Appendix 7: Example Diets: for the mature, pregnant and lactating donkey

Mature donkeys fed on fibrous forages:

The table includes estimated dry matter intakes and practical dietary recommendations. DE values assume a dry matter content of 90% unless otherwise stated, foodstuffs such as haylage should be evaluated for DE levels per kg as fed and if unsure forage analysis is recommended.

Forage balancer refers to a concentrated pellet vitamin, mineral and protein supplement which does not act as a significant source of energy and which is designed to balance a forage only diet.

Pregnant donkeys in the final 3 months of pregnancy:

The table includes estimated dry matter intakes and practical dietary recommendations. DE values assume a dry matter content of 90% unless otherwise stated, foodstuffs such as haylage should be evaluated for DE levels per kg as fed and if unsure forage analysis is recommended.

High protein balancer – concentrated pellet vitamin and mineral supplement with a high protein specification suited to pregnant and lactating donkeys. Balancers do not act as a significant source of energy but are designed to balance a predominantly forage only diet.

Lactating donkeys:

The table includes estimated dry matter intakes and practical dietary recommendations. DE values assume a dry matter content of 90% unless otherwise stated, foodstuffs such as haylage should be evaluated for DE levels per kg as fed and if unsure forage analysis is recommended.

High protein balancer – concentrated pellet vitamin and mineral supplement with a high protein specification suited to pregnant and lactating donkeys. Balancers do not act as a significant source of energy but are designed to balance a predominantly forage only diet