The narrative discusses the use of donkeys as a form of protection for farms against wild animal attacks. The farmers in Texas had previously used high fences, weapons, and fearsome dogs, but these solutions eventually failed. The farmer Steve then adopted the use of donkeys, which proved to be much more effective.
Donkeys were used to guard livestock against predators, with traps and technological devices initially used. However, the donkeys proved to be more effective. After a year, the ranches in Texas were guarded by 1,800 donkeys. The narrator explains that donkeys are not as intelligent or as effective as dogs, but they have an innate hatred towards dogs and other canines. This makes them effective guards, as they will chase away predators that try to enter their territory.
The narrator explains that on average, a donkey can guard up to 200 sheep or goats if they all graze in the same area and remain in its visibility zone. The better trained the donkey, the better it will be at protecting the flock. There are also donkeys that are not only trained but also bred with outstanding guarding qualities. These super donkeys are more expensive than normal donkeys, with an average cost of about 800 dollars.
The narrator also discusses the characteristics of donkeys that make them suitable for guarding. They have excellent eyesight and hearing, a strong voice, speed, a powerful hoof stroke, strong teeth, and a calm temperament. They can adequately assess the situation and with a single shout, scare away predators.
The narrator also explains that donkeys are stubborn and have a more developed sense of self-preservation. They are less attached to people, so forcing them to do something dangerous is very difficult. Despite being domesticated a long time ago, they are still stubborn. There are more than 40 million donkeys in the world.
The narrator also mentions that donkeys are not always used as guards. They need an area of clear visibility, long grasslands with steep terrain, and dense bushes or trees are not suitable for donkeys. Predators can easily hide in such areas. The most common form of protection against predators is the use of shepherd dogs.
The narrator also discusses the cost of maintaining a donkey. The cost of maintaining a donkey ranges between 150 and 200 dollars a year, which includes food, hoof trimming, and various minor things. In comparison, the cost of maintaining a purebred herding dog can be a thousand dollars a year.
Finally, the narrator discusses the intelligence of donkeys. They have an excellent memory and a great learning capacity. A study carried out in 2013 by Donkey Sanctuary discovered that donkeys can learn and solve problems as quickly as dolphins or dogs.
1. Every year, farms are attacked by wild animals.
2. Farmers have devised different forms of protection, including fortifying their fields, building high fences, buying impressive weapons, adopting fearsome dogs, and using donkeys.
3. The solutions of high fences, weapons, and dogs failed, but donkeys proved to be effective.
4. In 1988, Texas farmers lost $9 million due to predators.
5. Donkeys were used to save the livestock, using traps, sirens, propane cannons, lights, and different technological devices.
6. On average, a donkey can guard up to 200 sheep or goats if they all graze in the same area and remain in its visibility zone.
7. Donkeys have an innate hatred towards dogs and other canines, which is used to their advantage in protecting the livestock.
8. Donkeys are not only trained but also bred for guarding.
9. Super donkeys, which are more expensive than normal donkeys, are trained in camps where they receive basic military training.
10. The cost of a donkey ranges between $500 and $800, depending on its guardian qualities.
11. The cost of maintaining a donkey ranges between $150 and $200 a year, including food, hoof trimming, and other minor things.
12. Donkeys are more intelligent than predators and can learn and solve problems as quickly as dolphins or dogs.
13. Donkeys have excellent memory and learning capacity, as demonstrated by a study carried out in 2013 by Donkey Sanctuary.
14. Donkeys are even more intelligent than horses, according to Nora Matthews, a veterinarian at Texas A&M University.
15. A herd of sheep and goats led by a donkey went for a walk through the streets at night in West Covina, California, in 2018.
16. The donkey resisted being stopped and did not move until the help of the sheriff and the owner.