Our first foal is a gorgeous jet black jack, Legendary’s Home Run Derby. Sire is Sunset Acres Smart Derby (Rhone’s Little Brown Satchel and R&D D&H Molly). Proud Mom is Litl Rasscals Madison (Lil Angels Mystique and The Elms Hedy Lamar).

Our 2nd foal for 2025 is a Very Dark Brown Jack with chrome, beautiful!!!!! This boy is sired by Legendary’s The Greatest Showman (Lil’ Angels Indiana Jones and Cyder’s Black Bird MGF). Proud Mom is Assphalt Acres Terri Lynn (My World Tyler and Assphaly Acres Rossi’).

Our 3rd foal is a stunning medium red jennet, Legendary’s My Cheri Amour. Proud Sire is Short ASSets Spartan (Short ASSets Fireplug and Short ASSets Tess). Mom is Hill Country Minis Bonfire (Itsy Bitsy Burro Co. Red Wrangler and Cedar Creek Peggaty).

Below is a very basic overview of the ailment. Besnoitiosis Bennetti is often referred to as a skin disorder impacting horses and donkeys. For some reason, Donkeys seem to be more susceptible to the disorder. The disorder was first discovered by S.C.J. Bennett while on an expedition to Sudan when he found 4 horses with cysts. The first case of Besnoitiosis Bennetti in the United States was found in a herd of Mexican Burros in 1973 owned by the USDA.

In 2005, 14 Miniature Donkeys in a mid-Michigan herd of 38 presented with clinical signs of Besnoitiosis. Inspection of the Donkeys resulted in the findings of ocular sclera (or cysts), nasal sclera and dermatitis in various areas of the body. We had a discussion with one of the researchers, Charles Mackenzie who stated that he personally took the worst-case Miniature Donkey home and over a very extended period of time, the animal recovered.

In 2011, an 18 month old Miniature Donkey jack and a 2 year old Poitou jennet, afflicted with Besnoitiosis Bennetti were donated to Cornell University to conduct clinical trials.

Besnoitiosis Bennetti is not  ONLY a “skin” disease that is a mere nuisance or causes cosmetics changes to the epidermis. This disease starts at the epidermis and has the ability to travel further through the body. It is believed this single-cell parasite enters the donkey’s system through grazing, similar to EPM (equine protozoal myeloencephalitis). There also has been evidence that the disease may be transmitted between animals, source of transmission unknown.

EPM has a complex life cycle. The Opossum is the definitive host, which sheds infective sporocysts in their feces. Intermediate hosts are skunks, raccoons and cats who can become infected and develop sacrocists in their muscles. Horses ingest the infected sporocyst which matures and migrates to the horses’ central nervous system damaging tissue.

The life cycle for Besnoitiosis Bennetti in unknown, Despite numerous experiments over the years, researchers still are unable to isolate which animal(s) are the definitive host.

What we do know:

1. Besnoitiosis Bennetti shows in a variety of ways; sclera or white cysts on the white portion of the eyes, sclera on the eyelids, small sclera in the nasal passages, crusty abrasions in many cases, located in the genital area, white cysts appearing in the esophagus when scoped, and presented in a jack in the testicles when gelded.
2. Besnoitiosis Bennetti seems to afflict younger animals who have not reached maturity, typically weanlings to 3 years of age.
3. There have been cases that as the immune system develops, the body has been able to fight off the parasite.
4. Researchers have used EPM treatments for a limited period of time: Ponazuril (Marquis), Diclazuril and Sulfadiazine/Pyrimethamine and did not conclude that these medications helped in the treatment of Besnoitiosis Bennetti.
5. It is believed it can be transmitted between animals, source is not known. A couple of researchers feel it could be insects.
6. In 2020, the first record of Besnoitiosis Bennetti in the UK was reported.

American Donkey and Mule Society (ACOSA) will allow the registration of spotted Donkeys and Mules that meet the requirements:

1. At least 2 spots, visible on a photograph, located above the leg and behind the throatlatch.
2. Payment for registry and completion of the ACOSA registration form (available on-line).

American Donkey and Mule Society (ADMS)

For Miniature Donkeys, the recognized Registry is held though the American Donkey and Mule Society, known as ADMS. You may mail in registration paperwork or apply on-line. The link for American Donkey and Mule Society is www.lovelongears.com

Back in the day, the registry was created by in 1958 by Mrs. Bea Langfield of Omaha, Nebraska (Danby Farms). The registry was known as the Miniature Donkey Registry (MDR). During that timeframe, results for the registry were captured on pieces of paper and stored in file cabinets (very common for the time).

