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Journal of equine veterinary science2021; 102; 103642; doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103642

Donkey Industry in China: Current Aspects, Suggestions and Future Challenges.

Abstract: Donkey domestication has been essential to human culture and development and has played an important role in economic and social life in human history. China is one of the largest donkey breeders worldwide; donkey farming for meat, milk and hide production is becoming an important industry in rural China as it provides income to the rural livelihoods of many people. Currently, the donkey industry in China is small and relatively young, but it is growing fast. The industry is not adequately exploited economically, which means that it requires the diminution of its role in the traditional activities of rural households and a reorientation towards a more profitable industry. Given the growing importance of the donkey industry in rural China, this paper aims to outline the current situations of the donkey industry in China in terms of animal stock, breeds and distribution, donkey products, suggestions and future challenges to the development of the donkey industry.
Publication Date: 2021-04-29 PubMed ID: 34119208DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103642Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't
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Summary

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The presented research article discusses the emerging donkey industry in China, its current conditions, potential for development, and associated challenges in its future growth.

Overview of the Donkey Industry in China

The study provides an overview of the burgeoning donkey industry in China. Donkey farming has been identified as an essential part of the rural economy, with the potential to uplift many livelihoods. The industry, while being relatively young and small, is rapidly growing in China, which is already known as one of the largest donkey breeders worldwide.

  • The research underscores the current underutilization of the industry, suggesting a need to shift from using donkeys for traditional rural household activities to exploiting its potential as a profitable industrial sector.
  • It examines the current state of the donkey industry in the context of animal stock, breeds, and distribution, as well as the production of donkey-derived products like meat, milk, and hide.

Suggestions and Future Challenges

The paper also offers suggestions for enhancing the profitability of the donkey industry, and identifies future challenges it may face.

  • It posits that for the industry to grow economically, the traditional role of donkeys in rural households needs to be minimized and redirected towards the industrial production of donkey products that have high market demand.
  • Challenges predicted for the future of this industry include possibly dealing with animal welfare issues, overcoming barriers in scaling production, and meeting internationally accepted standards for product export.

Conclusion

The study concludes with an acknowledgment of the potential importance of donkey farming in rural China’s economic development. It also emphasizes the need for more focused research and strategic planning to maximize the industry’s potential while effectively addressing its future challenges. This recommends a balanced approach to economic growth while respecting traditional rural livelihoods and ensuring animal welfare.

Cite This Article

APA
Seyiti S, Kelimu A. (2021). Donkey Industry in China: Current Aspects, Suggestions and Future Challenges. J Equine Vet Sci, 102, 103642. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103642

Publication

ISSN: 0737-0806
NlmUniqueID: 8216840
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 102
Pages: 103642
PII: S0737-0806(21)00272-0

Researcher Affiliations

Seyiti, Shamila
  • School of Economics and Management, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, P.R. China. Electronic address: samira828@163.com.
Kelimu, Abulimiti
  • College of Food Science and Pharmacy, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, P.R. China. Electronic address: abkaram@xjau.edu.cn.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • China
  • Equidae
  • Income
  • Meat
  • Milk

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This article has been cited 42 times.
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