Heritage Donkey


Breed Facts

Status:
Critical

Use: 
Historically, to produce excellent large mules when bred with draft horses

Adult Weight:
750 – 950 lbs.

Temperament:
Docile

Experience Level:
Advanced

Helpful Documents

Foal Protocol First 24-Hours Video

Foal Protocol (PDF)

Protocole de Suivi des Anons du Poitou (PDF)

Poitou Standard (PDF)

Poitou Standard Video

Jack Assessment Form (PDF)

How to Collect a DNA Sample Video

DNA Sample Form from Texas A&M

How to Microchip Video

POITOU

The Poitou ass is an ancient French donkey breed used to produce large mules. They were developed in the Poitou region of western France where mule breeding has been documented for over a thousand years. Standardization of the Poitou breed occurred around 1700, and the modern studbook was established in 1884. In France, the breed is referred to as “Baudet du Poitou”, as baudet translates to “sire of mules,” distinct from the French term “ane” for “common donkey”.

The French mule breeding industry was a highly developed and lucrative enterprise. Poitou jacks were bred to mares of a specific draft horse breed – the Mulassier (or Poitevin) – to produce mules for both riding and work. While mules were promoted across Europe, breeding stock was closely held in the Poitou region. The breed nearly became extinct after World War II when the demand for mules collapsed. The Poitou’s limited geographic area increased its vulnerability; by 1980, fewer than 80 Poitous survived.

Texas Poitou Herd

Texas Poitou Herd

In the late 20th century, several organizations in France began collaborating to protect the breed from extinction. The Parc Naturel Regional du Marais Poitevin has made conservation of the Poitou donkey (and the Mulassier (Poitevin) horse) a part of its mission to protect the domestic heritage as well as the wild environment. La Sabaud, a network of breeders, exists to promote the breed and raise funds for its conservation. La Sabaud supports the efforts at the Asinerie Nationale Experimentale, an experimental farm that breeds Poitous in conjunction with the Parc. L’Association des Eleveurs des races Equine, Mulassiere et Asine, Baudet du Poitou is the registry organization. In 2012, approximately 2,500 pure Poitous were registered in the studbook. A challenge facing the breed in the US is to continue to inventory and document the asses that are claimed to be Poitous but may be of mixed heritage.

Poitous have the conformation and strength typical of asses that are used for mule-breeding. They are tall, standing 14-15 hands (56 to 60″) high at the withers, and weigh 750-950 lbs. Their heads are large and long, they have long ears, and their bodies are muscular with heavy bones. Their feet should be large. The most striking feature of the breed is its long hair, which may hang in cords (“dreadlocks”) on the entire body. Poitous are black or dark brown without a dorsal stripe. Other colors are not accepted.

If you think you may have a Poitou donkey:
Participate in The Livestock Conservancy’s American Poitou Donkey Census. For more information, read Count Me In: The Livestock Conservancy Launches First American Poitou Census

Contact The Livestock Conservancy by email at info@livestockconservancy or by phone at 919-542-5704 with any questions about Poitou donkeys or the census.

Poitou Foal Care

Breeders of rare Poitou donkeys carry a heavy responsibility. Like all other equine breeders, they invest a tremendous amount of time and resources to ensure the health their foals. For Poitou donkey breeders, though, every new foal they produce will play an important role in saving this breed from extinction. For two Poitou donkey breeders in Texas, the routine use of an immune supplementation treatment for newborn foals has resulted in better foal survival and health outcomes. A description of the treatment is available as a downloadable PDF reference for breeders who want to consider its use on their farm. This information is intended for educational purposes only. It is not meant to be used as a substitute for the advice of the breeder’s own qualified veterinarian.

Think you may have a Poitou donkey:
Participate in The Livestock Conservancy’s American Poitou Donkey Census. For more information, read Count Me In: The Livestock Conservancy Launches First American Poitou Census

Contact The Livestock Conservancy by email at info@livestockconservancy or by phone at 919-542-5704 with any questions about Poitous or the census.

Poitou Foal Care

Breeders of rare Poitou donkeys carry a heavy responsibility. Like all other equine breeders, they invest a tremendous amount of time and resources to ensure the health their foals. For Poitou donkey breeders, though, every new foal they produce will play an important role in saving this breed from extinction. For two Poitou donkey breeders in Texas, the routine use of an immune supplementation treatment for newborn foals has resulted in better foal survival and health outcomes. A description of the treatment is available as a downloadable PDF reference for breeders who may wish to consider its use on their farm. This information is intended for educational purposes only. It is not meant to be used as a substitute for the advice of the breeder’s own qualified veterinarian.


Did you know:

When farms and farmers face a crisis, rare livestock breeds are more likely to be lost.  That’s why The Livestock Conservancy offers Emergency Microgrants year-round.  As the economy tightens, off-farm jobs are lost, herds are downsized, veterinary emergencies happen, and calamities such as floods, fires, and tornadoes continue.  Help us help them.  Click here to support the Emergency Response Fund with your gift today.

You may be interested in…

Managing Breeds for a Secure Future

Managing Breeds for a Secure Future

By Dr. Phil Sponenberg, Dr. Alison Martin, Jeannette Beranger
$34.95

AN INTRODUCTION TO HERITAGE BREEDS book cover

An Introduction to Heritage Breeds

By D. Phillip Sponenberg, Jeannette Beranger and Alison Martins
$19.95

Manual of Methods for Genetic Preservation book cover

Manual of Methods for Preservation of Valuable Equine Genetics

By Kindra Rader, Charles C. Love, Charlene R. Couch and Katrin Hinrichs
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Heritage Donkeys


Breed Facts

Status:
Critical

Use: 
Produce excellent mules when bred with draft horses

Adult Weight:
750 – 950 lbs

Temperament:
Docile

Experience Level:
Advanced

Helpful Documents

Foal Protocol (PDF)

You may be interested in…

Managing Breeds for a Secure Future

Managing Breeds for a Secure Future

By Dr. Phil Sponenberg, Dr. Alison Martin, Jeannette Beranger
$34.95

AN INTRODUCTION TO HERITAGE BREEDS book cover

An Introduction to Heritage Breeds

By D. Phillip Sponenberg, Jeannette Beranger and Alison Martins
$19.95

Manual of Methods for Genetic Preservation book cover

Manual of Methods for Preservation of Valuable Equine Genetics

By Kindra Rader, Charles C. Love, Charlene R. Couch and Katrin Hinrichs
$19.95