Donkeys are often treated like small horses, but their nutritional needs, behavior, and management requirements are very different. In this episode of Scoop & Scale, we’re joined by Dr. Amy McLean, an equine scientist and Associate Professor at the University of California, Davis, whose research focuses on equid management, behavior, and welfare, with a particular interest in donkeys, mules, hinnies, and working equids.

We explore what makes donkeys unique, from their evolutionary history and remarkable adaptations to their social behavior and specific health and welfare needs. We also take a deep dive into donkey nutrition, discussing why straw can be an important part of the diet, how to manage easy keepers, and why feeding donkeys alongside horses requires careful consideration. We discuss the risks of obesity, laminitis, and hyperlipaemia, and the practical steps owners can take to support donkey health and welfare.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Donkey evolution, domestication, and biology, including how donkeys differ from horses, the relationship between donkeys and zebras, and what makes mules and hinnies unique
• Donkey behavior and welfare, including social bonds, pain recognition, the truth about stubbornness, and the challenges facing working donkeys around the world
• Donkey nutrition and feeding, including the role of straw, choosing appropriate forage, managing pasture, feeding donkeys in mixed horse herds, and meeting their nutritional requirements
• Donkey health and management, including obesity, laminitis, insulin dysregulation, hyperlipaemia, safe weight loss, and the importance of recognizing subtle signs of illness
• Practical advice for donkey owners, from housing and companionship to hydration, treats, and long-term care, and so much more

Whether you own a donkey, keep donkeys alongside horses, care for mules, or simply want to better understand these often-misunderstood equids, this episode offers an evidence-based discussion of donkey nutrition, health, behavior, and welfare. Join us for this episode of Scoop & Scale, the equine nutrition podcast exploring the science behind better feeding, management, and care of horses and other equids.

Dr. Amy McLean is an Associate Professor at the University of California, Davis. She earned her PhD at the University of Michigan, where she studied donkeys, and her research focuses on equid management, behavior, and welfare, with particular emphasis on donkeys, mules, hinnies, and working equids in developing countries.

Dr. Amy McLean, PhD https://animalscience.ucdavis.edu/people/faculty/amy-mclean

The Donkey Sanctuary https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/

The Donkey Sanctuary Resource Hub https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/for-owners/owners-resources

The Donkey Sanctuary Donkey Academy https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/donkey-care/donkey-academy

The Donkey Sanctuary Donkey Body Condition Score Chart https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/for-owners/owners-resources/donkey-body-condition-score-chart

Donkey and Mule Medicine: Foundations, Breeds, and Management: A Practical Approach to the Treatment and Care of Long Ears - Volume I https://a.co/d/00wdytB5

Donkey and Mule Medicine: Clinical Medicine and Reproduction: A Practical Approach to the Treatment and Care of Long Ears - Volume II https://a.co/d/0dVsf8zk

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is a common concern for horse owners, but not all gastric ulcers are the same. In this episode of Scoop & Scale, we’re joined by Dr. Ben Sykes, an equine internal medicine specialist and leading researcher on equine gastric ulcer disease. Together we discuss squamous gastric disease, glandular gastric disease, and the confusion surrounding so-called hindgut ulcers in horses.

We explore how these conditions differ, how veterinarians diagnose and treat gastric ulcers, and why some horses struggle to heal despite treatment. We also discuss current research on ulcer medications, nutrition, stress, management, and equine welfare, including practical steps owners can take to support digestive health and reduce ulcer risk.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS), including the differences between squamous and glandular ulcers
• Common signs of digestive discomfort, and why accurate diagnosis matters
• Gastric ulcer diagnosis and treatment, including gastroscopy, omeprazole, sucralfate, misoprostol, and newer treatment options
• Risk factors for gastric ulcers, including stress, exercise, nutrition, and daily management, plus why some ulcers are harder to treat than others
• Practical strategies for ulcer prevention and recovery, including management changes, equine welfare, supporting digestive health, and so much more

Whether your horse has been diagnosed with EGUS, has recurring gastric ulcers, is not responding to treatment, or is showing signs of digestive discomfort, this episode offers an evidence-based discussion of equine gastric ulcer diagnosis, treatment, nutrition, and management.

Dr. Ben Sykes is an equine internal medicine specialist and internationally recognized researcher in equine gastric ulcer syndrome. He was the lead author of the 2015 European College of Equine Internal Medicine (ECEIM) consensus statement on equine gastric ulcer syndrome, which helped establish the distinction between squamous and glandular gastric disease.

This episode is brought to you by Boehringer Ingelheim, makers of GASTROGARD® (omeprazole) oral paste. https://horseowner.boehringer-ingelheim.com/us/products/gastrogard

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

In Part 2 of our conversation on laminitis, we continue our discussion with Dr. François-René Bertin, focusing on what horse owners can actually do to manage horses at risk of, or actively dealing with, laminitis. We talk about diet, insulin dysregulation, supplements, medications, and hoof care, including some of the areas where there is still plenty of debate and confusion.

In this episode, we discuss:
• How diet and NSC fit into managing insulin dysregulation and laminitis
• Supplements and medications that may or may not have a role
• Managing pain and inflammation during an active laminitis episode
• Hoof care, therapeutic support, and getting your veterinary and hoof-care team on the same page
• Prognosis, recovery, and what to do when you suspect laminitis

If you haven't listened to Part 1, we recommend starting there. We discussed what causes laminitis, the role of hyperinsulinemia, identifying horses at risk, and testing before turning to the practical side of management in this episode.

Learn more about Dr. Bertin and his research HERE

Scoop & Scale is proudly sponsored by GG Equine. We’re excited to partner with GG Equine, makers of thoughtful slow-feed systems trusted by horse owners, veterinarians, and professionals.

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Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!