Donkey

Order: Perissodactyla Family: Equidae Genus: Equus - The donkey, is a domesticated member of the horse family, Equidae. The wild ancestor of the donkey, is the African wild ass. The donkey, has been used as a working animal, for at least 5,000 years. There are more than 40 million donkeys, in the world. A male donkey, is called a jack. A female donkey, is called a Jenny or jennet, and a young donkey, is called a foal. Donkeys vary considerbly in size, depending on breed and management. The height at the withers, ranges from 7.3 to 15.3 hands, and the weight from 80 to 480 kg. Working donkeys in more prosperous countries, may have a lifespan of 30 to 50 years. The loud call or bray of the donkey, which typically lasts for twenty seconds, can be heard for over three kilometers. Donkeys have long ears, and large eyes. Donkeys can defend themselves, by biting, striking with the front hooves, or kicking with the hind legs. Donkeys appear to be quite intelligent, cautious, friendly, playful, and eager to learn. Donkey manes are stiff and upright. Donkey tails are covered with short hair until the end, which ends with a brush of longer hairs. Most donkeys have a smooth coat, in varying shades of gray or fawn. Like all animals, donkeys are considered to be heterotrophic. More specifically, they are herbivores, because they only eat autotrophs, including: wheat bran, crushed barley, linseed, sheaf oats, clover, alfalfa, hay, and small quantities of corn. Treats for these animals, include: raw veggies, bread, and stale cake. These three donkeys, had long ears and large eyes. Donkey manes, are stiff and upright. Donkey tails are covered with short hair until the end, which ends with a brush of longer hair. Most donkeys have a smooth coat, in varying shades of gray or fawn. Donkeys, are herbivores. These three donkeys, were brown and white in color. The front of the face, was white and brown in color. This animal, had four legs. This animal had a mouth with teeth, and two nostrils.