In 1987, as a gift to carry on the valuable information, the responsibility of administering the registry was assigned to American Donkey and Mule Society, or ADMS (a 501.c3 Non-Profit). At that time, American Donkey and Mule Society had an existing registry for Mammoth Donkeys, Standard Donkeys, and Miniature Donkeys under the American Jackstock Registry, also known as ADR.

Let’s pause here, and discuss the 2 Miniature Donkey registries. The Miniature Donkey Registry (MDR) requires that both parents are also MDR registered. Therefore, this Registry contains a history of each Donkey registered under this classification. The MDR Donkeys in a pedigree will typically state the Donkey’s Registered Name, Place of Birth of an animal, color and mature height. Older generations on a pedigree could lack some of this data, due to lack of availability. In 2010, under this registry, DNA or microchipping became a requirement as permanent identification. The point is an MDR Donkey has a history. This history enables a breeder to make better informed decisions based upon the knowledge of the heritage of their Donkey.

The alternative Miniature Donkey registry, maintained by the American Donkey and Mule Society is the American Donkey and Jackstock Registry, known as ADR. This registry was established in 1967. Under this registry, it is possible to register a Miniature Donkey with unknown lineage. However, there are requirements: 1) Meet basic conformation requirements, gelding are not required to meet these requirements, under 36″ and proper Identification such as DNA or microchipping. Under this registry, an animal is not eligible for MDR until the third Generation. Meaning, Generation One is a Donkey with One MDR parent and One registered under ADR. This Donkey is then bred to an MDR registered Donkey (Generation #2). This offspring is then bred to an MDR Donkey (Generation #3). Generation #3 is eligible for MDR registry, if all requirements are met. As demonstrated, until Generation #3 occurs, the ADR donkeys have many blanks in their pedigree, thus reliability in breeding is an issue.

1. Shelter is a Must

Donkeys originated from the arid conditions of North Africa and unlike horses, do not have a thick resistant coat for wet weather. Once their coats are thoroughly wet, Donkeys have difficulties staying warm. A covered shelter protecting your donkey from the wet conditions and wind is essential. However, equine are susceptible to upper respiratory infections, therefore, a shelter with good airflow is recommended.

• Hydration

Equine, including Donkeys require water to digest forage and keep warm. The combination of hay and water creates a fermentation in the digestive tract which keeps them warm. Additionally, colic is the leading cause of death in equine. Colic is a general term to describe abdominal discomfort. Donkeys require fiber and water to have a healthy digestive system. Equine have 3 anatomical mechanisms designed to move food through the digestive tract: 1) the waves that move food through the oesophagus to the stomach which can only move one direction unlike other species, 2) the junction at the opening of the stomach known as the cardiac sphincter, which closes after food is pushed through and 3) then a steep descend to the stomach. Based upon this anatomical structure, Donkeys cannot throw-up. Without hydration, food packs up in the digestive tract and becomes impacted. Water is essential to move food through, allow absorption of nutrients and waste material exit the body.  Water must be available at all times. Best case, is warmed water. Also as important is a constant source of salt. If you find in the cold weather conditions, your Donkey is not drinking water regularly, electrolytes could be a solution.

• Extra Hay

Increase your hay. As mentioned, forage and water ferment in the stomach and created body warmth. A good grass hay is recommended.

Warm Bedding

• Extra shavings in stalls, run-in sheds and barns will add extra warmth.

• Other factors
• I discourage heat lamps, portable heaters etc. Barn fires are a real issue and any electrical malfunctions or overheating issues could result in the loss of property and life.
• Donkeys are very stoic, and when they show symptoms of not feeling well, usually it requires vet. attention.
• Check their entrance/exit area to their shelter to ensure ice has not built up. A bad fall could be devastating.

Below is a link for National Miniature Donkey Association where you can view the Breed Standard and Show Rules.

https://www.miniaturedonkeyassociation.com

National Miniature Donkey Association was established in 1989 and is comprised of a small Board of Directors committed to the protection and promotion of the Miniature Donkey.

The Miniature Donkey Registry recognized in the United States is held by the American Donkey and Mule Society, ADMS which is located in Texas. There are 2 sub-registries; Miniature Donkey Registry or MDR (established in 1958 by Danby Farms) and American Donkey and Jackstock Registry, or ADR.

