Head Length and Pelvis Length Ratio in Relation to the Height of Withers in Donkey Female

Abstract

The domesticated donkey (Equus asinus) originates from Africa. Its characteristics as a working animal are widely known, and there are probably no geographic areas where donkeys are not used for some type of work, typically transport. The research included a morphometric examination of 3 exterior parameters in 19 jennies. The observed parameters were height at withers, head length and pelvis length. The research was conducted for jennies from three countries: Romania (Sibiu, Turda), Macedonia (Ohrid, Prilep) and Turkey (Eskisehir). Mean values of the observed parameters and indices are presented, as well as a statistical significance of differences between the observed parameters in three groups. Mean height at withers of jennies in Romania was 101.20 cm, in Macedonia 99.70 cm, and in Turkey 103.10 cm. Mean head length of jennies in Romania was 49.10 cm, in Macedonia 50.40 cm, and in Turkey 50.00 cm. Greatest pelvis length was recorded in Turkey (35.80 cm), in Romania it was 35.60 cm, and in Macedonia 34.60 cm. However, no statistically significant difference between parameters observed in all groups was found.

Keywords

• donkey
• height at withers
• head length
• pelvis length