Certain populations may need haylage or chop as the main part of their diet. Goats have a complex digestive system that requires different types and amounts of food to run smoothly. Donkeysare herbivores and do not eat meat. Plus, goat feed usually has more protein than donkeys need and doesn't contain enough salt. Goat feed is most often fed by placing the feed in their eating trough from which they can access the feed. It also looked like these beautiful, sweet animals had many scars on them from being beaten and tortured by these hideous monsters. Maintain the quality and ensure it doesnt drop or increase. But it all depends on the animal involved. Donkeys can eat goat feed however, it doesn't contain the necessary nutrients which they require and as such should not be made a major part of their diet. However, there is a donkey named Bubbles who celebrated her 62nd birthday in 2021. Examples includecarrots, beetroots,apples,oranges,pears, strawberries, grapefruits, lettuce, and cucumber. This is the same reason most horse feeds arent suitable for donkeys. Healthy mature donkeys rarely require supplementary feeding, however as donkeys age they may require additional feeding. Whenever you notice that yourdonkeysovereat, use a rope-mesh muzzle to stop them from eating. Wilddonkeysand captivedonkeysoften eat the above-listed foods. This is why a proper diet is so important. On my way to the yard we pass 2 lovely donkeys who seem happy and healthy. This acidity can kill the good bacteria in their intestines or force them into dormancy. Updated on March 28, 2023. (Common Species & Caring Tips), How To Tell If A Turtle Is Male Or Female? These signs and symptoms usually start at 7 to 9 years of age. Alfalfa pellets, one of the ingredients, would be fine for donkeys on their own. There are also seasonal adjustments you can make to your donkeys diet. Vitamins are only required in trace amounts by the body. Donkeys also need trace mineral salt, not the white salt eaten by sheep or goat. Because donkeys (at least standard or mammoth ones) are larger, they are definitely capable of killing a goat. Corn isn't very good for them, and they could develop acidosis. Their digestive systems arent used to processed animal or goat feeds. You must keep these trees and shrubs far from your donkey. If eaten in their raw form, they are potentially toxic, even to humans, who have thyroid problems or an iodine deficiency. This is totally fine; however, your goats will always be healthier if you can switch up their diet in small, meaningful ways by adding in a variety of forage/browse products for them. I have 2 new miniature donkeys and will be bringing home some young goats. It needs a more balanced diet. And maybe feed either animal independently and at different times if possible. Not every goat likes the same snack. Now that you know what not to feed your donkey, as well as what you can feed him, you are on your way to having a healthy and happy donkey. All donkeys, no matter the size, still get mixed grass hay in the winter free choice and they still get lots of forage from the land in . Highlighted in yellow is my base feeding plan for ALL donkeys. Barley straw is the best type of straw for a healthy donkey. You need to remain firm for the sake of the donkeys long term wellbeing. The domestic horse has 64 chromosomes, while the donkey has 62. Donkeys should eat like birds, little but often, in order to give their food time to digest. Within 12 to 36 hours, however, theres a very high possibility that your donkey will die. They can share a pasture as they eat different food. Donkeysare known asherbivores, and their appetite and large teeth go well with a plant-based diet. A donkey can kill a goat very quickly and viciously. Donkeys are voracious eaters; they love to eat anything that comes their way. Goat feed is typically infused with several vitamins and minerals that donkeys dont need, including copper and iron. Heres why some foods are bad for donkeys in high amounts, plus some very poisonous ones. The bacteria, viruses, and parasites will continue to increase until they cause severe health problems for your animal. It is also found in green potatoes, which are the roots of the plant. https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pep-goat-16-ft-l-x-48-in-h?solr=1&cm_vc=-10005, https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/feedlot-panel-cattle-16-ft-l-x-50-in-h?cm_vc=IOPDP1, https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/red-brand-goat-fence-48-in-x-330-ft?cm_vc=-10005, Ridgetop - our place and how we muddle along. Goats and donkeys have different nutritional needs, and goat feed contains too much protein, iron, and other nutrients that, in high amounts, can affect your donkeys health. The difference comes from how the feed is made. Other: Mint leaves and horse treats (especially low sugar/low carb ones). In fact, donkeys love to eat them. Donkeys and goats do not have the same nutritional needs, making feeding time complicated. Chief among these making sure the donkeys diet is low in proteins, specifically animal proteins, grains. In severe cases, high-protein feeds can cause colic, founder, and even death. 14 Best Places With Donkeys For Sale In California (2021), 4 Best Places With Donkeys For Sale In Michigan (2021), Prevents your animals eating each others feed, Restricts the amount of food your livestock has access to (makes it easier to control), Separating your donkeys and goats during feed time, Keeping your donkeys well fed enough so that they dont feel the need to eat their companions food, Feeding both animals hay (or foods that are suitable for both species). Note that hay cant be used as a treat. Because of the different digestive system of the donkey, they might eat up the goats feed and be full without actually getting the important nutrients they require and this can lead to health problems later. Donkeys dont need the extra iron and copper. As goat feed is usually fortified with vitamins and minerals specific to goats, it's not suitable for donkeys. Here are some good tips to follow when feeding donkeys: DO NOT overfeed! Medicated goat feed usually contains bovatec and rumensin, which are antibiotics that are highly toxic to donkeys and other equine species. