The narrative discusses the use of donkeys as a form of protection for farms against wild predators. The narrator explains that farmers have traditionally used high fences, weapons, and dogs to protect their fields, but these solutions often fail. The farmer Steve then introduces a unique solution: using donkeys as guards.
Steve explains that donkeys have an innate hatred towards dogs and other canines, which makes them effective protectors. They are not easily confused and can take action against predators, including loud screeches, instant chases, and powerful kicks with their front hooves. The donkeys are not aggressive towards their own flock, but they will not allow trespassers on their territory.
The narrator mentions that on average, a donkey can guard up to 200 sheep or goats if they all graze in the same area and remain within the donkey's 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 for guarding, which are more expensive than normal donkeys.
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 assess the situation and scare away predators with a single shout.
The narrator also mentions that donkeys are more intelligent than predators, with an excellent memory and a great learning capacity. A study by Donkey Sanctuary discovered that donkeys can learn and solve problems as quickly as dolphins or dogs.
The narrator concludes by mentioning an incident in West Covina, California, where a herd of sheep and goats led by a donkey went for a walk through the streets at night. The corral was closed, but someone opened the door, and the donkey resisted being stopped and did not move. Only with the help of the sheriff and the owner were the animals returned home.
In summary, the narrative presents the use of donkeys as a cost-effective and effective solution for protecting farms against wild predators. They are intelligent, protective, and can be trained to guard large flocks.
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 weapons, adopting dogs, and using technology.
3. These solutions often fail, leading to significant losses for farmers.
4. Steve, a farmer, adopted a unique solution: using donkeys for protection.
5. In Texas, farmers lost $9 million in 1988 due to predators.
6. The donkeys proved to be much more effective than the other solutions.
7. Donkeys are not as intelligent as they are often thought to be.
8. Farmers have known for a long time that donkeys have an innate hatred towards dogs and other canines.
9. Donkeys do not want to see these animals in their territory.
10. 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.
11. The better trained the donkey is, the better it will be at protecting the flock.
12. There are also donkeys that are not only trained but people even raise animals with outstanding qualities of guarding.
13. Donkeys have excellent eyesight and hearing, a strong voice, speed, a powerful hoof stroke, strong teeth, and a very calm temperament.
14. Donkeys are believed to descend from a common ancestor of the equidae family.
15. What people usually call stubbornness in donkeys is a more developed sense of self-preservation.
16. Donkeys are less attached to people, so forcing them to do what they don't want or do something dangerous is very difficult.
17. Currently, there are more than 40 million donkeys in the world.
18. Donkeys are not always used as guards. They need an area of clear visibility.
19. The cost of maintaining a donkey ranges between $150 and $200 a year.
20. Donkeys have an excellent memory and a great learning capacity.
21. A study carried out in 2013 by Donkey Sanctuary discovered that donkeys can learn and solve problems as quickly as dolphins or dogs.
22. Nora Matthews, a veterinarian at Texas A&M University, claims that donkeys are even more intelligent than horses.
23. 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.