Razza: Berry Black
Specie: Asino
Colore: black, black pangaré
Paese: Male: 1.35–1.45 m Female: minimum 1.30 m
Descrizione: France
Distribuzione: Working donkey for small everyday tasks on the farm, packsaddle donkey for hikers. Varying size: 1.35-1.45m for sires, minimum 1.30m for mares, plain coat: brown-bay to dark brown-bay and even black, no dorsal stripe, no stripes on the limbs. Belly light grey, including the sides of the breast, groin and the inside of the thighs Head = rectilineal, long open ears, muzzle whitish-grey, whitish-grey around the eyes, sometimes outlined by a reddish ring. The donkey is hardy, with a strong neck, open chest, straight back, rounded inclined hind quarters and strong limbs adapted to a rough terrain.
Storia: The origins of the Grand Noir du Berry are unknown. It has been variously suggested that it was influenced by imports of donkeys from Algeria in the 1850s, or that it descends from Catalan donkeys brought to the area by itinerant Romani people. From the early twentieth century onwards there is ample documentation in photographs of its use in agriculture, in harness and for barge haulage. A breeders' association, the Association Française de l'Âne Grand Noir du Berry, was formed in 1993 and in January 1994 the breed was officially recognised by the agriculture ministry and the Haras Nationaux. The association maintains the stud book for the breed. In 1994 there were 100 animals registered in the stud book; the current population is about 1300.
Uso: Attraction, Pack, Stable Companion, Breeding, Mule Production, Milk, Cosmetics, Therapy, Pet, Trekking, Riding (only for small children), Driving
Link: → http://www.haras-nationaux.fr/portail/index.php?id=3645