Pack transport with donkeys
Practical Action
Larger donkeys are normally preferred to small donkeys because pack capacity is a function of
weight.
According to the donkey's condition, the
nature of the load and the terrain to be
covered the load may range from 25 to
40 per cent of live weight with a mean of
33 per cent, one third of live weight,
being a sensible compromise. Most
donkeys are 110 to 150kg, implying a
load of 40 to 50kg.There is considerable
variation in donkey size and
conformation thus giving scope, if
desired, for the selection and breeding of
bigger donkeys with increased carrying
capacity.
The conformation requirements of a pack
donkey include the length of the back,
which should be short. Efficiency in
packing depends on keeping the load as
far forward as possible over the
shoulders. This can most easily be
Figure 2: Do not overload a pack donkey, and make
sure that pack is even
achieved when the donkey has a convex
or flat back, as compared to a concave back which encourages the pack to slip backwards off the
shoulders. Width of chest is associated with lung capacity and strength and should be preferred
to narrow chestedness.
Hooves should be free from faults such as excessive uneven growth, cracks, flaking, etc.
Straightness of the front legs as seen from the front is important. 'Bow-legged' or 'knock-kneed'
donkeys are unlikely to be as effective in the long-term as those with good leg structure.
Also important is the gait or movement of the donkey. Some donkeys move in such a way that
their packs rock excessively as a result of their walking action. Other donkeys create much less
rocking in their packs as they move and should be preferred. Any movement of the pack from its
optimum position requires work, and therefore energy, to constantly restore it to that position.
In the dryer areas where donkeys are mostly found their hooves are usually very hard and shoeing
may not be necessary. If shoeing is required it may be sufficient to shoe only the front hooves
which take most of the weight of the pack and therefore wear more quickly than the rear hooves.
Either entire or castrated males are normally best for packing. If donkeys are to be driven in
droves then the mixing of males and females is not desirable, as fighting between the males will
occur as they each try to achieve dominance.
The training of pack donkeys is not usually difficult provided the donkeys have been handled
from youth. The danger is in starting training too soon and deforming the donkey by excessive
loading before it has fully developed. Ideally, regular pack use should not begin until three or
four years of age, i.e, one year after the onset of puberty at two to three years. Once trained, pack
donkeys should be used regularly and sensibly to maintain fitness. It is more efficient to use fit
animals regularly than to use unfit animals irregularly.
Pack saddle design and use
The pack saddle is an important component of the packing system in that it represents the point
of interaction between the load and the animal. If often rests on a saddle blanket and, at its
simplest, it can be a rope net or a bag stuffed with dried grass. At the other extreme it can be
individually made to suit the conformation of a particular animal. In practice, however, it
commonly resembles a mattress placed over the back of the donkey and held with a rope or belt
round the belly. Chest and/or rump straps may be used to minimise the movement of the saddle
during work.
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