Donkey and Mule Medicine: Foundations, Breeds, and Management

This first volume of a two-volume work focuses on the multifaceted world of donkeys, mules and hinnies, exploring their origins, breeds, conservation and management practices by examining historical, genetic, and sociocultural perspectives. The complete two-volume textbook is an indispensable A to Z guide aimed at veterinarians, students and donkey owners alike, providing a richly illustrated in-depth practical approach to understanding the anatomy, physiology, diseases and treatment of the various equine species. This volume serves as authoritative guide to the evolution and global dispersal of donkeys, the quantitative and molecular genetics behind, as well as the roles these animals play in production and trade. Readers discover the intricacies of dairy donkey farming and get detailed insights into donkey milk and gelatine industries. The book highlights the practical aspects of donkey and mule husbandry, such as saddle fitting, harnessing, nutrition, and veterinary care. Moreover, the authors provide a comprehensive analysis of the anatomical differences between donkeys and mules, their implications for veterinary procedures, and the challenges of clinical parasitology and podiatry, offering practical guidance for maintaining their health and well-being. Written in an easy-to-understand style, this textbook is the first of its kind to provide detailed medical information on donkeys, mules and hinnies.

Dr. Amy K. McLean has had a life long passion for equids with long ears! She grew up on a donkey and mule farm in Georgia. She has devoted her professional career to conducting donkey and mule research that focuses on improved management and well being of these animals. McLean is an Assistant Professor in Teaching of Equine Science in the Department of Animal Science at the University of California Davis. She earned her Ph.D. from Michigan State University in the area of equine science where she studied methods to improve working donkey welfare in Mali, West Africa. She earned her Masters of Science with a focus in Reproduction Physiology from the University of Georgia. She has conducted research with donkeys, mules, and hinnies in many countries publishing 45 + articles plus 6 book chapters with a continued focus of improving welfare of mules and donkeys with the idea that improving their welfare will only help improve the welfare of the families they work for. In 2023, she was named the 5th most published researcher for donkeys in the world. She hopes the research and information she can provide to the industry will help others with this underestimated population of equids. In McLean's spare time her hobby is focused on breeding and showing performance mules and donkeys on a national level where she has won many world titles competing in events you may only think a horse could accomplish such as jumping, dressage, reining and driving. Francisco Javier Navas González is a Veterinarian/Zootechnician specialized in quantitative and molecular genetics, biostatistics, and phenogenomics graduated at the Veterinary Sciences Faculty of the University of Córdoba (UCO) in 2010. Coordinator of the international Worldwide Donkey Breeds Project (47 countries), fostering global collaboration for the conservation and sustainable development of donkey genetic resources. Research line has focused on Breeding and Conservation of Endangered and Autochthonous Animal Populations. MSc in Zootechnics in 2012 and Sustainable Management and a Ph.D. in Natural Resources and Sustainable Management (University of Córdoba, 2019, Cum Laude, International Mention). Currently, Ramón y Cajal Postdoctoral Researcher (UCO, 2023), with previous appointments at Andalusian Institute for Research and Training in Agriculture, Fishery, Food and Ecological Production (IFAPA) and research collaborations with more than 10 international Universities including UC Davis (USA) and UAB (Spain). Lecturer at the degrees of Biological Sciences and Veterinary Sciences in UCO. Recipient of the Early Career Scientist Awards (2019, 2021) and the Extraordinary Doctoral Award (2019). Author of 107 WOS-indexed publications (76 open access), with an h-index of 22. Supervisor of 11 Ph.D. theses and contributor to more than 996K in competitive and innovation research projects. Active participant in 52 scientific meetings, delivering 173 communications (86 oral, 13 invited, 74 posters). Dr. Erin L. Goodric