A Comparative Review of Donkey Genetic Resources, Production Traits, and Industrial Utilization: Perspectives from...

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.