A recent British study found that donkeys and, to a lesser extent, mules, are less able to adapt to colder, wetter climates than horses and therefore need extra protection in winter.
The researchers collected hair samples from 18 donkeys, 8 mules and 16 horses at different times of the year and measured the weight, length and width of the hair as an indicator of the insulating properties of the hair fibre, concluding that donkeys do not grow winter coats, while horses’ hairs changed significantly between seasons.
The results of this research have since been incorporated into national animal welfare guidelines.
Our Austrian partner Gut Aiderbichl has several rescued white donkeys, because one of their important initiatives is to save endangered species.
Image and text source: horsejournals.com