ISPMB Shares Some Valuable Information About Burros
Often considered to be small, wild donkeys, burros are quite interesting animals. They are known for their sure footing on mountains while carrying heavy loads. In the United States, a lot of people know them due to their history as pack animals in the desert southwest. These days, a lot of people even choose to adopt burros through institutions like ISPMB or International Society for the Protection of Mustangs and Burros. It work towards continuous innovative in the field of wild horse and burro protection through research studies, legislation and continued involvement with government participation.
Burros tend to reach an average height that is over a meter and may weigh more than two hundred twenty-five kilograms. Such long-eared animals usually gray with white noses, jaws and undersides. In certain instances they can also have coats of red or blue. The volunteers of ISPMB, however, mention that one should not simply consider them to be just small horses with big ears and a different voice. Wild burros are adapted to living in a harsh desert environment, and their nutritional needs are lower in energy and protein in comparison to horses. The most appropriate food for burros would be dry pasture or low-protein grass ha, depending on their level of activity. If possible, people should try to avoid feeding their burros’ alfalfa as the high protein levels can even lead to obesity. It is important to be a responsible burro owner, and avoid feeding them cheaper, poor quality hay that is not fresh or clean.
Burros are similarly sensitive as horses to toxic weeds, mold and dust. Moreover, burros that are pregnant, lactating and growing burros might need a bit more protein and energy, but not as much as horses under similar conditions. If a person decides to use grain as a treat for their burros, a handful of oats mixed with lower protein hay would be sufficient for the job.
Burros are known to have a tendency to get obese, which is a situation that one must try to avoid as they can develop a number of health issues if they become too fat. Moreover, once they become really fat, it becomes extremely complex to get the excess weight off. Obesity can subsequently contribute to laminitis, colic and other metabolic problems. So it is better than one keeps an eye on their weight right from the start. If a person has both burros and horses, then they should try to feed both of them separately. In comparison to horses, burros typically are more angular in shape over the hips. If it becomes difficult to feel their ribs with the flat of hand, it can be an indication of them becoming fat.
On the whole, adopting burros can be a great idea for many as per the volunteers of ISPMB. They are excellent companions with sweet and gentle personalities. Burros can also act as herd protectors by warding off predators.