10 - DRAUGHT ANIMAL POWER

Abstract

This chapter describes the draught animal power resources. Draught animal power is an outstanding example of a mass level application of appropriate technology to millions of small farmers in the Third World. The increased use of animals in providing motive power has culminated in a total current draught animal population of about 400 million that includes horses, mules, donkeys, bullocks, buffalo, yaks, camels, llamas, elephants, dogs, reindeer, sheep, and goats. About 80% of these draught animals are oxen and other bovine species with most of the remaining 20% being of equine species. The efficiency of draught animal power application is dependent on the harnessing device that is the link between the animal and the implements or cart. The object of the harnessing device is to ensure that the draught power is utilized to the maximum extent. In addition, it should be comfortable and not injure the animal, be easy to put on and take off, be easy to repair, and possible to manufacture with local materials. It should also be cheap enough for purchase by farmers and carters.