We know not all equids are alike, but how do a pony’s nutritional needs differ from, say, a donkey’s? As it turns out, caretakers must consider the special nutritional needs of the different equid species.

David Pugh, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACT, ACVN, a clinician and researcher at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, presented a lecture on feeding other equids at the 2012 Kentucky Equine Research Conference, held May 17-18 in Lexington, Ky.

Because the majority of equine-focused research is carried out on light-breed horses, Pugh said veterinarians and scientists base feeding recommendations for Miniature Horses, ponies, drafts, mules, and donkeys on a combination of "literature, experience, and some guesses."

Draft