Donkey traction, use and welfare needs at Daman region of Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan

This paper reviews donkey utilization in the livelihood of people in the arid zone of Dera Ismail Khan and adjoining areas of Khyber Pakhtoon Khawa, commonly known as Daman. The physical atmosphere of Daman region is rather harsh and the annual rainfall is low. The lands are sandy to muddy or mixed, very poor in nutrients and relatively salty. Most of the region is a broad plain approximately 500 to 600 m above the sea level. Donkeys are gradually more popular in the Daman region due to the harsh conditions and the decrease in available fodder. They are particularly used by women and aged people who usually do not work comfortably with other animals like bulls or camels. However, donkeys remain out of favour due to financial, public and scientific constraints. Unlike in other regions of Khyber Pakhtoon Khawa where donkeys are only used for transport and pack animals, in Daman region, it is still common to find donkeys ploughing in small fields. Livelihood of many people living in Daman depends upon the functioning of this species domestically and commercially. Keeping in view of the importance of management and welfare needs of donkeys in the Daman region, a survey was carried out to briefly describe management, utilization and well being of donkeys and the health concerns in this deprived region of Khyber Pakhtoon Khawa, Pakistan.