engleski

Monitoring of reproduction for herd health and increase of fertility of istrian donkeys

In recent years, the reproductive physiology of the donkey has attracted increasing attention of veterinary practitioners and researchers considering the farming relevance of this species and the risk of extinction that involves several donkey breeds. The donkey reproductive physiology is still partially known despite the increasing risk of extinction involving several breeds. Majority of breeders and even veterinary practitioners consider jennies on the same way as mares, although there are some significant differences. The FAO considers the donkey species in danger of extinction. The EU protects this species through different policies, thus providing financial incentives to raise donkeys. This species is tough and frugal and therefore destined to the redevelopment of marginal areas characterized by environmental constrains. The donkeys can be used in different ways, many of which are similar to those of the horse, like trekking, meat production, pet therapy and brain gym, which is a program of physical movements that enhance learning and performance in all areas. However, jennet milk production has recently become the main interest. Donkeys are also used to produce mules and hinnies, wich are of increased popularity and usage as working, sport and recreational animals. Since producing mules and hinnies is unnatural for both species, it is recommended to use artificial insemination. In order to preserve endengered breeds, it is also crucial to obtain and keep valuuable genetic material (sperm and oocytes) indefinitely. In our study, we investigated reproductive performance of four large dairy herds (n=100 donkeys, 60 dairy jennets, 6 jackasses) according to clinical findings and laboratory tests. All jennets were thoroughly examined (complete examination involving gynecological examination, orthopedic examination, sampling of feces, blood and milk). We also took complete anamnestic data and repeated examinations by weekly visits to the farm. According to 36 months interval results we analysed all given data. Overall fertility rate was excellent (90%) and only 6 animals had some sort of reproductive disturbance (ovarian disorders n=2, urovagina n=1, endometritis n=3). Furthermore, athose six animals had some sorts of orthopedic disease that was treated and resolved during the trial. In our study for the first time, the reproductive performance of dairy donkeys were defined on a large number of Istrian jennies thus offering useful information to improve farm management with an immediate benefit to increase livestock production, esspecially for dairy herds. This aspect of management improvement might be particularly important if applied to an endangered breed such as Istrian donkeys. According to their body frame, level of socialisation and overall good temper we can conclude that it would be advisable to start using artificial insemination in such herds.

donkey reproduction; herd health; fertility

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