Donkey Fattening and Product Processing Technology (Technology into the Household Series)

Author: Zhang Lingjin, Zhao Jianzhi (editors)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-06-01
Features: Donkeys have a wide distribution and are raised extensively except in high-altitude cold regions, rainy and humid areas, and extremely cold regions. Currently, there are approximately 40 million donkeys worldwide, with about 10 million in China. Donkeys are primarily found in areas with poor soil, arid, and low rainfall, and they can adapt to dry and hot climates. They are heat-tolerant, have low water consumption, and can endure rough management conditions, demonstrating strong environmental adaptability. Donkeys have small appetites, eat finely, and exhibit high feed utilization efficiency. They are docile, easy to manage, and have strong disease resistance, especially with fewer gastrointestinal diseases compared to horses. While not fast runners, they are excellent walkers with enduring stamina for carrying loads. Donkeys are versatile for draft, riding, pulling, and carrying, offering good utility performance. Historically, they have been the primary draft animals in dryland agricultural regions and important transportation tools in remote, poorly accessible areas. China's donkey industry has a long history, and through natural and artificial selection over time, many locally adapted donkey breeds have been developed. Some of these breeds are among the best in the world. Currently, 23 breeds have been included in the Compendium of Chinese Horse and Donkey Breeds and have played a significant role in local agricultural production and transportation.
With the development of agricultural mechanization and improved transportation conditions, the utility value of donkeys as draft animals has been declining. As a result, the number of donkeys raised has decreased significantly over the past decade, and the conservation of some excellent breeds has faced severe crises. Today, as animal husbandry has become commercialized, specialized, and modernized, the donkey industry must quickly shift away from a primary focus on draft purposes and move toward meat production. This is because donkeys not only possess excellent draft qualities but also exhibit superior meat production capabilities.