Table 2. Some of the most important parameters to consider for welfare assessment of donkeys and mules (Pritchard et al., 2005; Bukhari, McElligott & Parkes, 2021; de Santis et al., 2021; Bukhari & Parkes, 2023).

Behavioral parameters	Health parameters
1. General attitude of animal (alert, apathetic of depressed, dull facial expression, tail stillness, neck stiffness, head raised or hanging low and tense ears pointing backwards or to the side) 2. Response to observer approach (avoidance, aggression, or friendly approach)	1. Body condition score 2. Skin lesions (wounds, scars, firing, branding etc.) 3. General health observations (diarrhea, ectoparasites etc.)