The Miniature Donkey Registry, or MDR requires that both parents are MDR registered, therefore, it is the registry that contains multiple generations of data and recognized internationally. The American Jackstock Registry only required that one parent is MDR registered. The ADR registry requires an Inspection Form which contains information of height, bite of the animal etc. More details at the ADMS WebSite

ADMS – American Donkey and Mule Society WebSite below:

https://www.lovelongears.com

There is another registry used for spotted Donkeys, American Council of Spotted Asses – ACOSA. This registry is open to all sizes of Donkeys and Mules, that meet the requirements for a spotted pattern. Below is their WebSite:

https://spottedass.com

       Evaluate your situation, Is your property zoned per the local municipalities for livestock. 

Amount of Land

Donkeys originated from Northern Africa and adapted to sparse vegetation. Large pastures of lush grass can be detrimental to their health. Particularly with Miniature Donkeys, obesity can be an issue. The amount of land depends upon your situation. In general, one acre per equine is recommended. However, in situations where foliage is lush, a smaller “dry lot” with a few hours of grazing on pasture may work. 

Do Donkeys require shelter?

Yes. Donkeys do not adapt as well to a cold and wet environment as horses. Shelter is a “must” to provide protection from sun, wind, rain, and other weather conditions. At a minimum, your shelter should be 3-sided. Understand the weather patterns, and place your shelter allowing protection from incoming storms, wind, etc.

Will One Donkey thrive on my farm?

It is the belief of the American Donkey Association that a single donkey is a lonely donkey. There are people that feel a donkey adapts well with other equine (horses, mules etc.); however, experienced breeders feel a Donkey is the happiest in the company of another Donkey. The best scenario is two geldings together or two jennets together. Some geldings and jennets do well together, not all. Intact jacks are only for breeding purposes and must otherwise be isolated from other jacks and jennets.

Assess your Objective in Owning a Donkey

For your happiness and the donkeys, look for the right donkey personality and body type. Are your Donkeys to be farm companions? Is your interest to start a breeding program? Are your donkeys to be used for therapy work?

What Donkeys breeds exist in the US?

In the United States there are 3 recognized breeds depending upon size. Miniature donkeys do not exceed 36 inches measured at the highest point of the withers. Standard Donkeys are between 36 inches and less than 56.8 inches for jacks; and 56 inches for jennets and geldings. The Mammoth Donkey measurements as per the American Jack Stock registry. In a very limited number are Poitiou donkeys which are registered through The Livestock Conservancy.

Do Donkeys make good livestock guardians?

The Number One donkey rescued is a livestock guardian donkey. Many farmers will put an intact jack in with livestock to guard against wildlife. Many Donkeys seek friendship with another Donkey and will resort to attempting to play with smaller livestock and harm them. Plus, Donkeys have different needs in regards to care and nutrition than other livestock species. American Donkey Association never recommends a Donkey for livestock protection. Livestock Guard Dogs are bred for that purpose.

What type of fencing is required for Donkeys?

Generally recommended is livestock fencing which does not allow for packs of dogs or roaming wildlife to enter. Many breeders will use a “No Climb Horse Fencing” to protect Donkeys from exterior predators. Particularly with Miniature Donkeys, there have been many cases of dogs attacking defenseless donkeys.  It is important to keep this in mind when installing fencing.

Seek Professionals

Farrier

Donkeys require on-going hoof care with farrier visits recommended between every 6-8 weeks. Locate a farrier willing to travel to your farm and familiar with trimming Donkeys.

Veterinarian

A good relationship with an equine veterinarian is highly recommended. There are routine protocols pertaining to vaccinations, worming and dental care to ensure proper teeth alignment. Although we hope this never occurs, emergency visits are sometimes required.

Nutrition

Donkeys originated from North Africa and their composition is acclimated to a more sparse vegetation. Obesity is a genuine concern, and a diet high in sugars and protein is not recommended. Donkeys require a high fiber diet. Diet will vary depending upon your geographic region. In general, a mixed grass hay and mineral supplement is ideal for Donkeys. Some owners offer straw along with grass hay. It is advised to understand the availability of types of hay in your region and identify a supplier. Pregnant jennets have additional requirements and it is best to check with your vet.

On-Line Technology

The Internet has enhanced communication and awareness globally. However, scammers are a real issue. Unfortunately, many people have been scammed out of deposits for Donkeys, deposits for transport, etc. Get to know who you are purchasing from. Go to the farm and see the Donkey you desire to purchase. If that is not an option, ask for references, ask many questions, ask for videos of the animal. Always be cautious.

SUMMARY

Donkeys are highly intelligent, very personable and amazing animals. Owning Donkeys is a blessing, they deserve respect, top notch care and love.