The way we feed mules and donkeys is quite different from the way we feed horses. Donkeys are desert animals and require much less food than horses to stay healthy. The mule, being half donkey, also does not need as much to stay healthy. For this reason, it is best to contain your longears (and even horses) in a smaller area with shelter overnight, for the night and morning feedings. Then you can monitor their feed intake and when they are turned out, for purposes of weight control and to avoid the incidence of colic and founder. Many mules and donkeys can be seen with a roll at the crest of the neck and sometimes “fat rolls” on the flank and croup. This is not healthy and is a red flag that the equine should be contained and monitored for weight control.

Subject:

Fruit & Vegetable Salad? (1/4/05)
Change Feeding In Cold Weather? (2/28/05)
Effects of sweet feed? (4/4/05)
Feeding guidelines (11/16/04)
How Much Grain for 7 mo. Old? (10/2/04)
Old Mule Care Questions (9/29/02)
Steamed Crimped Oats? (3/30/05)
Supplement To Replace Hay? (1/28/05)
Supplements (11/2/04)