The donkey is a herbivorous animal known for its resilience, adaptability, and strong disease resistance. It thrives on rough feed and requires minimal management, making it an ideal choice for rural farming. Donkeys can be raised both in the wild and in captivity, and they have a short gestation period, which allows for quick breeding cycles. Their ability to graze or be fed with agricultural by-products such as straw and grain residues makes them highly efficient in terms of feed utilization.
Donkey meat is prized for its tender and flavorful qualities, often referred to as the "Delicacy from the Sky, Donkey from the Ground," and it has gained popularity among consumers. In China, donkey meat has seen rising demand, both domestically and in international markets. A single donkey can fetch between 1,500 to 2,000 yuan, and when processed into products like canned donkey meat, steamed donkey, or donkey sausage, its value can increase by two to three times. Additionally, donkey skin is a valuable raw material used in traditional Chinese medicine and light industries, leading to consistent market demand.
Meat donkeys are primarily bred in provinces such as Shandong, Shaanxi, Henan, Gansu, Shanxi, and Yunnan. Beyond their economic value, donkeys also serve as reliable helpers in mountainous and hilly regions, assisting with short-distance transportation and rice milling. Compared to raising pigs, cattle, or sheep, raising donkeys for meat involves lower risk, less investment, and faster returns, making it a promising option for farmers.
**Feeding Practices**
As herbivores, donkeys prefer dry, hard, and crisp crop straws, such as corn, rice, and bean stalks. These should be cut into small pieces (3–4 cm) using a forage chopper, which donkeys find more palatable. Feeding wet or half-dry forage can lead to digestive issues like constipation, so it's important to avoid this. In addition to straw, donkeys can be supplemented with grains like peas, corn, fried cottonseed, or wheat bran. Feedings are typically done three times a day—morning, midday, and evening—with the main meal given in the late afternoon. To stimulate appetite, start by offering a single type of forage, then mix in higher-protein feeds like Caofei or Douguo. If a donkey refuses to eat, re-feed with leftover grass mixed with grains or bran to encourage maximum consumption.
**Housing and Management**
For intensive fattening, donkeys need shelter that protects them from rain and wind. Each donkey should have at least 60–80 cm of feeding space. Fences should be strong and placed between adult donkeys to prevent aggression and competition. Proper spacing and management help maintain a calm and healthy environment.
**Breeding Strategies**
Currently, meat donkey breeding is still developing, so careful selection of breeding stock is essential. Choose larger, healthier donkeys with good disease resistance, adaptability, and high feed conversion rates. Breeds like the Texas donkey from Shandong, Guanzhong donkey from Shaanxi, Guangling donkey from Shanxi, and Yunnan donkey are all excellent choices for meat production. While most breeding is done within the same species, crossbreeding with horses is also possible. Artificial insemination is recommended to improve genetic quality and support large-scale breeding efforts.
**Health and Disease Prevention**
Although donkeys are generally hardy, they are not immune to diseases. Common ailments include infectious anemia, nosebleeds, and tetanus. Under intensive farming conditions, strict hygiene and preventive measures are crucial. Following the principle of “prevention first,†regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and vaccination programs are essential to keep the herd healthy and productive.
Electric Nail Clipper,Electric Nail Trimmer,Best Electric Nail Trimmer,Electric Fingernail Trimmer
Shenzhen Jie Zhong Lian Investment Co., Ltd. , https://www.szmeizon.com