Donkeys are high risk for Equine Metabolic Syndrome

Donkeys evolved from the desert, meaning one of their gifts is to survive and thrive on low-sugar/protein forage. When donkeys are fed the wrong foods and given the ability to graze twenty-four-seven on pasture and brush along with fruits, cereal treats, oats, and even vitamins, they can gain weight quickly and become obese.

The photo below is of a male miniature donkey who is sadly obese.

What Is Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)? Do donkeys, horses, and mules get it? Yes.

Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a disorder that causes the blood insulin levels to become too high, along with fat in the body in the blood. Making it very difficult for equine (horses, donkeys, ponies) to lose weight. Donkeys with EMS produce insulin levels that are higher than usual and slow to return to a normal value.

Donkey side effects:

A fat donkey with a big fat neck, fat pockets on the body, diarrhea, drinking more water, chronic hoof abscesses, laminitis, white line disease, Cushing’s, laminitis.

How Can I Prevent EMS?

Watch the diet closely, and work with your vet to perform preventive care, such as blood work and Thyro-L, for a short amount of time, along with diet and exercise.

What Can I Do To Help My Donkey or Horse that has EMS?

Do not starve your equine. Test your hay before you purchase it for the year. A great place to send off hay samples is Equine Analytical Lab. Use a slow feeder. We use the Hay Pillow with 1 1/4 holes. Last but most importantly, for portion control, you may need to weigh your hay. If you have a thin donkey needing to gain weight, you may have to create another eating arrangement for the obese donkey. Do not let this equine graze on grass or brush ever, as the sugar is too high.

Weigh your donkey regularly

Create a hot wire track connected to the shelter for shelter, water, and meals so your equine can walk and run. Keep moving, but do not eat fresh grass. A great resource book is Paddock Paradise. I do not feed our donkeys and horses on the track; they love the enrichment the track provides. Our farm has four tracks for ration to elliminate boredom.