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A note on the influence of negative gradients on the energy expenditure of donkeys walking, carrying and pulling loads

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

J. T. Dijkman
J. T. Dijkman
Affiliation:
Centre for Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Easter Bush, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG
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Abstract

The extra energy used for walking on the level and on negative gradients above that used when standing still (Ew) (J/m per kg live weight) was measured in two entire male donkeys (Equus asinus). Ew was not affected by speed within the measured range (V = 0·6 to 1·3 m/s) but gradient (0, −10%, −15%) had a significant effect Ew−10% = 0·97 (s.e. 0·02), Ew−10% = 0·55 (s.e. = 0·03) and Ew−15% = 0·67 (s.e. 0·03).

The extra energy cost of carrying loads (Ec), defined as J/m per kg carried was measured using the same animals. Loads were placed over the animals shoulders and speed was varied within the range 0·6 to 1·3 m/s (Eclevel = 1·1 (s.e. 0·04), Ec−10% = 2·7 (s.e. 0·17) and Ec−15% = 3·3 (s.e. 0·20) were significantly different.

The energy cost of pulling loads (Ep) (f/m per kg) was measured while the animals pulled loads up to proportionately 0·17 of their live weight. The animals wore a breast-plate harness and walking speed was varied within the range 0·6 to 1·3 m/s. Mean values were 26·5 (s.e. 0·72) on the level, 15-3 (s.e. 1·2) on the −10% gradient and 6·2 (s.e. 0·43) on the −15% gradient.

The two donkeys used in this experiment were more efficient in both carrying and pulling loads than oxen and buffaloes. Negative gradients have a significant effect on energy consumption and when estimating the energy expenditure of working animals this factor should be taken into account.

Keywords

donkeysenergywork
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 54 , Issue 1 , February 1992 , pp. 153 - 156
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1992

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