Reproductive Disorders in Donkeys: Current Evidence and Update

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Reproduction

Background:

• Reproductive disorders pose significant challenges to donkey health, welfare, and population expansion.
• While donkeys share similarities with horses, specific reproductive disorder knowledge is limited.
• Large-scale donkey farming highlights the need to address reproductive health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current knowledge on donkey reproductive disorders.
• To review pathogenesis, distribution, presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
• To identify factors influencing disease susceptibility and inform tailored care.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review on donkey reproductive health.
• Synthesis of information on infectious and non-infectious causes of infertility and pregnancy loss.
• Analysis of factors contributing to disease susceptibility.

Main Results:

• Donkeys experience reproductive disorders similar to mares, but with distinct susceptibility factors.
• Genetic, pathogen, environmental, and management factors influence disease.
• Current knowledge on specific donkey reproductive disorders is insufficient.

Conclusions:

• Tailored diagnostic and treatment plans are essential for donkey reproductive health.
• Addressing specificities of donkey reproductive disorders will enhance population growth and welfare.
• Improved reproductive health supports sustainable use and longevity in donkeys.