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A Comparative Review of Donkey Genetic Resources, Production Traits, and Industrial Utilization: Perspectives from China and Globally
College of Agriculture and Biology, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, China
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Animals 2025, 15(23), 3372; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15233372
Submission received: 11 October 2025
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Revised: 16 November 2025
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Accepted: 19 November 2025
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Published: 21 November 2025
(This article belongs to the Section Equids)
Simple Summary
This comprehensive review examines global donkey genetic resources, production traits, and utilization models across China, Europe, Africa, and Mediterranean regions. Through systematic comparison of genomic diversity, morphological characteristics, and production systems, the review reveals distinct regional trajectories: European populations achieve stability through specialized dairy operations and conservation programs, African populations maintain traditional draft roles with high genetic diversity, while China transitions toward diversified commercial applications. Key findings include genomic selection signatures for body size and environmental adaptation, comparative analyses of milk composition and meat quality across breeds, disease resistance profiles, and industrial development patterns. The synthesis provides evidence-based strategies for integrating genetic conservation with sustainable utilization pathways globally.
Abstract
The donkey (Equus asinus), despite its long domestication history, has often been overlooked and is currently facing the dual challenge of genetic erosion and emerging economic opportunities. Global research indicates that although Chinese indigenous breeds maintain a moderate level of genetic diversity, the rapid transition from draft purposes to large-scale ejiao production has driven them into severe endangerment, leading to a dramatic decline in donkey population. In contrast, donkey populations in Europe and the Mediterranean, though numerically smaller, have achieved greater stability through conservation programs and integration into specialized sectors such as dairy production and tourism. Genomic studies further reveal region-specific selection for traits associated with body size, adaptability, and productivity, underscoring the profound influence of ecological and management contexts. This review systematically compares Chinese and international donkey breeds in terms of genetic resources, genetic characteristics, phenotypic and reproductive traits, adaptive capacity, and industrial utilization models, with the aim of providing a foundation for global strategies in genetic conservation and sustainable development.
