I have a friend that is thinking of getting a donkey to keep with his cows in order to help keep the coyotes away. The big question is, he feeds wrapped round bales in the winter. Perhaps this isn’t the right forum to ask on but I wasn’t sure where else to ask, but what happens if this donkey starts to eat this hay? I know it’s not good for horses but how would you go about keeping the donkey away from it? I’m fairly sure he’s not going to want to keep it separated from his herd. I’m thinking this isn’t going to work for him but thought I would ask.
Not a problem with the donkey eating the round bales. I’d get him vaccinated for botulism though.
Remember, cow mineral blocks have too high a level of selenium for equids.
Wrapped as in haylage? Or wrapped vs. twine tied?
I would think if the coyotes are brave enough to go after a cow, that a donkey is not going to be much of a deterrent. He might be better off getting a pair of LGDs.
I would also consider the kind of hay in the bales. Richer cow hay, alfalfa, 2nd and 3rd cutting grasses, will be too rich for donkey. He will fatten, founder, on a rich diet. Donkey is made for ‘slim pickins’ of rocky fields, sparse grazing locations, keeping him lean and agile.
The hay is plastic wrapped round bales that have been I guess for lack of better words fermenting. I did have concerns on the amount of pasture as well and foundering. I honestly don’t think this is the best option but I thought I would ask. He has access to regular square bales that he could feed but the donkey would be in a field with access to the round bales. He’s having issues with them going after his newborn calves and he is looking into several options. He is also working with fish and game. We discussed LGD’s but he was thinking the donkey would be less maintenance and live longer. If my horse wasn’t petrified of cows and I wasn’t concerned about the round bales, I’d let him borrow her because she hates canines 
