Rare Poitou Donkeys

Rare Poitou Donkeys AG WORLD Ag World 19-2-19 If you've never seen donkeys like these giant, eye-catching "Poitou's", you're not alone. The unusual breed is considered by many to be the rarest donkey in the world. James W.A. Graham, of England, and Don Shadow of Tennessee, have what are believed to be the two largest herds of pure Poitou donkeys outside of France, home of the ancient breed. Graham and Shadow each have five of the big animals, which are known for their long-haired, mangy coats. Each man's herd consists of two males, or jacks, and three females, or jennies. Altogether, there are perhaps as few as 100 pure Poitous left in the world. There are no Poitous available as breeding stock in the U.S. at this time," notes Shadow. "Getting 100% pure Poitous is extremely difficult because the French are very reluctant to let them go into the outside world," says Graham. Possibly developed by the Romans, the Poitou was first described in southwestern France 2,000 years ago, according to the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC) at Pittsboro, N. C. The Poitou was not bred for work itself, rather it was used solely for breeding draft mules with the Poitevin horse, ALBC says. The Poitou is a giant compared to other donkey breeds. It stands 14.5 to 16.5 hands (58 to 66 in.) high at the shoulder and has a large head and powerfully built, bulky body. When not combed, the Poitu's long, prolific hair often falls in thick mats to the ground. In 1984, a Poitou jenny named Sonnette gained national attention in the U.S. when she was unable to pass import tests. The USDA ordered the animal destroyed, but she was saved by public outcry. Owned by California veterinarians Jack and Sharon Vanderlip, Sonnette eventually spent a few months at the San Diego Zoo before joining three other Poitous in the Vanderlips' breeding program. She foaled in 1988. Sonnette, her first foal Lafayette, and three other Poitous now belong to Shadow. Shadow's Poitous, which he's owned for about three years, are featured in an up-coming book on the breed by a French journalist. Likewise, Graham, and his partner Robert Briscoe, have had their Poitous for about two years. They became fascinated with the breed after reading a French magazine article about them. Graham and Shadow emphasize that no Poitou breeding stock is available in the U.S. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, James W.A. Graham, Cammel Farms, Kirk Michael, Isle of Man, Great Britain; or Don Shadow, 254 Shadow Nursery Rd., Winchester, Tenn. 37398.

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