Phenotypic characteristics and general managemental practices for working donkey populations in South Western Bihar region of India

Abstract

The study was planned to assess the physical, biometric indices, health and managemental issues of donkeys. Adult non-descript local donkeys (98) selected from different brick-kilns around Patna (Danapur, Byavar, Maner) as well as from other different areas of SW Bihar including Buxar, Balliya, Sonepur, Jahanabad, Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bhojpur etc were included in the study. Physical features along with 15 different biometric indices were recorded for phenotypic characterization of the breed. Predominant coat colour, average body length, height at wither, heart girth, fore leg length, height at knee, canon, hind leg length, height at hock were estimated. A dorsal stripe on the back, dark ear marking and white to pinkish muzzles were also observed in most of the donkeys. Donkeys were reared on grasses and bushes available. Around Gaya in Bihar, donkeys were fed chaffed rice straw, mixture of wheat bran and crushed gram (gram churi) as grain and gur as supplement daily. At brick-kilns, donkeys start working early in the morning at 4-6 AM and ends work by 12 noon and carry 25-30 bricks in each round. Wounds were observed on breast, withers, spine, girth and hind quarter regions due to overloading and improper harness. Problem of influenza and urine in blood were common in donkeys. Vaccination, insurance and use of disinfectants were not in practice with little knowledge about donkey breeding. For betterment of these donkeys, proper feeding along with replenishment of mineral and common salt on daily basis, health management, proper housing along with indiscriminate use of wounded donkeys need utmost importance.