Assessment of Phenotypic Characteristics and Work Suitability for Working Donkeys in the Central Highlands in Kenya
Joint Authors
Gichure, Mary
Onono, Joshua
Wahome, Raphael
Gathura, Peter
Source
Veterinary Medicine International
Issue
Vol. 2020, Issue 2020 (31 Dec. 2020), pp.1-6, 6 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2020-10-16
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
6
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
The study aimed to assess the phenotypic characteristics of donkeys and their suitability for work.
Data were collected on age, sex, coat color, height at withers, body length, and heart girth from 360 randomly sampled donkeys raised in a highland agroecological system in Kenya between the months of June and September 2018.
Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA with the sex of the donkey and age group treated as sources of variation.
The weight of donkeys was estimated using a formulae incorporating body length and heart girth.
The study reveals that the average weight of the working donkey in the central highlands of Kenya was 155.5 kgs ± SE 1.71.
Their height at withers was 99.7 cm ± SEM 0.50, with a heart girth of 113.7 cm ± SEM 0.43 and a body length of 113.2 cm ± SEM 0.58.
All these body measurements varied significantly by sex and age group (P<0.001).
Therefore, donkeys raised in Kenya had the same height but heavier, with longer body lengths and heart girth measurements when compared to other domesticated working donkeys in different parts of the world indicating genetic diversity, differences in ecogeographical conditions and husbandry practices.
The majority (86%) of the donkeys were in good welfare conditions with moderate to ideal 86% body condition scores, minimal body lesions 5%, and lameness 18%.
The results are useful for extension agents and donkey users when estimating optimal pack or cart loads in line with their welfare.
The findings provide opportunities for future research on the reasons for phenotypic diversity between donkeys raised in Kenya and other parts of the world.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Gichure, Mary& Onono, Joshua& Wahome, Raphael& Gathura, Peter. 2020. Assessment of Phenotypic Characteristics and Work Suitability for Working Donkeys in the Central Highlands in Kenya. Veterinary Medicine International،Vol. 2020, no. 2020, pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1214241
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Gichure, Mary…[et al.]. Assessment of Phenotypic Characteristics and Work Suitability for Working Donkeys in the Central Highlands in Kenya. Veterinary Medicine International No. 2020 (2020), pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1214241
American Medical Association (AMA)
Gichure, Mary& Onono, Joshua& Wahome, Raphael& Gathura, Peter. Assessment of Phenotypic Characteristics and Work Suitability for Working Donkeys in the Central Highlands in Kenya. Veterinary Medicine International. 2020. Vol. 2020, no. 2020, pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1214241
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1214241