chew their food is the opposite to 'bolting . I have a one year old female donkey. Any advice would be appreciated! Hi Elaine Thanks for the question! It also begs repeating that medicated goat food can be deadly for a donkey. Plenty of fresh water. Allow all donkeys in a herd access to feed, regardless of age or activity level. I know donkeys are designed to be on drier ground with very little forage. Goats do not have all the nutrition a donkey needs and as such it can lead to growth stunts if they keep up the behavior. If eating goat feed by donkeys has been a problem on your farm, you can invest in a creep feeder which ensures the donkeys are kept out of the feeder. Goats and donkeys have different nutritional needs, and goat feed contains too much protein, iron, and other nutrients that, in high amounts, can affect your donkeys health. These signs and symptoms usually start at 7 to 9 years of age. He loves being right with my horse . The first thing we need to make sure of is that the goat feed is NOT medicated. We also have a feild with some grass. She got a taste of it while I was feeding the goats and she devoured it. Best of luck! He passed a little gas. The main word of caution for donkeys is that they cannot tolerate diets high in sugar and starches. I am mostly interested to know if this feed is okay to give her. Vet was coming the following day. fed like cattle, sheep, or goats. The term "heifer" can also be used to refer, Cows milk is not recommended for puppies under the age of 12 weeks old. Cattle are, The brown cows are called Jersey cows. They are two different species and their DNA is incompatible. Its body will deal with the extra vitamins, minerals, and protein like any other food. Congratulations on rescuing this family of donkeys. Furthermore, feeding can be complicated by keeping multiple species together. But I am not sure what to feed him, currently he is getting horse feed pellets, sure I be giving him rolled oats or some gains? Any suggestions to how to catch him? Alfalfa pellets/cubes can also be moistened and used if there are dental issues. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. A goat pellet can have about 2% salt content for example and donkeys usually require a higher content level in their feed. Should I give her oats or a senior feed? They are not easy keepers as our 3 mares are, and want to make sure they do well this winter without doing them harm. It is important to monitor body condition as it is easy for donkeys to get overweight. Also check out this article I wrote can donkeys eat lettuce. One girl est 15 to 18 yrs old, her daughter probably 8 yrs old. Donkeys dont need the extra iron, copper, protein, and other vitamins and minerals usually added to goat feed. Some people believe that we are designed to drink cow, Assuming you are asking about American style beef cuts, you would get the following: 1 beef brisket 1 set beef ribs 1 beef round 1 beef loin Beef brisket is, What Produces Milk in Cows? However, it is possible for cows to live without humans. My supervisor and I disagree on how much hay they should be fed , they are in good condition and not overweight . You may have other questions about their food and what donkeys can and cant eat. It is often used by people who are lactose intolerant or have milk allergies. You should also check to be sure that your donkey cant reach any of these trees and shrubs from wherever they are being kept outside. Congrats on the new donkey! In our line, that would be Empower Topline Balance and there are many options available, along with water and salt. Even though horses and donkeys are equines, horses have specific nutritional needs that donkeys dont, and vice versa. It's not just a matter of milking them once a day, though; cows need to be milked, Cows are often thought of as gentle giants, but they can also be fiercely protective of their young. They have been used in sheep flocks to guard the flocks from threats such as coyotes. There might be some animal products that would be considered unusual for a mini mule. Thank you for any advice . While under a visual inspection the digestive tract of a donkey and horse is the same, the way donkeys ferment and use fiber is unique. Unfortunately, they have pretty much eaten the pasture down to the dirt. Non-medicated cow, goat, and bird foods are not good for your donkeys, and medicated feeds can be fatal! Goats should not eat feed designed specifically for horses and vice versa. Feed in moderation It is always important to monitor Body Condition Score along with hair coat, hoof quality and muscle mass to determine how the individual animal is doing. we have been facing problems with our donkeys especially the foals. Make sure they have access to free choice water, salt, and minerals. Im feeding her Timothy with the cows and secluding her so she can eat by herself during the day so they dont bully her away from the food. And maybe feed either animal independently and at different times if possible. Great question! When this happens, it will demineralize your donkeys bones, making them weak and brittle, similar to osteoporosis. It's the nature of both animals. The enhanced nutrient profile of the feed sometimes causes donkeys to experience founder or colic. As weve seen, too much protein causes a donkeys body to become acidic. I would not be surprised if your mule is lonesome as mules are social animals. Would my mare try to kill the baby donkey or would the mother protect her baby? If you're looking for a cow, Assuming you would like a blog post discussing the cost of a limousine cow: "How Much Does a Limousine Cow Cost?" However, if they eat goat feed a lot, they may start showing signs of health issues. DONKEYS WITH OTHER ANIMALS. Hi Ashlynn, Some of the major ingredients in goat feed include whole cottonseed, soybean, corn, wheat middling, dead pasture, acorns to mention a few. This acidity can kill the good bacteria in their intestines or force them into dormancy. A donkey can kill a goat very quickly and viciously. In countries like the United States we present donkeys with energy rich food and usually dont require them to work very hard for it. She just eats the hay very slow and Im not sure if shes getting enough nutrients to gain weight. Keep on mined the Jennet was not kid bearing anymore. Hello Larry, Thanks for the question. I wont be getting any grain, as I do believe from all I have read you can just give them the pasture to eat off of and barley straw or hay in evenings to feed them and this is fine? He recommended Tifton hay but our local feed store does not carry it. Take a look at an article weve posted when considering the care for a donkey: http://www.horsefeedblog.com/2012/03/feeding-donkeys/. But just a few minutes afterward his lower belly the secure region became doey. Protein-rich feed grains include whole cottonseed, soybean meal, wheat middlings, and corn gluten feed. 2022 okaypetproducts.com. Yes, sorghum bales would be safe for donkeys. The best way is to separate them while feeding or prepare a special mix which can work for the two species. Its worth noting that not all goat feed is unsuitable for donkeys. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks for your time and help. I instantly thought Colic. Without good bacteria, parasites and viruses can proliferate in your donkeys body because theres nothing there to fight them off. Hello Melissa, Thanks for the question. Goat feed is typically infused with several vitamins and minerals that donkeys dont need, including copper and iron. Thank you. Donkeys are typically more efficient digesters, and thus easier to put weight on than horses. Dairy cows are bred to be hornless, as horns, A bovine person is like a cow in many ways. However, here in the United States, straws for feed can be hard to find. There are some very good articles online about training donkeys as guard animals.