Page 1035 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

characteristics of the species.

VetBooks.ir Physical characteristics

The size range for donkeys is as follows.
• The smallest is the Miniature breed, which must be less than 9 hh (91.44 cm or 36 in) at

the withers.

• Most UK donkeys range from 9.2 to 11 hh (from 96.52 cm or 38 in to 111.76 cm or 44
in)

• The Spanish Andalucian donkey can be up to 15.2 hh (157.48 cm or 62 in) while the

exceptionally thick-coated Poitou (a French breed) can be up to 15 hh (152.4 cm or 60 in)
• In the USA, donkeys are classified as Miniature, Standard and Mammoth. The Mammoth

ass is over 13.3 hh (139.7 cm or 55 in) at the withers and was originally bred from the
large Spanish and French donkey breeds. These large donkeys are traditionally used for

ploughing and draught work. Today Mammoth donkeys are also used for breeding large
mules for pleasure riding, driving and showing. Mules are very popular animals in the
USA.

Reproductive characteristics

THE JENNY

The female donkey is known as a jenny. The oestrus cycle length is approximately 23 days,
with an oestrus period of approximately 7 days. Gestation length is quoted as being variable

from 365 to 375 days, with live births being recorded from 10 to 14 months.

Ideally a jenny should not be bred until she is mature at approximately 3 years (Figure
23.3). Rectal palpation for pregnancy diagnosis may be slightly more difficult due to the

smaller size and more sloping pelvis of the donkey. Blood and urine tests can be used for
diagnosis of pregnancy in the donkey.