Nearly 3,000 people turned up to see 150 Northern Territory feral donkeys and camels go under the hammer at Echuca in northern Victoria on Saturday.

The organiser of the auction, agent Andrew Wilson, said he achieved total clearance with 357 registered buyers from Tasmania, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia.

"There was just a sea of faces, and 99 per cent of these people I'd never seen before."

And they were ready to pay top dollar.

Mr Wilson says the top-priced donkey went for $2,100.

"That donkey was with foal, another made $1,700," he said.

"We had quite a few jacks which were at bit harder to sell.

"But overall 116 donkeys averaged $491."

Mr Wilson says camels averaged $671, with a cow camel topping the sale at $2,100.

"They're simply hard to get around here."

Interest in donkeys has been steadily growing among cattle and sheep producers, since research suggested they make effective guardian animals.

A trial by Livestock Health and Pest Authorities at Holbrook, in New South Wales, found donkeys can be used to protect sheep and cattle from wild dog attacks.

Prior to the sale, debate erupted on the auction's facebook page over how many animals would end up as pet meat.

But Mr Wilson says no animals went to pet meat operations, as the prices were too high.

"They couldn't afford to buy them.

"None of them will end up in dog food. Most of these donkeys will be going to a good life, I'm sure."

Mr Wilson says he intends to hold another sale early 2014.