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! If they do the goats would either get diarrhea, bloating, or several other digestive issues. Pet Keen is reader-supported. Also, dont feed thedonkeywith moldy meals. There are often two cuttings of hay in the agricultural year. 14 Rabbit Myths And Misconceptions You Need To Stop Believing Now! All these extra nutrients can cause several health issues, some of which are quite severe. This occurs whendonkeysare fed with concentrates that are high in cereal. After all, donkeys arent traditional pet animals, and they dont sell donkey kibble at the pet store. Adonkeyweighs between 220lbs to 1000lbs and will eat between 1..5% to 1.8% of its body weight. Horses are herbivores just like goat. For example, the high iron levels in goat feed could cause hemochromatosis or hepatopathy. Garlic has powerful antibacterial qualities and help remove parasites in the gastrointestinal tract. If there are a number of people taking care of the donkeys, care needs to be taken that these treats are strictly controlled. Grass should be thought of as a supplement, not most of the diet. Greg is also an accomplished video script writer known for his ability to take a complex subject and make it accessible for the layperson. Obviously this worries me as horses can't eat lawn clippings but maybe donkeys are different. Therefore, their metabolisms are not designed for processing rich food, hence there are few food groups that are suitable for donkeys. Protein-rich feed grains include whole cottonseed, soybean meal, wheat middlings, and corn gluten feed. Feeding shouldnt be intensified after adonkeyhas lost its feeding condition. Ive spent hundreds of hours researching donkeys. Feeding treats will introduce more vitamins and minerals to your donkey's diet. Be consistent with a feeding method and time. 6. The ingredients are mixed together and mashed into pellets which are then served to the goats. Donkeys, despite being part of the equine family, evolved in a way close to ruminants like goats. Always avoid sheep/ goat or cattle feed containing monensin or urea because both are forbidden in organic feed. You never know if what you are giving them to eat could make them ill. For example, if you make your goat feed at home (or on your farm) and dont fortify the ingredients with extra iron, protein, copper, and so forth, both your goats and your donkeys will have no problem eating the feed. The main diet of goats consists of hay and pasture grasses. What we feed ourdonkeycontributes to their overall well-being. This acidity can kill the good bacteria in their intestines or force them into dormancy. One, do not put them all together at once. They're much better off with hay. For that reason, you have to be careful with donkeys and goat feed. All these extra nutrients can cause several health issues, some of which are quite severe. Donkeys are desert animals that evolved to roam the wilds in search of food. Even though grass and clover are not a goats preference if all of the forage present is grass and clover goats will eat it. Donkeys don't need the extra iron, copper, protein, and other vitamins and minerals usually added to goat feed. If youve adopted a donkey or one was given to you on your farm or homestead, you may have no earthly clue what to feed them. Even worse, you might believe everything is fine until your donkey suddenly starts fracturing bones, having trouble walking, and having other health concerns. I don't have any advice for the donkey/goat issuebut everyone else gave you great advice! Its so easy to get it wrong, which is why Ive put this list together which explain what food is bad for donkeys, including some which are even poisonous foods for donkeys. Foraging and grazing are good for donkeys, as these activities encouragement movement. Donkeys, however, have unique evolutionary traits that make them anatomically and behaviorally distinct. Although a small amount of unmedicated goat feed wont hurt your donkey, a goat feed diet can be harmful, and its best to use healthier alternatives. Feeding my donkeys is still simple. Considering that the average lifespan of a donkey is only 35 years, that's a very long time. Treats should be limited to winter when the cold weather might warrant the consumption of a few extra calories. While my other goats will completely turn their noses up to most treats. Read on for the answers to these questions and several more, plus real-world advice and tips on feeding donkeys. Hence,donkeyowners or guardians are always concerned about what to or what not to feed them. 1. Laminitis is an inflammation of the tissue inside the hoof which causes lameness. Diets provided todonkeysshould be of high quality and should contain the appropriatenutrients. Similarly, whilst a little onion might not harm the donkey, if eaten to excess, these foods are very bad for donkeys, poisoning their system. Trees/Shrubs Pine, ash, beech, and mesquite (leaves only, not the beans) trees. Much of the nutrition in the grass is . Also (and this is critical), medicated goat feed can be fatal to a donkey. They will eat the leaves and chew off the bark. Others: Leeks, garlic, avocado, and rhubarb. Its worth noting that not all goat feed is unsuitable for donkeys. As goat feed is usually fortified with vitamins and minerals specific to goats, its not suitable for donkeys. Although donkeys do not have as many water requirements like other animals, always ensure there is a bowl of clean water beside their feed. Goat feed is typically infused with several vitamins and minerals that donkeys dont need, including copper and iron. meaning they'll eat anything they can forage, root, or kill. . These plants contain a poison called solanine, which is concentrated in the leaves and stems. Generally, donkeys and other mammals can live in harmony together. Donkeys need around a half to a third of the daily protein requirements of a horse. If severe enough, it can be fatal. Feeding a herd of goats can be tricky. 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