Industry
Animals associated with the backlands, donkeys (Equus asinus) have coexisted with humans for millennia. Used for transportation and heavy work, they also carry strong religious symbolism because, according to Christian tradition, they were responsible for carrying Jesus Christ on his entry into Jerusalem.
This long partnership led to the growth and spread of the global population of these animals. In Brazil, millions of them once existed.
However, Chinese demand for ejiao, a medicinal gelatin made from donkey skin, has changed this scenario. Increased consumption threatens the survival of the species.
How so? If the cow is sacred in India, how can the country be one of the world’s largest meat producers? Understand this contrast.
The Brazilian textile industry is threatened by Chinese competition and warns of the risk of mass closures.
With 83 m², Mahindra’s new tractor factory in Rio Grande do Sul promises to increase production, modernize its line, and plans to triple tractor production in Brazil.
SENAI, Odebrecht, and PowerChina join forces on a project that wins a national award and transforms young people into skilled professionals.
Recently, in Maceió, experts gathered at the 3rd Donkeys of Brazil Workshop warned of the gravity of the situation.
The meeting, which ended this Saturday (28), highlighted that the country lost 94% of its donkey herd — a category that includes donkeys, beasts and mules — between 1996 and 2025.
This warning did not come now. In 2021, a study published in Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Research and Animal Science, from USP, had already stated that Brazil does not have farms dedicated to the reproduction of the species.
The report highlighted that if the rate of slaughter continued, disappearance would be inevitable.
Furthermore, The Donkey Sanctuary, an international protection organization, reported in 2024 that demand for fur grew 160% between 2016 and 2021.
In 2021 alone, approximately 5,6 million donkeys were slaughtered to supply the Chinese market. This number is expected to rise to 6,8 million by 2027.
Another point of concern is the treatment of animals. A study published in March of this year in the journal Animals, signed by Brazilian researchers, evaluated more than 100 donkeys.
The study showed that the absence of an organized production chain creates opportunities for abuse. Signs of abandonment, malnutrition, and exploitation were observed.
The report also points out that transportation and slaughter often occur without health controls, which puts not only the animals at risk, but also human health due to zoonoses.
Professor Adroaldo Zanella, from USP, summarized during the event in Maceió: “The situation in Brazil and the world regarding donkeys is frightening. It’s an issue that raises concerns worldwide.“
In addition to the environmental impact, experts warn of the social consequences. In many rural areas, small farmers still rely on animals for their daily work.
Veterinarian Patrícia Tatemoto, who coordinates The Donkey Sanctuary’s campaign in Brazil, points out that they are essential in hard-to-reach cocoa plantations.
She also highlights the docility and intelligence of these animals, which make them good companions.
However, the low reproduction rate hinders any attempt to maintain balance. Gestation lasts 12 months, and the time from maturity to slaughter is three years, which makes breeding more expensive.
To reduce pressure on donkeys, science is seeking solutions. Among the solutions is the production of collagen in a laboratory, without the need for animal exploitation.
According to Roberto Arruda, an agricultural engineer and PhD in Applied Economics from USP, techniques such as precision fermentation are already showing promise.
They could sustainably generate collagen used in medicine, in addition to protecting the species and reducing socioeconomic risks.
Mobilization is growing in various countries. In Africa, governments in Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania have already banned the slaughter of donkeys for export.
In Brazil, two bills are currently under consideration. One was introduced in the Chamber of Deputies and the other in the Legislative Assembly of Bahia.
Both aim to prohibit the killing of the species for the commercialization of meat, strengthening national protection.
Therefore, faced with the threat of extinction, the debate on donkey preservation involves not only the defense of animal welfare, but also ensuring the livelihood of families, public health and the development of technological alternatives.
The future of these animals, so prominent in the imagination of the backlands and fundamental to the history of humanity, now depends on quick and effective decisions.
With information from Agência Brasil.
As long as we continue to treat animals like toys and without any love and compassion, this will continue to happen.
Congressmen: Create protective laws now. Now!
Here **** is what we have the most, it never ends, especially during election times the birth rate increases absurdly!!!!!
It’s absurd that Brazil allows poor **** to be eliminated from our country, where are the animal rights in this country?
.
I have published thousands of articles on recognized portals, always focusing on informative, direct content that is valuable to the reader. Feel free to send suggestions or questions.
© 2025 Click Oil and Gas – All rights reserved