ASSESSMENT ON THE IMPACT OF IMPROVED HARNESS IN THE CONTROL OF BACK SORE IN DONKEYS AROUND BAHIR DAR CITY

Abstract

ABSTRACT Across sectional study was conducted from October 2014 to April 2015 on randomly selected working donkeys to assess the impact of improved harness in the control of back sore around Bahir Dar city (Meshenti and Yigodi). Study animals were selected randomly. The risk factors site, sex, age, body condition scores, condition and design of packsaddle, working nature (load weight and length of journey) were assessed through Questionnaire Survey and physical clinical examination from a total of 384 working donkeys. The overall prevalence of wound 13.5% (n=52) were found. The occurrence didn’t significant among sex, BCS and working nature of the animal (p>0.05). However, the occurrence of wound vary significantly twice in Meshenti than in Yigodi (x2=5.2, p=0.023 and OR=2.105). Among age group (χ2= 6.832, p < 0.05). Higher prevalence was noticed in adult animals (15.3%) than old (6.9%), and young ones (0.00%). Substantial wound prevalence were detected from donkeys with ill signs than healthy donkeys (x2=11.857, p=0.001 and OR=2.96). More specifically, prevalence of back sore considerably associated with condition of saddling (11.7%, n=45, x2= 10.771 and p< 0.05) and donkeys which are used with insufficient (15.3%, n=189) or without any saddle (27.3%, n=11) were almost at a greater risk of twice and three times respectively having back sore (x2=9.094, p=0.010) than those used with proper saddle (7.1%, n=184). When donkeys get wounded (47.6%, n=180) were treated by their owners or by traditional wound healers in the village, but others (52.4%, n=204) were treated in veterinary clinics. Community perception about the improved packsaddle designed by The Donkey Sanctuary Ethiopia, Amhara Project were positive regards to the reduction of back sore, comfort to the donkeys and affordable price. In general, the study has clearly indicated back sore as a prevailing welfare problem of working donkeys around Bahir Dar city.