Donkeys are herbivorous animals known for their resilience, adaptability, and strong disease resistance. They can thrive on rough feed, making them ideal for rural farming. With a short gestation period and ease of management, donkeys are well-suited for both grazing and confined environments. Their wide range of feed sources allows farmers to use straw, crop residues, and by-products from grain processing as affordable feed options.
Donkey meat is highly valued for its tender and flavorful taste, often referred to as the "Delicacy of the Sky, Donkey of the Earth." It has gained popularity in China, with strong domestic demand and positive foreign trade prospects. A single donkey can be sold for between 1,500 to 2,000 yuan, and when processed into canned meat, steamed dishes, or other specialty foods, it can significantly increase its market value.
Additionally, donkey skin is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and light industries, creating a consistent demand. High-quality donkey breeds are mainly found in provinces like Shandong, Shaanxi, Henan, Gansu, Shanxi, and Yunnan. Beyond meat production, donkeys also serve as valuable assistants in mountainous and hilly areas for transportation and small-scale milling.
According to experts, raising donkeys for meat is less risky and requires lower investment compared to pigs or cattle. The returns are quicker and more profitable, making it an attractive option for farmers. Below are key aspects of meat donkey breeding:
**Feeding:**
Donkeys prefer dry, hard, and crisp crop straws such as corn, rice, and bean vines. These should be cut into 3–4 cm segments using a chopper. Avoid feeding partially dried forage, as it may cause digestive issues. Supplement with grains like peas, corn, or fried cotton seeds, along with wheat bran. Feed three times a day—morning, midday, and evening—with a focus on late feeding. Start with a single type of forage, then mix it with higher-protein feeds to stimulate appetite. If the donkey refuses food, mix leftover forage with grains or add water to encourage eating.
**Housing:**
For intensive fattening, ensure shelter from rain and wind. Provide individual feeding troughs, with at least 60–80 cm of space per donkey. Use sturdy fences between adult donkeys to prevent aggression and competition during feeding.
**Breeding:**
Meat donkey breeding is still developing, so selecting high-quality breeding stock is crucial. Choose donkeys with good size, disease resistance, and adaptability. Breeds like the Shandong Texas donkey, Guanzhong donkey, Guangling donkey, and Yunnan donkey are excellent choices. Crossbreeding with horses is also possible, and artificial insemination can help improve genetic quality and scale up production.
**Health Management:**
Although donkeys are generally hardy, they are still susceptible to diseases like infectious anemia, epistaxis, and tetanus. Under intensive conditions, strict hygiene and preventive measures are essential. Implementing a “prevention first†approach helps reduce disease outbreaks and ensures healthy growth.
By following these practices, farmers can successfully raise meat donkeys, contributing to both economic and agricultural development.
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